Question about AI scheduling

[AP]

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To all in the know - If one had the opportunity to do some AI's in ortho spots in march, april, may, and june, before any other fourth year students have had the opportinity and without any other fourth year students auditioning along side, would you feel that to be advantageous? Basically - Is it better to really shine during the peak months of aug-nov whilst competing with other fourth years, or would it be better to shine solo in the off peak months, and then apply early for the match and get your interviews early. By the way, in case anyone is curious, the reason for having the ability to do fourth year AI's in March-june is not a negative one.
Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Seaglass]

I was in a similar situation when I did my EM AI. I think it is beneficial to do a 3rd year AI at the end of third year but probably not earlier than May. This is because many attendings I have spoken to about the matter say that there's just something about being a "third year" student that might affect your evaluation. If you are confident that you can overcome this or that it will not be an issue then by all means go for it - being able to get letters early and to have room in your 4th year schedule for other interesting things will be great.

Casey

 

[AP]

CAsey - I will actually be a fourth year by march of year I speak of (to make the story short, I teach anatomy/pathology part time at the school for free tuition but I have to spend one more year in med school). So if any one else has some insight I would appreciate it. Thanks for you reply Casey.

 

[Seaglass]

If you will actually be able to SAY that you are a fourth year by that time then I would go for it. Although you may have some very confused attendings.

Casey

 

[Idiopathic]

Some programs do not take 3rd years...i would be surprised if there are ortho programs that do. Should I be surprised?

 

[Seaglass]

But you see - he will be a fourth year.

We can do 4th year electives within our institution if we have completed the core MS3 requirements (Med, Peds, Surg, Ob/Gyn)

Casey