overcoming bias for 2nd time applicants

[wildholdy]

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I didn't match this year, but am making plans for next cycle and will be doing one of the path fellowships. It seems that 2nd timers aren't on a level playing field when trying to match again. Any tips on what programs are looking for in feeling comfortable taking 2nd time applicant? I see some weak areas that I can improve on, application in earlier, stronger LORs, more publications, apply to more programs so I'll work on what I can, but any tips on someone who has been through this (or other opinions) are appreciated. Congrats to all who matched this year and best of luck to the rest of us next time around!

 

[speyeder]

Sounds like you have a pretty good grasp of how to improve your application. The Path fellowships have a pretty solid track record of getting reapplicants into ophtho from what I understand. Other things you should consider:

- Be prepared to discuss why you think you did not match the 1st time around. This may come up on your interviews.

- Practice your interviewing skills. I can't emphasize enough how subjective the admissions process can be. I have interviewed applicants and sat in on rank list meetings. Almost invariably, candidates who interviewed well were ranked very highly.

Good luck.

 

[odieoh]

Sounds like you have a pretty good grasp of how to improve your application. The Path fellowships have a pretty solid track record of getting reapplicants into ophtho from what I understand. Other things you should consider:

- Be prepared to discuss why you think you did not match the 1st time around. This may come up on your interviews.

- Practice your interviewing skills. I can't emphasize enough how subjective the admissions process can be. I have interviewed applicants and sat in on rank list meetings. Almost invariably, candidates who interviewed well were ranked very highly.

Good luck.

Agree with Speyeder. Do the things you mentioned as far as getting yourself polished up on paper, then try and figure out if there are ways you can improve your interview skills. I have also interviewed applicants and sat in on rank meetings, and you would be shocked/surprised at what stupid little things get people blackballed. One offhand comment here or there, even if misinterpreted can cost you a spot.

I remember one of our interviewers always asked people to tell him about one person they strongly disliked or hated. One applicant chose his grandmother as his response and went on in some detail about some very horrible things his grandmother had done to the family.

Even though he had an evil grandmother, people just had a hard time ranking an applicant who picked his grandmother as the person he hated. So just be careful about what you say and try and think about how it may be perceived.

 

[GuitarHero1]

Agree with Speyeder. Do the things you mentioned as far as getting yourself polished up on paper, then try and figure out if there are ways you can improve your interview skills. I have also interviewed applicants and sat in on rank meetings, and you would be shocked/surprised at what stupid little things get people blackballed. One offhand comment here or there, even if misinterpreted can cost you a spot.

I remember one of our interviewers always asked people to tell him about one person they strongly disliked or hated. One applicant chose his grandmother as his response and went on in some detail about some very horrible things his grandmother had done to the family.

Even though he had an evil grandmother, people just had a hard time ranking an applicant who picked his grandmother as the person he hated. So just be careful about what you say and try and think about how it may be perceived.

If I were on a committee, I would also not rank an applicant who chose his grandmother as the person he hated. An important thing in interviews is to divulge as little about your "personal issues" as possible. Having family strife is a big red flag because residencies want you to be part of a big happy family. Geez, of all the terrible people in the world he had to pick his grandmother?

 

[eyesupply]

I remember one of our interviewers always asked people to tell him about one person they strongly disliked or hated. One applicant chose his grandmother as his response and went on in some detail about some very horrible things his grandmother had done to the family.

.

My guess is that many applicants would insist that they hated nobody. Maybe one might say he hates Hitler or bin Laden.