Question for Other 2012 PM&R Applicants

[theanswer03]

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What advice have you all received as far as how many PM&R programs to apply/interview/rank?

I'm mostly worried about the prelim/transitional year. I've received advice from an advisor to apply to as many as 30 prelim medicine/transitional years 😱.. What are you all doing? I have a low class rank (p4), but board score in the 220s, I come from a well-known school, and the rest of my application is pretty average..

 

[Paddington]

My impression was that Prelims/Transitionals are actually less competitive now than they used to be a few years back, because so many programs have moved towards a categorical system (which program directors, hospitals, institutions, and educational committees find very attractive for a number of reasons).

I would say 20 apps for prelims and maybe 30 apps for PM&R programs is fair. Then try to interview at 5-10 of each to be on the safe side.

 

[theanswer03]

My impression was that Prelims/Transitionals are actually less competitive now than they used to be a few years back, because so many programs have moved towards a categorical system (which program directors, hospitals, institutions, and educational committees find very attractive for a number of reasons).

I would say 20 apps for prelims and maybe 30 apps for PM&R programs is fair. Then try to interview at 5-10 of each to be on the safe side.

Thanks.

You really think ranking 10ish prelim/transitional year programs would be enough given my stats/application?

Everything I've heard tells me ranking 8-10ish pmr spots would be enough to pretty much ensure a match..

 

[Paddington]

Well you can apply smarter or harder.

There are certain known "cush" Transitional years that cater to people with 250+ board scores. Those ones probably won't take you. There are other more typical TY years with 3 electives and internal medicine months where you get at least some sleep on call, those you'll be competitive for. Also apply to some of the Prelim medicine ones to be on the safe side.

If you're really desperate apply to some surgical prelims as well, especially the ones that never fill.

 

[jachacanca]

So I'm trying to finish my application on ERAS. I know that applying is a bit different with PM&R, and this has made things very very confusing. When I apply to programs I see options like

PGY1 categorical, PGY2 advanced, and PGY2 preliminary. Im guessing that PGY1 catigorical is a program that runs all 4 years? But what do the others mean? And how do I apply for a track program. Do I click on one of these. Its about as clear as mud, and Im trying to get this out today since today is the first day for applications!

Help!
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[PMR 4 MSK]

So I'm trying to finish my application on ERAS. I know that applying is a bit different with PM&R, and this has made things very very confusing. When I apply to programs I see options like

PGY1 categorical, PGY2 advanced, and PGY2 preliminary. Im guessing that PGY1 catigorical is a program that runs all 4 years? But what do the others mean? And how do I apply for a track program. Do I click on one of these. Its about as clear as mud, and Im trying to get this out today since today is the first day for applications!​

Help!​

Categorical = whole 4 years at one program, usually 1st year is mostly IM, but ssome programs now do a combo of PM&R with basic medicine over the 4 years.

Advanced = only PGY 2-4. PGY-1 must be done seperately, and applied for seperately. Some advanced programs have internships/PGY-1 years available at their hospital, but you still apply for it seperately.

For the match, you'll rank order for programs, categorical and advanced on the same list. Then you'll make a secondary list of internships for each advanced program.