MATCH 2003 ..

[SYD]

Is there anybody applyiing for 2003 match around ???

Have you guys got a schedule about what to do when ?

I just would like to share mine and make sure we are not missing out on anything big.

For example when we should request application forms and by when we should have the CV, Rec letter, Deans letter etc.

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[Winged Scapula]

The NRMP website used to provide a list of deadlines you should be familiar with. After those (ie, when you can first apply for the match, match deadlines, etc.), you should be aware of the typical deadlines for the particular programs you will be applying to. For example, in surgery, the programs usually don't accept applications after November 1 (some as early as October 15). This information can be obtained on FREIDA.

Dean's letters are not released until November 1 - therefore you should have it released to ECFMG several weeks in advance so as to be ready when the upload to the ERAS server. The same goes for LORs - they should be sent to ECFMG as early as possible, or at least several weeks before the individual program deadlines to allow to uploading and availability to the programs before the deadlines.

I would not trust ECFMG to upload anything in a timely fashion any later than a couple of weeks before a major deadline. There is no guarantee that programs will download your information (or even update their files on you) if information is received after their deadline.

So I don't have a schedule...but the earlier you can do anything the better. You can apply to programs as soon as the tokens are available and update information as it becomes available. Programs will get notices that there is additional information to be downloaded (but just as I noted above, some will not download anything received after their deadlines).

 

[SYD]

Alright, So now I could take things easy a bit, without worryiing about the letter writing stuff..

I am going to ask a couple of my supervisors to write LOR here in Australia but dunno which hospitals they need to address - I mean I have not finalised yet

My first preferance would be CA, Sandiego Hospital or somewhere there. Next would be NY, Staten man probably, where I am going to spend 3 wks after my step II. But I could just see CA hospitals just wanting to NOT know me...

Any comments..

 

[Winged Scapula]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by SYD:
•Alright, So now I could take things easy a bit, without worryiing about the letter writing stuff..

I am going to ask a couple of my supervisors to write LOR here in Australia but dunno which hospitals they need to address - I mean I have not finalised yet

My first preferance would be CA, Sandiego Hospital or somewhere there. Next would be NY, Staten man probably, where I am going to spend 3 wks after my step II. But I could just see CA hospitals just wanting to NOT know me...

Any comments..•••••Syd...

In general your letters are not sent to specific hospitals but rather ONE letter, addressed vaguely as "Dear Program Director" is sent to ECFMG (they will provide you with identifying labels for your letters when you register with ERAS), who in turn uploads them to the ERAS server. Thus, each of your letter writers should send 1 letter addressed in this fashion to ECFMG.

However, IF your letter writers know someone or are known at a certain program then it is ok for them to send another individually addressed letter - but again, the letter is sent to ECFMG who then distributes them to the programs you've applied to.

Try and have the letters to ECFMG no later than October (depending on the program deadlines of course).

Hope this makes sense.

 

[Winged Scapula]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by SYD:
•
My first preferance would be CA, Sandiego Hospital or somewhere there.•••••Yeah...you and everyone else in the known universe! :wink: Pretty tough match my friend, anywhere in San Diego or So Cal.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Just 1 more thought Syd...

Do not send your letters to ECFMG until you have registered with them (ie, have taken Step 1 and have an ECFMG identifying number). They claim to set aside all documents received before inviduals register for the match but frankly I wouldn't trust them to do so. When you get everything set up (ie, you've applied for the match, have a Token, etc.) THEN your letter writers can submit the letters to ECFMG.

 

[SYD]

The deadline I haven't checked yet, but it is going to be internal medicine.

And I heard even a small university program is much better than a community hospital program in the long run.

The more think about this USMLE, I am asking myself why I did n't schedule the Step I etc on time.. Well, I guess it is a bit late to worry anyway..
Its 2 am here now, so I better have some sleep before I start work tomorrow .

Have a good day !