Starting date vs match date

[zdbsy]

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If I start in May 2014, when will be the earliest date that I get matched? Is it the same with the matching date if I start in Sep 2014, both are the 2018 pool?

 

[bedevilled ben]

Yep, pretty much. There's really not an effective way to finish early if that's what you're groping for. If you start in Jan 2014, you're still going to take the Step 1 in Spring/Summer 2016. The only advantage is that you get a few extra weeks to study for the Step 1. I think it's debatable whether that's an advantage or not. There are a select few programs from SGU that will allow you to start clinicals early if you take the Step in Dec 2016/Jan of 2017 but those programs are few and far between and it's not a safe bet to bank on them. I'm not sure about programs from other schools, you should inquire specifically about them when you apply. I'm not sure if I'm clear on the dates you're asking about, though. For SGU, May 2014 start is the same as a Sep 2014 start I think.

 

[Skip Intro]

Depending on when you finish and get your ECFMG certification done, you may have an opportunity to get a spot outside of the Match. The "all in" policy is not without its loopholes.

-Skip

 

[597622]

I wasn't sure where to post this issue, but it is related to what everyone above was discussing. My dilemma is which match to apply for. I graduate May 2015. The question is whether to apply for 2015 match or 2016 match. The issue is many, many programs in general surgery (and I'm sure other specialties) list "ECFMG certificate" as a requirement to apply. This seems nuts to me because that means someone has to be AT LEAST 1 year out of school because if the match is in March, and you graduate in May/June how can you have your ECFM certificate ready the previous September for ERAS if you need your diploma to get the certificate?
What I'm asking is do programs that list this as a requirement also consider having all the exams for ECFMG certification and a graduation date before July 1, an equivalent to the actual piece of paper that says you are ECFM certified? I just don't want to apply the fall before I graduate and basically be thrown out of PD's searches based on the fact that my ECFM certification is "pending" because I haven't yet graduated (neither has all of the US students who apply each fall in their 4th year).

 

[Skip Intro]

I wasn't sure where to post this issue, but it is related to what everyone above was discussing. My dilemma is which match to apply for. I graduate May 2015. The question is whether to apply for 2015 match or 2016 match. The issue is many, many programs in general surgery (and I'm sure other specialties) list "ECFMG certificate" as a requirement to apply. This seems nuts to me because that means someone has to be AT LEAST 1 year out of school because if the match is in March, and you graduate in May/June how can you have your ECFM certificate ready the previous September for ERAS if you need your diploma to get the certificate?
What I'm asking is do programs that list this as a requirement also consider having all the exams for ECFMG certification and a graduation date before July 1, an equivalent to the actual piece of paper that says you are ECFM certified? I just don't want to apply the fall before I graduate and basically be thrown out of PD's searches based on the fact that my ECFM certification is "pending" because I haven't yet graduated (neither has all of the US students who apply each fall in their 4th year).

Not a problem.

You have to enroll in the ECFMG process to even begin to take the Steps. Once you are enrolled and you graduate, you get your certification after passing all the tests required, Step 1, Step 2-CK, and Step 2-CS. You do not have to pass Step 3 to get your certification. Programs know this and you will not be disqualified from being in your graduating year's Match.

It's all explained on the ECFMG website:

http://www.ecfmg.org/certification/index.html

-Skip