Questions about applying for the match

[zenarcade]

Trying to prepare for applying to the match later this year, and I've just had a few questions occur to me...

1) Are academic internships generally more competitive than private practice internships? I assume so, as they are more limited in number. I am interested in an academic internship primarily, although I do intend on applying for both.

2) How long should my CV be at this stage in my career? My CV is barely longer than my resume🙁, and I honestly don't feel like I have much to put on it right now. I didn't decide I wanted to specialize until 3rd year, so my extracurriculars area a bit limited. And I don't want to pad my CV with irrelevant information obviously.

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[pp9]

Trying to prepare for applying to the match later this year, and I've just had a few questions occur to me...

1) Are academic internships generally more competitive than private practice internships? I assume so, as they are more limited in number. I am interested in an academic internship primarily, although I do intend on applying for both.

2) How long should my CV be at this stage in my career? My CV is barely longer than my resume🙁, and I honestly don't feel like I have much to put on it right now. I didn't decide I wanted to specialize until 3rd year, so my extracurriculars area a bit limited. And I don't want to pad my CV with irrelevant information obviously.

1. Yes, for the exact reason you said - fewer spots. Sometimes the type of applicant they look for is different too and they might pay more attention to academic stats, although not always.
2. Everyone is different. I wouldn't stress too much about length, partly because you can't really do anything about it in such a short amount of time, partly because it doesn't matter nearly as much for your rotating as it does for a specialty internship or residency (if it matters at all for a rotating). Put on what you have, don't stretch to make it longer.

 

[zenarcade]

1. Yes, for the exact reason you said - fewer spots. Sometimes the type of applicant they look for is different too and they might pay more attention to academic stats, although not always.
2. Everyone is different. I wouldn't stress too much about length, partly because you can't really do anything about it in such a short amount of time, partly because it doesn't matter nearly as much for your rotating as it does for a specialty internship or residency (if it matters at all for a rotating). Put on what you have, don't stretch to make it longer.

Thanks for the reply! Do you know what other factors an academic internship might favor specifically? I assume research (sadly I don't have any), I believe I do have a good class rank though.

 

[pp9]

Research possibly too, but imo it's more academic-stat focused (GPA and class rank). The vast majority of vet students will not publish during vet school. It helps if you can, but it's not typical, so it's would be hard to say you're 'missing' that when it's not an expectation in my book at that stage. It's absolutely awesome if you can and will help you stand out though.

And as per usual, LORs and interviews (when applicable) matter too.