To Apply or Not to apply?

[TheElement]

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Hi everyone, I'm currently a MS4 who had been planning on applying for a pediatric residency this fall. However, I've been having second thoughts as of late. I'm trying to schedule an anesthesiology elective for next month in lieu of my pediatric elective, and if I enjoy it, follow it up with another month. I have my letters (IM, FM, PICU, gen peds) and feel like I can apply in time this fall. However, my grades have been mediocre (3rd or bottom quartile of class - no bad comments, no prof issues), no research, few EC's. My only saving grace is I did well on my Step 1 (250's). Would I have a decent chance of matching if I applied this cycle this rushed? I'm going to ask my advisors and dean as well, but I wanted to see what everyone thought as well.

 

[partydoc]

Hi everyone, I'm currently a MS4 who had been planning on applying for a pediatric residency this fall. However, I've been having second thoughts as of late. I'm trying to schedule an anesthesiology elective for next month in lieu of my pediatric elective, and if I enjoy it, follow it up with another month. I have my letters (IM, FM, PICU, gen peds) and feel like I can apply in time this fall. However, my grades have been mediocre (3rd or bottom quartile of class - no bad comments, no prof issues), no research, few EC's. My only saving grace is I did well on my Step 1 (250's). Would I have a decent chance of matching if I applied this cycle this rushed? I'm going to ask my advisors and dean as well, but I wanted to see what everyone thought as well.

Why not just apply and see what happens?

There are a lot of people that won't get their first anesthesia elective till Aug, so I don't think you will be too rushed.

 

[TheElement]

Just a quick followup question: how many programs does everyone think I should apply to? Currently I have 30

 

[medicineman12]

Why the switch from pediatrics?

 

[chessknt]

Depending on the caliber, 30 would be fine I think--the goal is to get 13-15 interviews. Just because you didn't build hospitals in Africa or publish in Science doesn't mean your application is bad, save your Step 1. Remember SDN does not accurately represent a large segment of applicants.