^^Thank you for that inspiring story. I had holes in my app that I could definitely improved upon, especially since now I know the whole application/matching process. I was really ignorant in terms of strategy and neglected some things on my app but now I feel like I know what to improve on. I'm confident if I apply again it would go way better just by doing the simple things (not neglecting to do the SVI while applying for EM, having a backup specialty, applying to even more places, not assuming new board scores would be assigned automatically--yeah, I messed up BIG time sigh). I ended up getting only two interviews and those were at places I did a sub-I at. Anyway, after these experiences I'm confident that I can make my application way better. I'm just unsure what to do with the gap year or if my school would let me delay graduation.
I have a question though. If I were to apply EM again, do I have to do much in terms of new things? For example, is it okay if I reuse my board scores and keep my SLOEs or should I try redoing those? I was thinking since I already have these things, I can actually apply super early now. I also would love to go into FM as well. What should I do in that regard? I'm pretty confident I have some preceptors who can give me a great letter. My board scores kinda mediocre for EM but competitive for FM.