What Makes You Competitive for Child Psych?

[PassionForever]

Is it Step 3? Good connections? Blind luck in applying? Thanks for any help!

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[Shikima]

Applying and showing up for the interview?

 

[ChildPsychiatrist]

Breathing is a good first step

 

[MedMan80]

Bingo..i'd add not needing a visa to one of the requirements

 

[SmallBird]

Bingo..i'd add not needing a visa to one of the requirements

That's ridiculous. At fellowship level if you've been on a visa before, continuing to need one will not count against you. I needed a visa, as did a close friend of mine, and we got interviews everywhere we applied including the most competitive programs.

 

[PassionForever]

It can't be that easy. Do board scores matter? Something?

 

[SmallBird]

It can't be that easy. Do board scores matter? Something?

Given that there are fewer applicants than positions, and people tend to stay in their geographical area, it is much less competitive than the residency match. The most important things that will likely ensure you get all the best interviews and match at your first choice may include 1) The place you did your residency, 2) Any AACAP involvement (such as attending, or having gotten a travel award which isn't difficult), 3) Any scholarship/research/writing in child psych, 4) letters of recommendation from child psychiatrists. Board scores don't matter as far as I can tell.