So about when do you start applying to residency programs???

[SnowTown]

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When you're about 1/3 done with fourth year? Different program probably vary, but what's the general time period? 😳

 

[Law2Doc]

When you're about 1/3 done with fourth year? Different program probably vary, but what's the general time period? 😳

ERAS usually officially opens on the first couple of days of September. Most people will want to have their app and PS ready to go within the first couple of weeks -- as there are some programs that start evaluating apps and deciding who to interview in that time frame. First interviews can be as early as the end of October -- the last interviews will wind up in the first week of February. Fourth year tends to start in June/July, right after 3rd year ends, so you probably have about two months of 4th year before ERAS opens, and another two months before your first interview.

 

[Droopy Snoopy]

ERAS usually officially opens on the first couple of days of September. Most people will want to have their app and PS ready to go within the first couple of weeks -- as there are some programs that start evaluating apps and deciding who to interview in that time frame. First interviews can be as early as the end of October -- the last interviews will wind up in the first week of February. Fourth year tends to start in June/July, right after 3rd year ends, so you probably have about two months of 4th year before ERAS opens, and another two months before your first interview.

Also, many people start scheduling away rotations in the spring of third year.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

ERAS usually officially opens on the first couple of days of September. Most people will want to have their app and PS ready to go within the first couple of weeks -- as there are some programs that start evaluating apps and deciding who to interview in that time frame. First interviews can be as early as the end of October -- the last interviews will wind up in the first week of February. Fourth year tends to start in June/July, right after 3rd year ends, so you probably have about two months of 4th year before ERAS opens, and another two months before your first interview.

Sort of - MyERAS opens in the summer (July?) and you can fill out your full application between then and september. It's good to start early b/c you have to track down transcripts, etc. from your school. You can then submit your app in the beginning of september, at which point the programs can download your application and start offering interviews.

Much like med school applications, there is little to no excuse for being late on your app.

 

[SammieMartin]

Also, many people start scheduling away rotations in the spring of third year.

That's exactly what I did 🙂

Just don't wait too long to schedule your rotations - try to be as early as possible

 

[JonnyWise]

I think it is a good idea to schedule away rotations in the spring of third year as mentioned. I am an MS3 and have already completed and sent in most of my away elective apps just this past week.

From calling the registrar's office my understanding is that once the home school students all make their schedule it is basically "first-come first-served" for the remaining spots. Though, a few schools did say that they "take into account third year grades" and one school I applied to wanted an official step 1 transcript. Who knows what they will do with that?!?

 

[JonnyG]

I think it is a good idea to schedule away rotations in the spring of third year as mentioned. I am an MS3 and have already completed and sent in most of my away elective apps just this past week.

From calling the registrar's office my understanding is that once the home school students all make their schedule it is basically "first-come first-served" for the remaining spots. Though, a few schools did say that they "take into account third year grades" and one school I applied to wanted an official step 1 transcript. Who knows what they will do with that?!?

Some places want their electives used by outside students to be only for those who could actually match into the specialty at their hospital. If they use step 1 as a cut off and you are below it they would rather evaluate someone else.

 

[RisingSun]

When you're about 1/3 done with fourth year? Different program probably vary, but what's the general time period? 😳

Some fields are early match - urology and optho, and I think that there are others but I'm not sure. You'd need to be applying/interviewing about a month or so earlier than through the regular match.

I honestly don't know how people know enough about either of these fields to be ready to confidently decide on them and apply by the beginning of fourth year.

 

[Droopy Snoopy]

Some fields are early match - urology and optho, and I think that there are others but I'm not sure.

I think integrated plastics is the only other one. Also until recently both neurology and neurosurgery were early match, and some of their programs still have significantly earlier deadlines than regular match specialties.

 

[SnowTown]

so that gives you time to fit in around 3 electives before you submit your applications... what if you're one of those people that want to explore a bunch of fields and see what fits best?

 

[Rzarecta]

I think integrated plastics is the only other one. Also until recently both neurology and neurosurgery were early match, and some of their programs still have significantly earlier deadlines than regular match specialties.

Pediatric neurology is early match (the neurology component).