Time to stop hiding my head in the sand...

[Back34]

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...and start thinking about my options if I don't match. Yes, statistically, I'm likely to match into my top 3, but on the outside chance that I match nowhere, what's the best move, outside of scrambling? Doing a prelim/transitional year has its advantages, but there's that funding issue with any prospective ER residency eating my final year's salary. What about getting an MBA in the interim? I know of several upperclassmen doing this, but what advantage would this be to me? Any thoughts? Thanks?

 

[EctopicFetus]

Seriously how many places did you interview at? I doubt more than 5-10 spots will be available this yr. What makes you think your wont match?

No other advice besides that getting a good MBA isnt super easy. You should do something related to your long term career goals...

 

[Back34]

Seriously how many places did you interview at? I doubt more than 5-10 spots will be available this yr. What makes you think your wont match?

No other advice besides that getting a good MBA isnt super easy. You should do something related to your long term career goals...

I'll be ranking 12 programs. Again, the odds are in my favor that I'll get into my top 3, but I'm a "expect the worst, hope for the best," type person

 

[mikecwru]

I'll be ranking 12 programs. Again, the odds are in my favor that I'll get into my top 3, but I'm a "expect the worst, hope for the best," type person

The worst case scenario I've seen in real life is a fairly bright guy going down 7-8 on his match list. Of course, this was rare, WTF? type instance.

You'll be fine. All the nervousness comes out in February and early March. It happens every year.

mike

 

[EctopicFetus]

Wow.. I dont mean to sound like an arrogant ass (I am an optomist) but I havent even considered not matching. I just kind of figured if I didnt I would scramble or take a yr off and reapply.

Back34, I think your boards are higher than mine.. and I know there is more to it than that but Im sure you will be fine. I hope I answered your Q before.

 

[DocBrown]

I agree with the general consensus here. Myself, I've ranked 10 programs, and had recieved about 15 interview offers. At this point, I don't think there's anything to worry about. I really don't think that it's possible NOT to match if you've ranked over 10 programs (unless they're all super-duper competitive places, and even then, I don't think it's possible to go unmatched).

I think the umatched folks are the ones who've ranked only 3 or 4 places.

Actually, I am planning an overseas trip during the match week (the only time my buddies can go). I may not even be around to find out if I matched.

Way I look at it, scrambling means likely ending up at a program where I wouldn't be happy. That being the case, I'd rather do something else than scramble and be miserable for 3 years. That's my mantra, though...