Lower chance if reapply (for IMG)

[RN1]

---

Members do not see this ad.

When US students reapply for residency (if they didn't get in the first time) there is a lower chance of being accepted to a residency program. Is this correct? Is this only for competetive specialties?

If an IMG reapplies does the same hold true?
How do residency programs know that you reapplied?
Does it say on your application that you are a reapplicant?
Do residency programs remember who applied last year and know using this method?

I want to apply to a few programs this year without ECFMG certification to see if I can get in but in the next year apply with my complete application if needed. Can my complete application be harmed by having applied unsuccessfully the previous year?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

When US students reapply for residency (if they didn't get in the first time) there is a lower chance of being accepted to a residency program. Is this correct? Is this only for competetive specialties?

Yes, in general it is true. Not because programs hold a grudge against those whom have applied previously, but because if you were not competitive one year for a spot, you're likely not competitive the next year either. Also, each year farther from graduation makes you less competitive.

If an IMG reapplies does the same hold true?

Yes, for the same reason.

How do residency programs know that you reapplied?
Does it say on your application that you are a reapplicant?

We don't, and it doesn't.

Do residency programs remember who applied last year and know using this method?

Sometimes. Usually only if the application was very memorable.

I want to apply to a few programs this year without ECFMG certification to see if I can get in but in the next year apply with my complete application if needed. Can my complete application be harmed by having applied unsuccessfully the previous year?

This is fine. You risk losing nothing except your application fees. If programs screen you out because of lack of ECFMG certification, they will never even review your application and hence not see it the next year. If a program does interview you and you don't match there, if the problem was only ECFMG certification they'll be happy to reinterview you the next year. If the problem was deeper, then they won't offer you an interview again.

 

[RN1]

Thank you for your reply.

So basically there is no way to know that someone is a reapplicant unless you remember them?

Several attendings told me that I should not apply the first time because I would get a reapplicant status and decrease my chances for the next year. Does this concept exist in any specialty or is it just nonsense?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

It's nonsense. There is no way for me to know whether you've applied before unless I look back into last year's application files. And if you didn't apply to my program at all last year, there is absolutely no way to know.

 

[StudentDoc0416]

Hi, I am a Us citizen caribbean student and plan to apply to neurology/prelim medicine. I have an interesting dilemma if anyone can possibly help me. I have passed Step 1 97/232 and Step 2 cs on my first try, and waiting on Step 2ck score due to change in format causing score delay. The couple things I lack is strong LOR's and research, and I also wont have my MyEras application ready until Sept.6 due to lag in getting documents uploaded.

I was wandering if it would be better to apply the following year with a complete application rather than apply this year and risk not matching. Money is not an issue, but Im afraid that if I get interviews this year and do not match, that those same programs will not offer me a interview the following year even with a more complete application. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated?

 

[mcl]

Hi, I am a Us citizen caribbean student and plan to apply to neurology/prelim medicine. I have an interesting dilemma if anyone can possibly help me. I have passed Step 1 97/232 and Step 2 cs on my first try, and waiting on Step 2ck score due to change in format causing score delay. The couple things I lack is strong LOR's and research, and I also wont have my MyEras application ready until Sept.6 due to lag in getting documents uploaded.

I was wandering if it would be better to apply the following year with a complete application rather than apply this year and risk not matching. Money is not an issue, but Im afraid that if I get interviews this year and do not match, that those same programs will not offer me a interview the following year even with a more complete application. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated?

Not having a completed application until Sept 6th will not be a factor in assessing your application, so that would not be a reason to delay your application to residency for a year. Not having strong letters of recommendation will be a factor in assessing your application. Would delaying a year give you better letters? Unless you have some incredible plan for your off-year, I would think your likelihood of matching would decrease by waiting (you'd have the current concerns plus a year-long gap to explain).

 

[StudentDoc0416]

Not having a completed application until Sept 6th will not be a factor in assessing your application, so that would not be a reason to delay your application to residency for a year. Not having strong letters of recommendation will be a factor in assessing your application. Would delaying a year give you better letters? Unless you have some incredible plan for your off-year, I would think your likelihood of matching would decrease by waiting (you'd have the current concerns plus a year-long gap to explain).

I still have 5 electives left to complete my MD so i would hope to get strong letters from those electives. I finished my cores first in which I was not able to get a strong letter b/c I primarily reported to residents and never got to personalize with an attending. Now currently Im doing a neuro elective which is essential for me to get a strong letter. The issue with this situation is the letter may take upto 4 weeks to upload onto Eras.

On the flip side, I do have 5 electives in which i have opportunities to secure strong letters. I can also do some research electives and finish up step 3. I think that would complete my application and give me better chance for residency.

So that is the dillemma, any thoughts would be appreciated?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

If money is not an issue, I would apply this year, and then if you don't match apply again next year. If your application is much stronger next year, programs will be likely to interview you again.

That being said, letters from core rotations are usually more helpful than those from electives. Programs often want to see how you do on your "tough" rotations.

 

[StudentDoc0416]

Thank you mcl and aProgramDirector for your responses, I appreciate it.