Q - Do pass deadlines for programs indicate the day the application needs to be submitted or mailed?
A- programs want the application complete so they can review them and ask several for interviews. Most program will continue to accept applications, if they need more to interview or after the match.
Q - I know that it takes PASS a week to mail PASS applications after submitting them.
A- yes, it takes time. it is one place that will forward it to all programs. You can always mail/deliver directly to the programs.
Q- Do I need to register for MATCH early or is it pointless to register until I know I've received an interview for a program?
A- now one service takes care of both on computer (ADEA) - it is best to fill out the forms for both, You can always ask to have PASS send more application. You can always add to the MATCH list. Many programs, like ours, are not in the match.
Q- If I haven't received an interview than it's impossible to match, correct?
A- Generally you are correct, but some programs will review you application and place you on the match list without an interview... they will generally notify you of this. I still suggest visiting the program and speaking to the residents. I was accept to dental school without an interview.
Q- What about post match? Do I need a MATCH number to post match?
The post match does not need a number, but being in the match you will get a list of all open programs. If you were not in the match, your school should have the list. Generally the list is posted on SDN. We are not in the match and generally notify people through SDN. This year I got the American Assoc of Hospital Dentists to get a list of late post match openings together. I posted the programs here.
Q-I don't want to pay for Match unless it's necessary.
A- You must, if you are applying for match programs. This is one of the reasons we are not in the match. To avoid problems, we interview and accept early. This allows people in the match to with draw without any ethical problems. I believe there are many other problems in the match, but this is not the place to talk about it,
Q- Doesn't PASS ask you for your match number? All the non-pass programs I applied to last year required a match # on their applications. You might as well just drop the money and get it done now so you don't have to worry about it later on.
A- this is true, but more programs are in PASS than the Match. Look at the programs you want. If some are in the match - get a # now.
Q- the deadline on PASS is the hard deadline for them to have all the required materials - they guarantee that they'll get your stuff to the programs by the program's date as long as they have it.
A- true, it takes 1-2 weeks to get it processed and to the program. Late info may be mailed to the program.
Q- the pass deadlines were a little earlier than most program deadlines.
A- true, this allows the info to get to the program.
Hope this helps. If I can be of any other help - let me know
