IMG/FMG scramble logistics

[Magree]

Hi:

Can anyone tell me how foreign grads deal with the scramble. All LOR's and deans letter etc. have been sent to the ECFMG which is supposed to act as your "dean's office". All the books etc. say you are to fax your application papers off yourself - what does the ECFMG do - will they fax of papers for you? Is there a fee? How does this all work? Thanks so much.

M-

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[carddr]

Most of them are ultilizing the new web-based service called FindAResident,you have to create a file just as if you were using ERAS, you are given a token for secuity purpose and charged a $60. fee for the service, and yes they do transmit your supporting documents for you to any program you select from the Scramble list of unfilled programs. And of course if you want to Scramble instead of submitting a ROL and you are all ready up to date with the ERAS then all you would need to do is add the new programs to your list, assign your documents and click on the "Apply to my Programs" button. Although, keep in mind you have to register with the Rank Order List service(NRMP),get a AAMC ID# and password in order to gain access to the releasing of the Unfilled/filled Program list on March19th. Check with the NRMP web site to verify this information.

Wish I have a secretary to keep up with all this stuff!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

 

[Ronald]

Fatimadr, What is your source of information regarding the Find A Resident service? Did any program actually tell you that they would be using that service during the post-match? I hope so...i thought i had wasted money on that. I inquired with a few programs, and the coordinators hadn't even HEARD of it!

 

[carddr]

hi...check <a href="http://www.aamc.org/findaresident" target="_blank">www.aamc.org/findaresident</a>
Actually it never came up during my interviews, but I do know of some applicants who signed up for the service. They didn' get any interviews so they are seriously looking at the Scramble.
From what I heard it was started last year and expended on this year, should be interesting to see how it all works out. AAMC collecting another fee, they must be rich!!!

 

[Winged Scapula]

From what I understand there is no need to register with a service if you had registered with the NRMP. It is my understanding that ECFMG and the NRMP will transmit your paperwork for several days (not sure how long) after the match if you do not match without extra fees (although one supposes there is a limit to how many programs you can transmit info).

If a program does not participate in the match (ie, does not have the system software) then you can and do FAX your information to them. Should the above be incorrect (and it was based on what I found last year when I was afraid I wouldn't match), I assume ECFMG would at least transmit your Dean's letter (assuming you don't have a copy of that supposedly confidential document) and other LORs, but you could FAX your application, transcripts, etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[robin1]

Hi Kimberli,

Just out of curiosity I would like to ask why you felt that you wouldn't match? I ask because since you did actually match into surgery, there definitely must have been something about your application that appealed to the PD.

Also, was your match for your current program the only one you matched for or did you end up with several matches?

Thanks so much for your help as I'm feeling a bit insecure about the entire process myself right now.

 

[Winged Scapula]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by robin1:
•Hi Kimberli,

Just out of curiosity I would like to ask why you felt that you wouldn't match? I ask because since you did actually match into surgery, there definitely must have been something about your application that appealed to the PD.

Also, was your match for your current program the only one you matched for or did you end up with several matches?

Thanks so much for your help as I'm feeling a bit insecure about the entire process myself right now.•••••Because surgery had formerly been a fairly competitive specialty to match into and I didn't realize that the popularity had plummeted, I was worried that my average USMLE scores and IMG status wouldn't appeal. Obviously it did, as I had several interviews at places I would have been happy to be.

When you participate in the match, you only match to one program - it is not possible to "end up with several matches". The algorithm pairs you with 1 residency program (if you match) regardless of how many programs you place on your rank list; you are obligated to accept the offer of a position if you match to a program (although every year people try and get out of their match).

It is quite natural to feel insecure in the process as so much is uncertain. If you received a fair number of interviews and performed well on them, I would expect that you will match somewhere - maybe not your top choice, but if you only rank programs at which you would be happy working, then at least the match will be in your favor.

best of luck to you.

 

[andy toth]

i didn't see you guys talking in here.

i had concerns not about the backup system's (FAR, ERAS-post-match) validity; however, i would like to know if anyone had used the above systems (or if anyone knows how effective it is).

and for those insecure, this is the official 'instruction' about the backup-programs that i got via email:

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You are receiving this message because you have subscribed to ECFMG-ERAS
News. If you wish to cancel your subscription, please read the bottom of
this message.

ECFMG-ERAS NEWS #08. Wednesday, February 20, 2002

Dear Doctor or Doctor2b:

Post-Match Scramble information for ERAS 2002:
This is intended as a brief guide for those of you who will participate in
the post-Match Scramble.

Based on information we have received from ERAS, we have updated our
Scramble-related page at <a href="http://www.ecfmg.org/eras/match.html" target="_blank">http://www.ecfmg.org/eras/match.html</a>
&lt;http://www.ecfmg.org/eras/match.html&gt; .

If you have subscribed to "The ECFMG Reporter" electronic news letter,
you will know that the Association of American Medical Colleges
(AAMC) has introduced FindAResident(tm), a new web-based service that
helps residency applicants and programs with unfilled positions find each
other.

The web site for this new service is <a href="http://www.aamc.org/findaresident" target="_blank">www.aamc.org/findaresident</a>
&lt;http://www.aamc.org/findaresident&gt;

To subscribe to the free "The ECFMG Reporter", go to <a href="http://www.ecfmg.org" target="_blank">www.ecfmg.org</a>
&lt;http://www.ecfmg.org&gt; and click on Publications and Forms.

What can you do to make sure that we can serve you best?
If you will participate in the post-Match Scramble, please read how you can
and should prepare your file, so that we can transmit your documents as
quickly as possible.

If you have not applied to ANY programs yet, you need to request your Token
now and fill in your Common Application Form at MyERAS. Create your personal
statement and create a record for each letter writer at MyDocuments.
Then, invest $60 to apply to at least one program before March 9 and send us
your documents. Once you have applied, we can scan and attach your documents
to your file.
Next, check the Applicant Document Tracking System (ADTS) at MyERAS to see
when we uploaded which documents to the ERAS Post Office.
Now your file is ready for quick action during the two Scramble days:
You apply to some unfilled positions (up to 30), we download your
instructions, and our software transmits your supporting documents within a
few hours. That is the optimum processing for the Scramble.

If you send us your documents before you apply to a program, you are losing
valuable time, because we have to manually attach the previously scanned
images to your file.

If we receive your documents during the Scramble, we will most likely not
have enough time to scan, attach and transmit them in time.

Please bear in mind that the Scramble lasts only two days.

Of course, if you have applied to some programs already, all you need do is
add the new programs to your list, assign your documents and click on the
"Apply to my Programs" button.

Sincerely,
Your ERAS crew at ECFMG?

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and this message is probably copyrighted, so yeah, copyright 2002 ecfmg/eras.