Sending residency app off-cycle: LORs

[toothless rufus]

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So was reading the resident swap article about applying for unadvertised off-cycle openings (IOW shotgun sending of app to all programs in case they have an unadvertised or possible future opening so they know you are available and have your supporting documents handy) and it recommends sending your LORs. Have also seen LOR requests on advertised openings.

Was wondering how to accomplish this feat? Do you tell them the LORs are available through ERAS, and send them if requested? Seems like it would be better if they were immediately available.

Or do you contact your letter writers and ask them to send them to the programs? That seems unlikely/cumbersome.

Or do you request personal copies of your LORs for your own use? Wouldn't that diminish their importance if they know that you have seen them?

Also, should you include your personal statement? How would you send information on coursework? Can you get a personal copy of the MSPE or do you just get a transcript of your coursework?

If there are no unadvertised spots, and one were to end up reapplying next cycle to these same programs, could this shotgun technique effect your app or their perception of you as a candidate?

Finally, is this article giving sound advice regarding sending out apps in this manner?

 

[peppy]

I'm not an expert on this issue, but since nobody else has come forward, I'll give my two cents. When I was in the initial scramble my school sent me copies of my letters without me even asking for them, so I think the rules are kind of different for out of the match spots.
I could see it potentially being a risk that a program might be annoyed at the shotgun approach so if you have the patience for it, it might be worth it to make a list and spend some time calling programs to ask about openings. I know that would be a pretty big project, but maybe if you could get your wife or some other friends to help out it could be done in a few hours.
Hope something works out for you soon!

 

[toothless rufus]

I'm not an expert on this issue, but since nobody else has come forward, I'll give my two cents. When I was in the initial scramble my school sent me copies of my letters without me even asking for them, so I think the rules are kind of different for out of the match spots.
I could see it potentially being a risk that a program might be annoyed at the shotgun approach so if you have the patience for it, it might be worth it to make a list and spend some time calling programs to ask about openings. I know that would be a pretty big project, but maybe if you could get your wife or some other friends to help out it could be done in a few hours.
Hope something works out for you soon!

Yeah I think you're right. It would be probably annoying to just send out applications and it might be a better idea to just call and ask about openings. Thanks

 

[peppy]

If they say they don't have openings, maybe then you can offer to send your app for them to have on file if they do need to fill a spot. I imagine that might be better received.