Two questions about ERAs...

[Lord_Vader]

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1. I'm applying to Medicine and Med-Peds. Is there any resource out there that gives advice on which programs to apply to and which ones to avoid? Besides SDN I haven't found anything.

2. What's the drawback of submitting the application on September 20th let's say instead of September 15th? I'm still waiting for one letter writer to upload and don't want to submit until everything is in.

Thanks!

 

[Donald Juan]

1. I'm applying to Medicine and Med-Peds. Is there any resource out there that gives advice on which programs to apply to and which ones to avoid? Besides SDN I haven't found anything.

2. What's the drawback of submitting the application on September 20th let's say instead of September 15th? I'm still waiting for one letter writer to upload and don't want to submit until everything is in.

Thanks!

You should submit September 15th. It's expected, and I've heard of some program directors looking down upon not being done on time. It's ok if you don't have a letter by the 20th, they might not even really consider your letters until the time of interview. It's very common for people to still have letters and board scores trickling in during the application process.

As far as where to apply, it depends on what you want. Is location important...do you have a region of the country you prefer, or do you have to be in a city/country/by the beach/in the mountains? You planning on doing a fellowship? Do you want a community program or academic program? How competitive are you...are big names a waste of money for you to apply to? Do you even care about that? As far as trying to figure out if a program is malignant, you often just have to listen to what you hear through the grapevine, which you always have to take with a grain of salt.

 

[justin1390]

Man for me, location was everything. I wanted back to the great NW. You need to decide what YOU want personally first. Check board pass rates, Google the program (other forums exist), look to see if there are missing residents or unfilled spots. For me, when I was done at work I wanted to live in a place I would love. 🙂

Definitely submit early. Those interview offers come in quick! Letters can be downloaded by the program a day or so before you interview, so just get that application in. It would suck to miss out on a great interview in a great spot because they already gave out and filled their interview spots.