Perplexed... and concerned.

[in1Q84]

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I'm fourth year applying to EM. I applied to 40+ programs. So far, I only have 3 interviews, which concerns me. Of those 3 interviews, one was a home institution. One is at away insitution. Another I got before dean's letters and SLORs. They are at fairly competitive programs.

After dean's letter went out, I got waitlisted at two pretty competitive programs and got rejected from bunch of other places. Still haven't heard back from bulk of the places I have applied to.

Though it does make me feel better that I am at least getting waitlisted at really good programs, it doesn't change the fact I have gotten 0 interviews invites since Nov 1st.

What is going on? If anyone has any idea, please give me some insight. And, what would you advise me to do?

Thank you.

 

[BklynWill]

Sounds like your dean's letter might contain a red flag. You should contact your dean's office and ask if they can review their recommendation with you.

 

[alwaysaangel]

The best people to answer this for you are your dean and your EM mentors who know how applicants from your school tend to do and the details of your application. Also your EM mentors maybe can make a few phone calls for you.

A few thoughts: how are your numbers? EM ha a bubble this year and has been a bit rougher than last year.

How many Slors do you have and when were they in? Many programs require 1 (sometimes 2) Slors to be turned in by 11/1 to be on time.

How is your PS/evidence of interest in EM? is there some red flag that makes them think you don't really want EM/don't fit well into EM/are using it as back up.

How do you think your letters Are? Is it possible someone said something very negative about you?

Keep waiting, everyone keeps saying it's early and as people cacnel more interviews go out.

 

[in1Q84]

I actually did meet with my dean and went over my application. No, dean's letter doesn't have any red flags... I saw it before it went out. Well, it had one comment that said I was "quiet" but overall pretty positive. I'm definitely not a superstar in terms of academics, but I'm still in the top half of the class. My scores are average for EM (so nothing stellar but decent.)

SLORs... My dean looked over those too. She said they were mostly not that helpful because how impersonal they were. But, again, nothing blatantly negative.

I spent days slaving over my personal statements. They aren't awesome. But, again, I don't think they contain "red flags." Pretty mild PS.

The perplexing thing is... if my application DID have a red flag, wouldn't it just get shot down instead of waitlisted?? And, why is it that if I am good enough to get waitlisted at somewhere like Mayo, I am not hearing back from smaller, community programs I applied to??!

That gets me.

 

[GoGetEM]

I actually did meet with my dean and went out my application. No, dean's letter doesn't have any red flags... I saw it before it went out. Well, it had one comment that said I was "quiet" but overall pretty positive. I'm definitely not a superstar in terms of academics, but I'm still in the top half of the class. My scores are average for EM (so nothing stellar but decent.)

SLORs... My dean looked over those too. She said they were mostly not that helpful because how impersonal they were. But, again, nothing blatantly negative.

I spent days slaving over my personal statements. They aren't awesome. But, again, I don't think they contain "red flags." Pretty mild PS.

The perplexing thing is... if my application DID have a red flag, wouldn't it just get shot down instead of waitlisted?? And, why is it that if I am good enough to get waitlisted at somewhere like Mayo, I am not hearing back from smaller, community programs I applied to??!

That gets me.

Did you do well in your EM rotations? Honors? Did you apply to multiple different specialties (you mentioned "personal statement(s)")?

 

[TimeToPretend]

I actually did meet with my dean and went out my application. No, dean's letter doesn't have any red flags... I saw it before it went out. Well, it had one comment that said I was "quiet" but overall pretty positive. I'm definitely not a superstar in terms of academics, but I'm still in the top half of the class. My scores are average for EM (so nothing stellar but decent.)

SLORs... My dean looked over those too. She said they were mostly not that helpful because how impersonal they were. But, again, nothing blatantly negative.

I spent days slaving over my personal statements. They aren't awesome. But, again, I don't think they contain "red flags." Pretty mild PS.

The perplexing thing is... if my application DID have a red flag, wouldn't it just get shot down instead of waitlisted?? And, why is it that if I am good enough to get waitlisted at somewhere like Mayo, I am not hearing back from smaller, community programs I applied to??!

That gets me.

The best possible scenario: applicants are applying to an increasing number of programs (evidenced by your 40+) and so the most competitive applicants are holding what may (in previous years) have been your interview spot. Things will open up and you'll have a decent number of interviews.

The intermediate scenario: you have average grades, average MSPE, average LORs, and average board scores. You'll almost certainly get a couple more interviews and then you'll almost certainly match somewhere you'll be content.

The worst scenario: a portion of your application is holding you back. As others have mentioned... this could be your LORs. Often SLORs are read such that outstanding means good, excellent means okay, and good means be weary.

If you are certain it is one of the first two scenarios then you may wish to wait and see. However, if you have a feeling deep down that it could be the worst situation I would contact the physicians who wrote you letters and see if they have any guidance to offer.

Good luck.

 

[alwaysaangel]

I actually did meet with my dean and went out my application. No, dean's letter doesn't have any red flags... I saw it before it went out. Well, it had one comment that said I was "quiet" but overall pretty positive. I'm definitely not a superstar in terms of academics, but I'm still in the top half of the class. My scores are average for EM (so nothing stellar but decent.)

SLORs... My dean looked over those too. She said they were mostly not that helpful because how impersonal they were. But, again, nothing blatantly negative.

I spent days slaving over my personal statements. They aren't awesome. But, again, I don't think they contain "red flags." Pretty mild PS.

The perplexing thing is... if my application DID have a red flag, wouldn't it just get shot down instead of waitlisted?? And, why is it that if I am good enough to get waitlisted at somewhere like Mayo, I am not hearing back from smaller, community programs I applied to??!

That gets me.

Personal statementS??? Plural?

The whole process is a little random. Apparently Mayo saw something they liked but other places maybe didn't or are still reviewing applications.

Its hard to say exactly what it is, but its still somewhat early. People say they got offers into January last year so its not over yet.

 

[in1Q84]

I had one PS for more community programs and another one for more academic ones.

Thanks for replying. I do think SLORs are holding me back. I think they were kinda lukewarm... In that case, it's my fault. AND, it probably didn't help that one of my letters was really late.

Time to pretend, I think it's probably combination of all three scenarios you mentioned. My application is probably just okay. That would have gotten me enough interviews if there weren't overwhelming number of applicants and if my application had been complete in time.

I guess all I can do is wait and see. But, this late in the game, I feel as though it's better to prepare for the worst. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[fergustsi]

I had one PS for more community programs and another one for more academic ones.

Thanks for replying. I do think SLORs are holding me back. I think they were kinda lukewarm... In that case, it's my fault. AND, it probably didn't help that one of my letters was really late.

Time to pretend, I think it's probably combination of all three scenarios you mentioned. My application is probably just okay. That would have gotten me enough interviews if there weren't overwhelming number of applicants and if my application had been complete in time.

I guess all I can do is wait and see. But, this late in the game, I feel as though it's better to prepare for the worst. I'll let you know how it goes.

I think EM is just really that competitive this year. i have well above avg board scores (230+, 265+) good mspe, good slors (HP, nice comments), and im only at 11 interviews. im couples matching too so i think my target needs to be 15 shared interviews. Ive been rejected plenty too, more than invites.

My only red flag is DO really, which some programs care about and some dont.

I would recommend sending a quick email to the PD thanking them for reviewing your app, and adding why you applied to the program (personal ties to the area, etc.). I would also add anything your eras doesnt show, such as research experience since the ERAS went out. I actually got a frowny face turned upside down doing this. Some programs may reject you because of regional issues (they may not think youll actually go there). Look at their resident list, is it a national draw or a bunch of locals within one state? I think this may help shed some light on your application status.

One of my ED attendings told me three years ago he got an invite as late as late january. My last interview is Feb. 2nd right now so say if i went ahead and cancelled it two weeks before someone would get an invite mid january to fill it. I think the fact that youre getting waitlisted is a positive and youll get your invites, just might have to be more patient this year.

If youre that concerned try finding some less competitive programs whose deadline hasnt passed a quick 250 bucks down the drain might seem worth it if you end up with 2-3 invites as a safety net.

im going through this process myself for the first time, so take my advice for what its worth. good luck to you.

 

[in1Q84]

Got an invite today. It's just one more. But, I'm vastly relieved 🙂

Thank you for your encouragements!!