Interview question- Letter of Interest

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aspiringsurgeon123

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Hey all, I know this question is going to seem overly neurotic but just wanted to get some opinions. I emailed several strong programs for gen surgery that I hadn't heard from yet and thankfully got interview invites. The reason why I emailed them is bc I wanted them to actually look at my application which has 20+ research things, rather than screening me out for mediocre board scores (Step 1: 234, Step 2: 242).
The question that I had was, are these programs actually going to really consider me when I interview there or is it a long shot since I had to email them a letter of interest in order to get an interview? Would appreciate any responses from those that have experience on review committees.

Thanks!
 
My understanding is that, while those with the strongest CV's, numbers etc. still maintain an edge after interviews (provided that they don't blow the interview), a program will not generally waste time on an applicant they really don't think they'd take. The exceptions would be auto-interviews for those doing an away rotation at a particular program, and getting auto-interviewed by your home program. I think it's a very good sign that you got invited.

In regards to scores, I've heard of screening out below 220ish, and screening in above 240. I don't think your score is low enough to screen you out.
 
Hey aspiringsurgeon123- what exactly do you write to the programs to get an invite? I haven't gotten any invites yet and I wrote to some programs and they sent me immediate rejections (<24hr). My board score is also mediocre (230 step 1, pending step 2 results). I'm wondering if it's something I wrote, or whether our applications were that much different when the programs looked at them.. 🙁
 
Hey aspiringsurgeon123- what exactly do you write to the programs to get an invite? I haven't gotten any invites yet and I wrote to some programs and they sent me immediate rejections (<24hr). My board score is also mediocre (230 step 1, pending step 2 results). I'm wondering if it's something I wrote, or whether our applications were that much different when the programs looked at them.. 🙁

What is the giant red flag on your application that has you with 0 interviews?
 
What is the giant red flag on your application that has you with 0 interviews?
If only I knew... my guess is non-US citizen status (even though I'm AMG)... I guess non-citizens are expected to (and often succeed in) performing at much higher levels on USMLEs, and I don't fit that mold.
 
If only I knew... my guess is non-US citizen status (even though I'm AMG)... I guess non-citizens are expected to (and often succeed in) performing at much higher levels on USMLEs, and I don't fit that mold.
That's most likely it; the programs don't want to deal with the visa issue. Are you applying to programs that have sponsored other residents needing visas previously?
 
Yeah- I generally look through the current residents list, and if there's an IMG, I take that as a good sign. But then again, they may have had a much higher Step 1 score to make it "in".

Or it could be that something I wrote to the programs sent up a red flag. I wish I knew what @aspiringsurgeon123 wrote in his emails... 🙂 I'm just desperate for any interview invites...

Thanks for the feedback @Winged Scapula
 
A program I'm very interested in (probably top 3) has sent out invites and rejections. I've received neither. Is now an ok time to contact them? Do I send a brief letter/note to the program coordinator about my interest in the program?
 
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