to people who have already had some great interviews...

[fang]

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I'm a 3rd-year interested in IM and have a few questions for people who have gone through the application process--

I'm at a decent, but not top 10, program. I'd consider leaving the area if I get into an exellent IM program, but I'd probably want to stay here if not. Does anyone who has gone through this process have a feeling for how competative top IM programs are? I just want a general idea-- I'll meet with advisors as well but it's nice to get some off-campus opinions. HEre's a fast summary-- I've got all honors so far except in 1 basic science class and OB (5 rotations left before sending in the application, and 3rd year being what it is I'm sure I'll have a few more near-honors in there somewhere). I've done some quality community service work, some interesting thigns before med school (one published paper and about 5 abstracts), 2 abstracts in med school, board score is 245. I think I'll have 1 or 2 letters from well-known people, but maybe not the most well-known at our school.

If you were me and wanted to try for some top programs, what should I focus on in the time I have left before subitting apps?

 

[coldfeet]

I'm a 3rd-year interested in IM and have a few questions for people who have gone through the application process--

I'm at a decent, but not top 10, program. I'd consider leaving the area if I get into an exellent IM program, but I'd probably want to stay here if not. Does anyone who has gone through this process have a feeling for how competative top IM programs are? I just want a general idea-- I'll meet with advisors as well but it's nice to get some off-campus opinions. HEre's a fast summary-- I've got all honors so far except in 1 basic science class and OB (5 rotations left before sending in the application, and 3rd year being what it is I'm sure I'll have a few more near-honors in there somewhere). I've done some quality community service work, some interesting thigns before med school (one published paper and about 5 abstracts), 2 abstracts in med school, board score is 245. I think I'll have 1 or 2 letters from well-known people, but maybe not the most well-known at our school.

If you were me and wanted to try for some top programs, what should I focus on in the time I have left before subitting apps?

You look like a strong candidate, certainly worthy of one of the top level programs. Internal medicine programs, more so than other residencies, seem to look at the big picture (i.e., pay attention to potential resident's character as much as their qualifications).

As far as how competitive the very elite IM programs are, they seem to be as competitive as any other specialty, if not more so--with the caveat that some other fields emphasize board scores more so than IM does. The folks who end up at the most elite IM programs could probably have matched anywhere they wanted to in Derm, ENT, ortho, etc.

 

[BStein76]

I'm a 3rd-year interested in IM and have a few questions for people who have gone through the application process--

I'm at a decent, but not top 10, program. I'd consider leaving the area if I get into an exellent IM program, but I'd probably want to stay here if not. Does anyone who has gone through this process have a feeling for how competative top IM programs are? I just want a general idea-- I'll meet with advisors as well but it's nice to get some off-campus opinions. HEre's a fast summary-- I've got all honors so far except in 1 basic science class and OB (5 rotations left before sending in the application, and 3rd year being what it is I'm sure I'll have a few more near-honors in there somewhere). I've done some quality community service work, some interesting thigns before med school (one published paper and about 5 abstracts), 2 abstracts in med school, board score is 245. I think I'll have 1 or 2 letters from well-known people, but maybe not the most well-known at our school.

If you were me and wanted to try for some top programs, what should I focus on in the time I have left before subitting apps?

I had somewhat similar stats for the board, 3 publications, similar school reputation (school is in the South/Southeast). Probably top 1/3 of class based on Dean's letter. Your basic science grades sound better than mine and you can see my stats for my rotations in the interview stats thread. I got rejected at BWH, MGH, JHU and U Penn.

 

[PickyBicky]

I'm a 3rd-year interested in IM and have a few questions for people who have gone through the application process--

I'm at a decent, but not top 10, program. I'd consider leaving the area if I get into an exellent IM program, but I'd probably want to stay here if not. Does anyone who has gone through this process have a feeling for how competative top IM programs are? I just want a general idea-- I'll meet with advisors as well but it's nice to get some off-campus opinions. HEre's a fast summary-- I've got all honors so far except in 1 basic science class and OB (5 rotations left before sending in the application, and 3rd year being what it is I'm sure I'll have a few more near-honors in there somewhere). I've done some quality community service work, some interesting thigns before med school (one published paper and about 5 abstracts), 2 abstracts in med school, board score is 245. I think I'll have 1 or 2 letters from well-known people, but maybe not the most well-known at our school.

If you were me and wanted to try for some top programs, what should I focus on in the time I have left before subitting apps?

Some on this board (my beloved BBB) have voiced concerns that the tippy-tops will snub you if you miss anything less than Honors/A in the MS3 medicine clerkship, even if you have honors/A in the SubI (in my opinion, way more important, but who am I), a unit month, medicine subspecialty months, etc. Just be aware if you haven't finished medicine yet.

Otherwise, your blurb looks pretty solid. Post-March 16th will be the best time to get a sense of what it takes to go where 'round these here boards.

Auditions can help (or hurt) to some extent, though probably less than in other specialties (I've heard it's almost required for the orthopods).


-PB

 

[Mumpu]

You can (should!) always try for the top programs -- adding a few more places to ERAS application is a piece of cake.

For the really top stuff, you will likely need AoA and honors in IM to make the interview cut. You should do well overall.

 

[DrHeartMD]

i found that in getting interviews, school reputation helps a lot. Still I echo everything everyone is saying on here. If you have the grades, and the boards and the pubs (all of which u do) you will do well. With that said, there were awesome people that I remember getting turned down by the big 3/4 (mgh bwh jhu and ucsf)...so the best way to look at it is, you did awesome, just put out the apps and you should get some VERY solid interviews...good luck

 

[DrNick2006]

For IM the most important thing is your third year performance and subsequent LOR's. Honors in Medicine is a must, and Honors in others are important as well. AOA is Huge for the TOP 5 places, and some would prob. like to see some research. Basically, for the rest of 3rd year work your ass off at honoring everything and maybe getting AOA, that will be the best way to "buff" your application.