Independent Applicant

[JPmamd09]

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Hi,

I'm a US citizen, graduate of US allopathic school May of this year. Last year, I applied to a specialty using ERAS but withdrew my application after realizing the field was not for me (never went on my interview invites, withdrew from match). Thankfully was able to find a field I loved and am passionate about, but confirmed the decision too late to apply for the 09 match. As such, I'll be matching as an independent applicant this year (assuming all goes well😱).

After reading through the MyEras user guide, it appears that not much changes from being a US senior to an independent applicant who is a US grad. I am aware that the onus is on me to contact my dean's office for the token (have done), and that I'm entirely on my own if (God forbid) I have to scramble. Is anyone aware of other responsibilities that are different for US grad independents?

(I know this question should probably be posed to my dean's office - it has. However, someone new is in charge of ERAS/match at my alma mater this year and I'm somewhat concerned that this individual will not be very helpful to me. She doesn't return messages. She doesn't return emails. She doesn't answer her phone for hours at a time. She can't answer my questions and merely tells me that b/c I'm an independent applicant she can't help me - I had to actually correct her on a few points about that one, for example she's still going to get my LORs. I don't mean to give this individual a hard time - I'm sure there's a lot to figure out re: ERAS; however, you all know this is damn important so I want to be on top of the game so I can keep her on top of things. Also afraid to complain to dean's office - not a good time to be making enemies obviously.)

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

 

[gutonc]

After reading through the MyEras user guide, it appears that not much changes from being a US senior to an independent applicant who is a US grad. I am aware that the onus is on me to contact my dean's office for the token (have done), and that I'm entirely on my own if (God forbid) I have to scramble. Is anyone aware of other responsibilities that are different for US grad independents?

Unless your Dean's office composed entirely of huge d-bags (not unheard of but not the norm) you shouldn't be on your own if you have to scramble. You will have to be a little more aggressive in requesting the appropriate assistance from them if needed but you paid the same tuition that this years grads did and, as such, have all the attendant rights and responsibilities that they did.

A much bigger issue for you will be explaining your gap year. A change of heart in specialty choice is good enough, but you better be spending this year getting clinical and/or research experience in your new specialty of interest or you'll be considered a prima donna who just can't make up his/her mind what you want to do with your life.

 

[JPmamd09]

A much bigger issue for you will be explaining your gap year. A change of heart in specialty choice is good enough, but you better be spending this year getting clinical and/or research experience in your new specialty of interest or you'll be considered a prima donna who just can't make up his/her mind what you want to do with your life.

Thanks for your helpful reply. I am in fact doing research during this year off (started in January once I decided on my field - pathology), with a LOR from the attending with whom I'm working. Anticipating submission to USCAP and hopefully for publication if all works out. Also having a baby in two weeks (or less), though that is not the primary reason I took the year off. Also attending peer review sessions and planning to attend unknown conferences. I'm trying to walk the line between keeping up/showing my interest and coming off desperate/annoying, but attending those things were some suggestions from the PD and assistant PD. Squeezing in a little step 3 studying too. Do you think it's enough?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Thanks for your helpful reply. I am in fact doing research during this year off (started in January once I decided on my field - pathology), with a LOR from the attending with whom I'm working. Anticipating submission to USCAP and hopefully for publication if all works out. Also having a baby in two weeks (or less), though that is not the primary reason I took the year off. Also attending peer review sessions and planning to attend unknown conferences. I'm trying to walk the line between keeping up/showing my interest and coming off desperate/annoying, but attending those things were some suggestions from the PD and assistant PD. Squeezing in a little step 3 studying too. Do you think it's enough?

Sounds good to me.

Remember that as an independent applicant, you can prematch. This is a blessing and a curse:

Blessing:
1. You get a prematch offer from your #1 choice. You can start planning your life earlier.
2. You get an offcycle offer from a good program. You get to start training in January rather than waiting until July.

Curse:
1. You get a prematch from a program low on your list -- have to choose the "sure thing" from a chance in the match

(note: as an AMG with a good history, I would not worry about the "curse" above. You'll probably do fine in the match, and I would not accept a prematch unless it was a place you really wanted to go. However, this type of scenario will at least cause nightmares for you)