Question about applying to preliminary year programs

[Anesthesia_IMG_24789]

Hello,

I am applying to a specialty that may likely require a preliminary year. I understand that I need to apply to preliminary spots separately. I would also like to apply to categorical IM sports as well as a back up. Can I apply to a prelim spot and a categorical spot at the same program, then turn down which ever one may not been needed if I were to rank both? I don't understand how this rank/match process works and I don't want to shotgun my application applying blindly to programs unnecessarily. Thanks!

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[OscarWao]

Think I've heard that you don't want to apply to both the prelim and categorical spots at the same programs because the same people might review both applications so they'll see what you're doing.

 

[mrbreakfast]

Can I apply to a prelim spot and a categorical spot at the same program, then turn down which ever one may not been needed if I were to rank both?

Is it possible to do this? Yes. Is it wise to attempt this? Probably not.

 

[OscarWao]

You should try asking in the "Internship" forum - they seem to know a lot