SOAP chances

[zhivago7]

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Hello,
I have 2 questions I hope you can help me with:
1- What are the chances as an IMG applying for rads of getting an IM preliminary position in the SOAP if I have scores above 250 on step 1 and 2 plus US clinical exp?
2- Let us say I match in radiology, are programs more likely to consider my application for IM spot?

Thank you

 

[NotAProgDirector]

1. Hard to say. Did you apply for prelim positions via the match? If you didn't get interviews that way, then I'd be concerned that the same thing will happen in SOAP. If you didn't apply for prelim positions, that wasn't a very good plan, but perhaps you have your reasons. In that case, your chances would be reasonable.

But, no worries. In rads, you can do your prelim year in surgery. Those are much easier to get, and with those credentials would be almost certain.

2. Yes. Having a PGY-2 already set up makes you a stronger candidate. No need for interview time, no need to help figure out what comes next, etc.

 

[zhivago7]

1. Hard to say. Did you apply for prelim positions via the match? If you didn't get interviews that way, then I'd be concerned that the same thing will happen in SOAP. If you didn't apply for prelim positions, that wasn't a very good plan, but perhaps you have your reasons. In that case, your chances would be reasonable.

But, no worries. In rads, you can do your prelim year in surgery. Those are much easier to get, and with those credentials would be almost certain.

2. Yes. Having a PGY-2 already set up makes you a stronger candidate. No need for interview time, no need to help figure out what comes next, etc.

well I have applied late for prelim for personal reasons (end of october) and only for 40 programs.
If I get into the soap, do you think that I should apply to some surgery prelim programs in the first round? (around 20 IM and 10 surgery)
thank you!

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I would absolutely apply for some surgical spots in the first round. The good ones will go quickly. Remember that in SOAP, you can get multiple offers. You do not submit rank lists. So you might get 4 offers from Surgery programs and 2 from IM programs, and then you choose the one you want.