Preliminary and Categorical?

Started by akhim
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akhim

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Is it recommended to apply to both a preliminary position and categorical position in the same program? If you don't get a categorical spot, can you apply for the preliminary spot, or would that work against you?

or If you don't get the categorical position, do they automatically put you in preliminary?
 
Is it recommended to apply to both a preliminary position and categorical position in the same program? If you don't get a categorical spot, can you apply for the preliminary spot, or would that work against you?

or If you don't get the categorical position, do they automatically put you in preliminary?

Few programs have preliminary OB positions. And if your credentials are not very strong, it's more important for you to apply to a broad range and number of categorical positions. Also, I don't think it hurts to apply to both categorical and prelim positions in the same program, if they have both.

And they might not be able to automatically place you in the preliminary position if the ERAS codes are different for categorical and preliminary positions (which is usually the case).

If you have interest in any particular program(s) with both prelim and categorical positions, it's best to call the coordinator and ask about their policies because there is no national standard and policies can vary very widely from program to program.

Good luck!
 
Few programs have preliminary OB positions. And if your credentials are not very strong, it's more important for you to apply to a broad range and number of categorical positions. Also, I don't think it hurts to apply to both categorical and prelim positions in the same program, if they have both.

And they might not be able to automatically place you in the preliminary position if the ERAS codes are different for categorical and preliminary positions (which is usually the case).

If you have interest in any particular program(s) with both prelim and categorical positions, it's best to call the coordinator and ask about their policies because there is no national standard and policies can vary very widely from program to program.

Good luck!

thanks for the reply