Rejections!!!!!

[NYGasGirl]

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I turned in my application over a week ago and already recieved couple rejections!!!! with no invitation for interview. I know my COMLEX score is the weakness in my application, but is it usual to get rejection this early...and do you guys think I would get interviews? I'm so worried!!!!!!!!!! 😕

Also, can anyone tells me if I should apply for more programs. Right now, I applied for about 50 programs, mostly in the Midwest and Eastern area. 🙄

 

[UTSouthwestern]

Like I said before, if you really want to get in this year and don't want to try again with hopefully better scores, then apply to Arkansas, LSU-Shreveport, Tulane, Mississipi State, etc. Up and coming but still not attracting the applicants they should.

 

[NYGasGirl]

One of my rejections is from Tulane! 😳

 

[UTSouthwestern]

Ouch. I don't remember if you have already taken Step 2 but if not, get a good score and reapply next year or apply outside the match and try to get a spot for 2005.

 

[CaliGirlDO]

All I can say is that if you've applied to lots of programs and the only weakness in your application is COMLEX score...then don't worry just yet. Some programs tend to weed out applicants just by scores (which is all they have to judge you at this stage in the game). Most programs will wait to get all the data in...like dean's letters, LORs, transcripts. So don't fret just yet.....wait until mid to late October to start hearing back from most of the programs. I bet you'll get an interview offer by then.

 

[NaeBlis]

Originally posted by CaliGirlDO
Most programs will wait to get all the data in...like dean's letters, LORs, transcripts.

What do you base that on, in my experience, having spoken to various MDA's at my school, and PD's at various programs, all the programs care about is the board scores, maybe the class rank. The board scores are the only objective thing in your app, and your class rank objectively compares you to the 150 or so other people in your class. The rest of the stuff is worthless in the initial stages, most places interview you based on board scores. The rest of the stuff can help or hurt you some degree after the interview process, but not much. It makes sense if you think about it, who will ask someone for a letter of rec if it will be a bad one? A big name can help, but that usually boils down to who you are lucky enough to work with.

If you comlex score is weak, I don't know how weak it is, you should definately apply to more programs, or get set to improve your app for the next year. Take the USMLE step 1 and 2, if you do well enough you could land a great program next year. If you want to have a better shot this year do a serious eval of your comlex score and apply to more programs accordingly.

 

[NYGasGirl]

What programs should I add to my list. I already apply for about 50 programs out of 132 programs....I avoid most big names programs...and don't know which one I should add..please post if you have any suggestion.
Thanks

 

[UTSouthwestern]

Texas Tech-El Paso as last possible resort.

 

[diesel]

NYGasGirl,

If you don't mind what was your comlex score?

 

[DOMD]

I agree with CaligirlDO. Because anthesthesiology is becoming more competitive, the only way programs can weed out people objectively is through board scores. I think 50 programs is a lot of programs unfortunately I don't know too much about your situation except for your low board score. Do you think your LoRs will be good? Dean's letter? I would talk to the gas residency director in your program and tell him your situation and if there are any programs he would recommend that are "less competitive" for you. I would also look at the graduate medical education book (I think it's green and your dean's office should have one) and find smaller programs (4-6) and apply to them. In general, smaller programs tend to be less competitive than larger size programs. Good luck.


DOMD

 

[NYGasGirl]

I'm in the 2-30 percentile, I got 450.

 

[diesel]

I got a 537, 69% percentile, and no invites yet.

 

[CaliGirlDO]

Again, as usual, I disagree with Naeblis. Granted the board score is the only truly standardized and objective thing in your file, but from the MDA's and PD's that I HAVE spoken to ( I'm sure Naeblis hasn't talked to every single one in the country)... they really would rather see a well-rounded applicant and some people can see through the fact that ONE score does not define in totality every applicant.

I'm evidence of that. I got my fair share of interviews with a weak COMLEX score (but above what NYgasgirl got) but the rest of my application was pretty strong in all aspects.

In addition, last year programs specifically told me they wait for the dean's letters to arrive because it gives them evidence of class ranking which is another objective piece of info. SO...this is why all of you applicants shouldn't rush into a state of panic and paranoia just yet.