Off-cycle graduation (help)

[CharlieFoxtrot20]

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[aaronrodgers]

I was supposed to graduate in May 2020 but extended graduation until Dec 2020. It just hit me like a ton of bricks of the potential difference in graduating off-cycle in Dec. vs. an extra year in May 2021. Is graduating in Dec much worse/more red flags than graduating in May?
(reasons for extension: not passing boards, and family member was sick/unstable)

I feel like a ***** for not considering this impact (Dec vs. May) sooner than the week before ERAS.

-no, I haven't figured out how to address the delayed graduation yet. Right now I'm trying to decide if I'm in deep s*** for graduating off-cycle. Please help

It’s pretty understandable if it’s family related issues or pandemic related or anything personal I would assume

 

[NotAProgDirector]

There's no difference. If you had extended to May 2021 (which your school may or may not have allowed), you'd have more time to do some additional rotations. But none of that will matter in your application, which is due now. Graduating in Dec actually opens an extra door -- it's possible that a program will have an open PGY-1 now, and will search through apps looking for someone who could start early.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot20]

There's no difference. If you had extended to May 2021 (which your school may or may not have allowed), you'd have more time to do some additional rotations. But none of that will matter in your application, which is due now. Graduating in Dec actually opens an extra door -- it's possible that a program will have an open PGY-1 now, and will search through apps looking for someone who could start early.

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[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Thank you for the response. While it may not matter on the application, to programs having a 6 month lapse may matter significantly, and that student may be more of a risk than any other applicant who’s graduating on-time. That’s what I fear.
And not having a rock-solid plan for those 6 months when I’ll likely be asked on interviews seems like I’m shooting myself in the foot (why would they take a chance on me?).

(To your second point, I’m hoping to have some say on where I end up, rather than just accepting a random position that wasn’t filled (which likely didn’t fill for a reason).) Just trying to minimize red flags.

@NotAProgDirector used to—in fact—be a program director. So his opinion is probably an informed one.

 

[CharlieFoxtrot20]

@NotAProgDirector used to—in fact—be a program director. So his opinion is probably an informed one.

Lol I figured that much , and I greatly appreciate his/her insight! (If I gave any indication otherwise, that certainly wasn’t my intention)