Quick Question about Aways

[johndoe3344]

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So quick synopsis: I'm on the east coast, with absolutely no ties and have never been to the west coast before, except I'm interested in possibly going there for residency.

So of all the SF programs that I looked at on VSAS, only UCSF's schedule fit my school's, and they gave me a spot in a consult elective. I am a pretty good medical student (refer to WAMC thread if you're curious about specifics), but not an excellent medical student. Yes, I know I'm probably as likely to get hit by lightning as I am of getting an interview at SF.

Two questions:

1) I was hoping that with the away, I could get some experience with the area geographically, and I figure that a decent LOR from the attending there could be a good fourth letter especially if I apply to programs in CA that are more in my target like LA or SD. Is this accurate? Or should I just cancel the away altogether?

2) While I'm there, since there's really no hope for an interview/spot for residency, is there still a point in meeting with the PD? If so, what does one really talk about in these meetings with the PD (in general)? I'm of the opinion that "I'm really interested in your program" and "How competitive do you think I am" and other generic questions/statements can only fill up so much time. Suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[disorder]

So quick synopsis: I'm on the east coast, with absolutely no ties and have never been to the west coast before, except I'm interested in possibly going there for residency.

So of all the SF programs that I looked at on VSAS, only UCSF's schedule fit my school's, and they gave me a spot in a consult elective. I am a pretty good medical student (refer to WAMC thread if you're curious about specifics), but not an excellent medical student. Yes, I know I'm probably as likely to get hit by lightning as I am of getting an interview at SF.

Two questions:

1) I was hoping that with the away, I could get some experience with the area geographically, and I figure that a decent LOR from the attending there could be a good fourth letter especially if I apply to programs in CA that are more in my target like LA or SD. Is this accurate? Or should I just cancel the away altogether?

A letter from there won't have any swing with the CA programs. Just use your attending to help you get a positive footing with the program director at UCSF. Don't expect miracles.

Do the away for the experience. You're borderline for interview material unless your school has a strong track record with matching there. So, work your ass off and expect it to hopefully tip you over the edge. Expose yourself to the PD. That's all you can do.

2) While I'm there, since there's really no hope for an interview/spot for residency, is there still a point in meeting with the PD? If so, what does one really talk about in these meetings with the PD (in general)? I'm of the opinion that "I'm really interested in your program" and "How competitive do you think I am" and other generic questions/statements can only fill up so much time. Suggestions?

Thanks.

See above. You should still meet with the PD.

Generic questions and any specifics about the program. Express your interest. Get your attending to vouch for you. It is likely he'll sit down with you with your app in front of him/her.

 

[gutonc]

UCSF is the poster child for programs that don't offer courtesy interviews to students doing away rotations.

 

[Live4Life]

UCSF is the poster child for programs that don't offer courtesy interviews to students doing away rotations.

Perfect example of this posted in the results thread two years ago:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=12310715&postcount=55

 

[gutonc]

Perfect example of this posted in the results thread two years ago:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=12310715&postcount=55

And if you look at that post, the person had a stellar app and got interviews at pretty much every other Top X program in the country.

If there's a single IM program in the country that I would tell people not to waste their away time or application money on, UCSF is it.

 

[jerseytrash]

UCSF is the poster child for programs that don't offer courtesy interviews to students doing away rotations.

Is there any particular reason? 😕 I've heard that too from people, but it just seems arbitrary.

 

[gutonc]

Is there any particular reason? 😕 I've heard that too from people, but it just seems arbitrary.

Virtually every IM applicant in the country applies there. They have their pick of the best of the best. If the were going to interview every rotating student then they'd probably start screening more strongly at that stage and then you wouldn't get to rotate there in the first place.

 

[jerseytrash]

Virtually every IM applicant in the country applies there. They have their pick of the best of the best. If the were going to interview every rotating student then they'd probably start screening more strongly at that stage and then you wouldn't get to rotate there in the first place.

Eh, as true as that is, many of the other top tiers/top-middle tiers do offer courtesy invites. I think it would make sense for them to have a more stringent process for screening out away applicants (step 1 score minimum, transcript, etc) just so that people don't get their hopes up with a wasted month.

 

[gutonc]

Eh, as true as that is, many of the other top tiers/top-middle tiers do offer courtesy invites. I think it would make sense for them to have a more stringent process for screening out away applicants (step 1 score minimum, transcript, etc) just so that people don't get their hopes up with a wasted month.

UCSF has been doing this forever. People who aren't aware of their policy deserve what they get.

 

[jerseytrash]

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