those of you who got 90+ step scores and didn't match... why?

[Dr McSteamy]

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whether you're a US student or IMG, if you got these scores, why didn't you match?

did you not apply broadly enough? didn't want to do residency in the boonies?
specialty too competitive?

didn't apply to family medicine as backup?

 

[lapooh]

whether you're a US student or IMG, if you got these scores, why didn't you match?

did you not apply broadly enough? didn't want to do residency in the boonies?
specialty too competitive?

didn't apply to family medicine as backup?

I ll start. IMG. Basically, applied to too small a number of programs. Of course, when you dont match, you can always think of hundreds of other things you wish you had done differently.

Apply to and rank as many places as you can

 

[medsRus]

I ll start. IMG. Basically, applied to too small a number of programs. Of course, when you dont match, you can always think of hundreds of other things you wish you had done differently.

Apply to and rank as many places as you can

How many places is good? Also, how many interviews? Thanks!

 

[mcl]

How many places is good? Also, how many interviews? Thanks!

These are the guidelines we give our students:

Upper 1/3rd -- Apply to a minimum of 15 programs (5-7 highly competitive, 5-7 moderately competitive, 1-2 less competitive), Interview at a minimum of 7-8, Rank at least 7

Middle 1/3rd -- Apply to 15-20 programs (4-5 highly competitive, 7-10 moderately competitive, 4-5 less competitive), Interview at a minimum of 10 programs, Rank at least 8-9

Lower 1/3rd -- Apply to 20-25 programs (10-15 moderately competitive, 10 less competitive), Interview with a minimum of 10-12 programs, Rank at least 10

Couples Matches should increase the suggested numbers by 3-5, depending on the relative competitiveness of your partner's specialty and class rank.

This is for a moderately competitive specialty--if you are going for something highly competitive, the numbers should increase a bit to be safe.

 

[medsRus]

These are the guidelines we give our students:

Upper 1/3rd -- Apply to a minimum of 15 programs (5-7 highly competitive, 5-7 moderately competitive, 1-2 less competitive), Interview at a minimum of 7-8, Rank at least 7

Middle 1/3rd -- Apply to 15-20 programs (4-5 highly competitive, 7-10 moderately competitive, 4-5 less competitive), Interview at a minimum of 10 programs, Rank at least 8-9

Lower 1/3rd -- Apply to 20-25 programs (10-15 moderately competitive, 10 less competitive), Interview with a minimum of 10-12 programs, Rank at least 10

Couples Matches should increase the suggested numbers by 3-5, depending on the relative competitiveness of your partner's specialty and class rank.

This is for a moderately competitive specialty--if you are going for something highly competitive, the numbers should increase a bit to be safe.

Thanks mcl. Do these apply to IMGs too?

 

[RxnMan]

How many places is good? Also, how many interviews? Thanks!

For those interested in EM, I conducted a survey of applicants that answered these questions. A link to the results is in my signature. Also take a look at the NRMP charting outcomes data for the magic number for your speciality (# of interviews needed to have a >95% chance of matching).

 

[mcl]

Thanks mcl. Do these apply to IMGs too?

These recommendations were made for our medical school's students. I'd use at least the Couple's Match recommendations if I were applying as an IMG, and probably even increase it from that level if I were an IMG who had little recent clinical experience.

 

[medsRus]

These recommendations were made for our medical school's students. I'd use at least the Couple's Match recommendations if I were applying as an IMG, and probably even increase it from that level if I were an IMG who had little recent clinical experience.

Got it. Thanks. Now, I am applying to advanced programs, so I need to secure prelim. IM or TY residencies. Should I apply to just as many of those than to my advanced spots, or less since they are less competitive (which I don't know is true)? Thanks.

 

[lapooh]

How many places is good? Also, how many interviews? Thanks!

I dont think there is a standard safe number of programs. Depends on specialty, med school, citizenship, scores, etc etc. I think most of my friends who matched got interviews from 20, went on 15 , and ranked about 12-15. I dont know if that many is "required". I am talking about visa-requiring IMGs here, for IM.

You have to gauge your own competitiveness and goals

I applied to 5, interviewed at 3 , ranked 3.😛

 

[Dr McSteamy]

then you guys should spend a few thousand dollars more on application fees just to be safe.

 

[multiplemyeloma]

thought I'd chime in. I scored 99 on both exams and didn't match last year! Applied to more than 80 programs. 😀(encouraging,huh). I am an IMG and english is my first language...(sigh)

 

[medsRus]

thought I'd chime in. I scored 99 on both exams and didn't match last year! Applied to more than 80 programs. 😀(encouraging,huh). I am an IMG and english is my first language...(sigh)

Sorry to hear that. What field(s) did you apply to? What are you doing in the meanwhile until next match season? Did you secure interviews? Did you go to a recognized medical school?

 

[lapooh]

thought I'd chime in. I scored 99 on both exams and didn't match last year! Applied to more than 80 programs. 😀(encouraging,huh). I am an IMG and english is my first language...(sigh)

MM, Sorry to hear that. This sounds weird, but it is kind of comforting to hear of someone in the same boat. Did you figure out what might have gone wrong in your case ?

 

[multiplemyeloma]

I think there were a few reasons why I didn't match:
1. I was not ECFMG certified, even on Mar 1.
2.hence, I didn't take step 3.
3. I had no US recommendation letters or experience.

So what I did for a year was research volunteer work at a big university and a one month observership/clerkship at a private lab. I applied only for pathology, that is the only thing I want to do.

Come to think of it, I did get 5 interviews last year, all at university programs but I think my communication skills and perhaps, my appearance didn't work in my favor. Best of Luck to everyone this match.

 

[medsRus]

I think there were a few reasons why I didn't match:
1. I was not ECFMG certified, even on Mar 1.
2.hence, I didn't take step 3.
3. I had no US recommendation letters or experience.

So what I did for a year was research volunteer work at a big university and a one month observership/clerkship at a private lab. I applied only for pathology, that is the only thing I want to do.

Come to think of it, I did get 5 interviews last year, all at university programs but I think my communication skills and perhaps, my appearance didn't work in my favor. Best of Luck to everyone this match.

Very strange that for a US-IMG with excellent scores to only secure 5 IVs out of 80 programs, in pathology that is... and not match based on these three reasons.

 

[rox]

The lack of certification was probably his/her biggest killer. Good luck on the next match.

 

[medsRus]

The lack of certification was probably his/her biggest killer. Good luck on the next match.

Most guys from Ross St george are without cert. They get positions... Just need before residency start.

 

[RussianJoo]

I think poor communication skills and appearance was the proverbial nail in the coffin. residencies want their residents to be able to communicate and have a personality... but then again maybe not in pathology, there are some very weird people in that field to say the least. Also not having any US clinical experience and not having US LORs is a huge factor as well... Program directors trust only opinions of their fellow US collegeagues.

and like mentioned above 99.9% of those that match from the top4 carib schools match before getting their ECFMG certs and take their step3 during their residency.