What Do I Need to Do to Match?

[SoulinNeed]

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Hey, I'm a M2 who's about to become a M3 and start on the wards soon (haven't taken Step 1 yet), but I'm really interested in Anesthesia (the docs in it seem to be more of my kind of people). I'm just looking for advice on how to be competitive for matching. I know I need to score well on Step 1 (average score for matching anesthesiology is 230), but I'm not sure about everything else. I've completed a research project in the Anesthesia department, and done a few poster presentations, but it doesn't look like the project will publish. Outside of that, all it's taught me is that I really hate research. I'm also thinking about getting involved in the Anesthesia interest group in my school. However, my weaknesses are that my EC's are practically nonexistent (I have a few other personal commitments, and honestly, it takes so much time just to keep up with school, lol), and I NEED to match in Chicago. There are 7 programs there, and I honestly don't care which program I match into. I know it's early and it's hard to say anything without a Step 1 score, but any advice would be appreciated at this jittery (lol) period. Also, if it makes any difference, I'm at a "top 10" med school, but I'm not sure if that counts for anything.

 

[gratefulgas]

http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Charting-Outcomes-2014-Final.pdf

http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PD-Survey-Report-2014.pdf
http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PD-Survey-Report-2014.pdf

 

[IlDestriero]

If you are extremely geographically limiting yourself, you need to crush step 1 and schedule a couple anesthesia rotations at Chicago programs. That's all you can do. And of course kill the audition rotations.

 

[SoulinNeed]

If you are extremely geographically limiting yourself, you need to crush step 1 and schedule a couple anesthesia rotations at Chicago programs. That's all you can do. And of course kill the audition rotations.

Would I really need to crush Step 1 (and what score would that be?) if there are a few less competitive programs in Chicago, and there are 7 total programs? Thanks for the advice.

 

[scudrunner]

240+, why would you want to settle for the crappy Chicago programs? Aim high.

 

[Anesthesiaholic]

Would I really need to crush Step 1 (and what score would that be?) if there are a few less competitive programs in Chicago, and there are 7 total programs? Thanks for the advice.

Yes, you would REALLY need to crush step 1. Most people apply to 50 programs or more in the hopes of getting interview offers from 1/2 of them, but often hear back from a lot less. Generally people end up interviewing at 10-15 programs with that strategy. You, however, want to only apply to 7 which is a very risky strategy. It can be done, but you better have the kind of application that gets you invites from all 7 so your odds of matching are better than a coin flip.

 

[SoulinNeed]

240+, why would you want to settle for the crappy Chicago programs? Aim high.

I've got personal reasons for it.

 

[SoulinNeed]

Yes, you would REALLY need to crush step 1. Most people apply to 50 programs or more in the hopes of getting interview offers from 1/2 of them, but often hear back from a lot less. Generally people end up interviewing at 10-15 programs with that strategy. You, however, want to only apply to 7 which is a very risky strategy. It can be done, but you better have the kind of application that gets you invites from all 7 so your odds of matching are better than a coin flip.

Do people just generally not have geographic preferences when applying for residency? I thought that was more common. Of course, I'll apply to more than just these 7, but yeah, I understand your point. What can I do, though? It's circumstances. Does the competitiveness of these programs matter?

 

[SoulinNeed]

BTW, I'm unfamiliar with the application. Is there anywhere where you can make geographic preferences known, or explain personal connections to an area?

 

[MikeMerk-MtS]

Do as many away rotations as possible 🙂

 

[courtnes]

BTW, I'm unfamiliar with the application. Is there anywhere where you can make geographic preferences known, or explain personal connections to an area?

Your personal statement and interview.

And yes, we all have geographical preferences but generally all apply beyond them because the most important thing is to match - even if we have personal reasons. I applied to 30 programs, half in or close to my preferred area (a few hours' drive) and the other half in places that I'd like to live that are workable with some changes.

 

[IlDestriero]

Chicago is a desirable city, you will have a lot of competition, even at the weaker programs. The higher you score on the USMLE and better clinical grades you have the better. If I was a good student with options, I wouldn't want to train at any of the weak or malignant programs. That's the foundation for your career.
Be careful what you wish for.

 

[IlDestriero]

BTW, if your personal statement explains how important it is for you to remain in Chicago above all else, don't expect much love outside of that area. Why waste an interview on someone that will be unlikely to match.

 

[IkeBoy18]

BTW, if your personal statement explains how important it is for you to remain in Chicago above all else, don't expect much love outside of that area. Why waste an interview on someone that will be unlikely to match.

He could prepare a specific personal statement for Chicago area programs and others for the rest.

 

[SoulinNeed]

Your personal statement and interview.

And yes, we all have geographical preferences but generally all apply beyond them because the most important thing is to match - even if we have personal reasons. I applied to 30 programs, half in or close to my preferred area (a few hours' drive) and the other half in places that I'd like to live that are workable with some changes.

I would apply to as many programs as I needed to. It's just a strong preference.

Chicago is a desirable city, you will have a lot of competition, even at the weaker programs. The higher you score on the USMLE and better clinical grades you have the better. If I was a good student with options, I wouldn't want to train at any of the weak or malignant programs. That's the foundation for your career.
Be careful what you wish for.

I understand, but it's a strong personal reason. In an ideal world, I would go to the best program that I can, but we all have obligations that can get in the way. It's life. I was wondering about programs like Cook County, which gets most of its residents from Carib schools (no offense to them, but I've heard that it's not desirable), Advocate Illinois, which gets most of its residents from FMGs, and Rush, which also doesn't seem all that desirable for whatever reason. Do these programs also have stiff competition?

He could prepare a specific personal statement for Chicago area programs and others for the rest.

Can we actually do this? That would be great.

 

[ph8]

Chicago is a desirable city, you will have a lot of competition, even at the weaker programs. The higher you score on the USMLE and better clinical grades you have the better. If I was a good student with options, I wouldn't want to train at any of the weak or malignant programs. That's the foundation for your career.
Be careful what you wish for.

+1
OP, IlDestriero is droppin' solid advice for you here.

I would apply to as many programs as I needed to. It's just a strong preference.
........

He could prepare a specific personal statement for Chicago area programs and others for the rest.

Can we actually do this? That would be great.

Yes, you can designate a specific personal statement and specific letters of recommendation to each program in ERAS.

OP, I'd say it's time to focus on STEP 1 and then your M3 year.