Too late for residency applications?

[wolfvgang22]

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Two questions:
I'm a 4th year US IMG entering the upcoming 2009 Match for psychiatry. I have a step 1 score of 234/98, and my step 2 scores should be back by October 15 at the latest (that would be 6 weeks post test). I have three letters of recommendation coming to add to my ERAS application, but those letters have yet to arrive. Ideally, I want to apply on Sept. 2 to programs, the first day allowed to apply. My questions regarding this are:

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1.) Would it be advisable to send my application to programs without the letters and step 2 scores and submit them to programs as they come in, or should I at least wait until the letters are scanned into ERAS to apply? and 2.) Is October 15 too late to apply to programs to secure an interview?
Thanks in advance for your help,
~W

 

[Doc Samson]

Two questions:
I'm a 4th year US IMG entering the upcoming 2009 Match for psychiatry. I have a step 1 score of 234/98, and my step 2 scores should be back by October 15 at the latest (that would be 6 weeks post test). I have three letters of recommendation coming to add to my ERAS application, but those letters have yet to arrive. Ideally, I want to apply on Sept. 2 to programs, the first day allowed to apply. My questions regarding this are:

​

1.) Would it be advisable to send my application to programs without the letters and step 2 scores and submit them to programs as they come in, or should I at least wait until the letters are scanned into ERAS to apply? and 2.) Is October 15 too late to apply to programs to secure an interview?
Thanks in advance for your help,
~W

My advice would be to deliberately submit with your step 2 scores pending. You have great step 1 scores, programs will have no worries about your test-taking ability, why take the risk of a lower score being a fly in the ointment? As for the letters, most programs won't even think about offering an interview until they have your dean's letter in hand, so you have some time to add the letters later.

 

[wolfvgang22]

My advice would be to deliberately submit with your step 2 scores pending. You have great step 1 scores, programs will have no worries about your test-taking ability, why take the risk of a lower score being a fly in the ointment? As for the letters, most programs won't even think about offering an interview until they have your dean's letter in hand, so you have some time to add the letters later.

Thanks for your reply Doc Samson! Who is that hulk guy anyway?

Anybody think that applying early in this case would be a mistake?

 

[atsai3]

Anybody think that applying early in this case would be a mistake?

I can think of no advantage to waiting to upload your CAF. It's not as if a program director will look at your CAF, think "ah, the Step 2 scores aren't there", and then forever pass on your application.

Best case, you get an interview based on your CAF alone.

Worst case, the program director thinks "this looks like a marginal candidate, maybe I should wait until the Step 2 scores are in" and then downloads your Step 2 scores when they do arrive.

Cheers
-AT.

 

[wolfvgang22]

Thank you both. I shall apply ASAP.