Important MSPE issue - med school does not provide it!

[Sir Gillies]

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Hi all,

I have just asked my medical school in the United Kingdom whether they could write the MSPE. Unfortunately they refused because they say that they don't have the means to compare my performance to other students and they don't have records of my extra-curricular achievements (ie research, professional sports person, awards etc).

Needless to say that I was shocked (as it seems they just can't be bothered). So, I offered to write for them a draft that they can modify as they please + provide all evidence of my statements. Unfortuantely, they still were not willing to help.

Questions:
1) Is this letter essential? in other words, how much should I fight for it?
2) My next step was to knock on the Dean's door who I hope will remember me since he awarded me a couple of prizes... My thought is: if the assistants are not being helpful, just go the boss. What do you think?
3) I am aiming for plastics so how bad would it look not having the MSPE? Not sure if it is significant, but I am lucky to have 3/4 strong US LORs.

My concern is that even if they accept to write it, they might do a terrible job. Unfortunately my Uni has a history of screwing their students over.

Many thanks for your help!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Hi all,

I have just asked my medical school in the United Kingdom whether they could write the MSPE. Unfortunately they refused because they say that they don't have the means to compare my performance to other students and they don't have records of my extra-curricular achievements (ie research, professional sports person, awards etc).

Needless to say that I was shocked (as it seems they just can't be bothered). So, I offered to write for them a draft that they can modify as they please + provide all evidence of my statements. Unfortuantely, they still were not willing to help.

Questions:
1) Is this letter essential? in other words, how much should I fight for it?

In general, US faculty aren't sure how to evaluate your transcript, grades or letters from foreign professors. Thus, a comparison of your performance compared to your colleagues, when we have no idea about the admission requirements, standards of education, etc. at your uni, is difficult.

ECFMG provides guidelines on how to do the MSPE. If your school refuses, they offer advice as well on the Dean's Letter.

2) My next step was to knock on the Dean's door who I hope will remember me since he awarded me a couple of prizes... My thought is: if the assistants are not being helpful, just go the boss. What do you think?

It would behoove you and your school to do that. Surely you can't be the first grad from your school to want to go to the US. In this day of easy access to social media, a school that doesn't help its grads meet their goals, is one that is in danger of being maligned on-line.

3) I am aiming for plastics so how bad would it look not having the MSPE? Not sure if it is significant, but I am lucky to have 3/4 strong US LORs.

Frankly your biggest worry trying to match into PRS is not the MSPE but being an FMG.

 

[Sir Gillies]

Thank you so much for the very thorough reply.

- Is not having the MSPE a red flag during applications?
- does this happen even in US schools?
- how would not having the letter be seen by residency programs? I appreciate what you said about programs not being able to compare foreign schools, but I wouldn't want to put myself in an even worse position...
- should I fight for this letter or just let it go?

Many thanks for your help.

P.S. I agree that it should be the Uni's duty to help the students. Hopefully things will change for future students...

 

[DoctorMedic]

Thank you so much for the very thorough reply.

- Is not having the MSPE a red flag during applications?
- does this happen even in US schools?
- how would not having the letter be seen by residency programs? I appreciate what you said about programs not being able to compare foreign schools, but I wouldn't want to put myself in an even worse position...
- should I fight for this letter or just let it go?

Many thanks for your help.

P.S. I agree that it should be the Uni's duty to help the students. Hopefully things will change for future students...

Not only is it a red flag but it's a requirement for EVERY program I looked at. Sorry but I really don't think you can even go through the "match" part (NRMP) without it uploaded as you will have an incomplete application.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Not only is it a red flag but it's a requirement for EVERY program I looked at. Sorry but I really don't think you can even go through the "match" part (NRMP) without it uploaded as you will have an incomplete application.

Can you provide a reference for that?

The ECFMG website has clear instructions for applicant who are unable to obtain the MSPE. That tells me that this is a common enough event that not only do they address it on their website but they give instructions about how to fill out the ERAS application When you don't have the letter.

 

[Sir Gillies]

I thought it might be useful to include a paragraph that was forwarded to me by my medical school which was taken from the ECFMG website.

"If you are unable to secure the MSPE from your medical school, you must indicate this on page 12 of the MyERAS application. A neutral placeholder letter will be provided in place of the MSPE. The placeholder letter will be provided to all of the programs to which you apply, and will state, “This document is provided in lieu of the applicant’s MSPE. Please contact the applicant with any questions you may have.” This will ensure that your application will appear as complete for those programs that require an MSPE before considering your application."

Please winged scapula, if you have a moment I would truly appreciate any thoughts on my previous post.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I have looked at many 1000's of IMG applications.

Every single one has had an MSPE of some sort.

 

[encored]

A few friends of mine matched without an MSPE last year as my school does not provide with one.