Interview question- Letter of Interest

[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!

 

[epsilonprodigy]

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.

 

[kiddosurgeon]

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.. 🙁

 

[swoopyswoop]

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?

 

[kiddosurgeon]

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.

 

[Winged Scapula]

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?

 

[kiddosurgeon]

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

 

[Ceusina]

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?

 

[Ceusina]

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...

Ditto. I didn't think letters of interest helped... I guess I was wrong.