Tried looking around to see if this has been addressed. Only heard from a couple of programs, starting to be a little concerned. Do programs usually send a rejection? Or if you haven't heard from them by the beginning of nov do you just start assuming you won't?
When to start worrying
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that's nice when people who already have multiple interviews post links that don't necessarily apply to the situation at hand.
To the OP, I'm in the same boat. I'm still waiting on 2 LORs, so I'm hoping that's what's holding me back. I also think that we should hear from more programs once the MSPE goes out, but it is scaring me to see that a lot of people have already been getting many interviews, from all levels of EM programs...I'm assuming those people are the more competitive applicants?
As October progresses, every day that passes in eras message silence freaks me out a little bit more. I'm thinking that, if I don't receive a significant number of interviews in the first week of Nov, I'm going to have to do some emailing/calling...bah.
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No need to be snarky.
Very similar question. The other thread discussed when rejections come out versus early interviews and when you should or shouldn't be worrying.
And that thread had already dumped to the next page. Thought it might help the applicant while they wait for other answers.
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There's a thread on this every year.
You're probably fine. I think you can start worrying in 2 weeks.
You're probably fine. I think you can start worrying in 2 weeks.
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Definately no need to worry until the MSPE has been released for a few days and reviewed by programs. I know my home program does not offer interviews until after the MSPE is uploaded and I am certain it isn't the only one. Many other programs are just stingy with interviews until the MSPE comes out, but once they see that you haven't had professionalism issues, etc., and the MSPE is WNL, boom, interview. GL
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I can definitely sympathize as I was in the same boat not that long ago and still freaking out a bit.
But I agree that it's probably best not to worry too much until MSPEs have come out and the programs have had a chance to review them.
But I agree that it's probably best not to worry too much until MSPEs have come out and the programs have had a chance to review them.
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I think you should not worry for the next two weeks like everyone else already said. Probably all the programs you didn't hear from yet are waiting for your MSPE before deciding if they're going to invite you. If you read last year's rejections and invites threads, it looks like programs will start sending out a lot of invites and also rejections in two weeks after they have our MSPEs. Also, if you read last year's interview thread, people were still getting invites all the way through late December. So you can't assume that if you don't hear from the program by early November that they aren't going to ever invite you. Good luck, I hope you get some more invites.
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It is absolutely unnecessary to be snarky when you are asking for other people's opinions. Not to mention, this is a small community. Often times people post links because they know where these questions have been answered and you should read through them. They have probably already read the entire thread, went and searched for it and took the time to post it on the board..... if they weren't trying to help, they would have just ignored the post and moved on.🙂
As to the OP and other questions, ERAS opens Sept 1st. Programs start reading apps anywhere from middle of sept on. Some wait until the Dean's list comes out (Nov1) and don't offer any before them. Others wait for SLOR's. Others have different screening criteria. Keep in mind, programs (aka usually somewhere between 1-3 people reviewing applications) are run by people, who are reading your application. We have 3 people reviewing all the applications.... So far slightly over 600. And we read through ALL of them.
It takes time. And if SLORs aren't there, or maybe the dean's letter is needed, then it takes time and your file might be reviewed later.
I wouldn't worry until about 2-3 weeks after Nov 1st.
Good luck
Uh, it seems that I have to defend myself. If anyone had bothered to read the thread that alwaysaangel had posted, you'd see that the question was not at all answered in that thread. The OP there had posted about not getting interviews..and all that thread says is "it's early"
While links CAN BE helpful, that is not the case when the link does not lead to any answers. I am certain that the OP saw that thread, as it was only posted 2 weeks earlier and also noticed that his/her question was not answered. Even moreso, the OP on that one then got multiple interview invites 2 days later, while this I, the OP, and likely many others are still waiting to hear from most programs. There is a difference, esp in terms of mental stress, between Oct 4th and Oct 18th.
So I was not being snarky, I was simply stating that the link was irrelevant and alwaysaangel, while perhaps trying to be helpful, had not actually read that thread, likely because she had little interest in it as it does not pertain to her own situation. The real helpful posts came from the subsequent responses. Do not confuse snark with frustration. And don't confuse posting a link with providing helpful information.
That being said, I wish the OP luck. Sorry I tried to commiserate and actually answer the question at hand. I have been advised to not worry until 1) My application is complete and 2) MSPEs are out for a few days. Thereafter, if there are certain programs you are really interested in and you haven't heard from them, I have been told you can try to contact the program coordinator and/or director. Often, just ties to the program's location can make a difference between them providing interviews. If you have any connections, I'd obviously advise using those, as that has helped me with attaining a couple interviews.
While links CAN BE helpful, that is not the case when the link does not lead to any answers. I am certain that the OP saw that thread, as it was only posted 2 weeks earlier and also noticed that his/her question was not answered. Even moreso, the OP on that one then got multiple interview invites 2 days later, while this I, the OP, and likely many others are still waiting to hear from most programs. There is a difference, esp in terms of mental stress, between Oct 4th and Oct 18th.
So I was not being snarky, I was simply stating that the link was irrelevant and alwaysaangel, while perhaps trying to be helpful, had not actually read that thread, likely because she had little interest in it as it does not pertain to her own situation. The real helpful posts came from the subsequent responses. Do not confuse snark with frustration. And don't confuse posting a link with providing helpful information.
That being said, I wish the OP luck. Sorry I tried to commiserate and actually answer the question at hand. I have been advised to not worry until 1) My application is complete and 2) MSPEs are out for a few days. Thereafter, if there are certain programs you are really interested in and you haven't heard from them, I have been told you can try to contact the program coordinator and/or director. Often, just ties to the program's location can make a difference between them providing interviews. If you have any connections, I'd obviously advise using those, as that has helped me with attaining a couple interviews.
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Wow...you're already behind, and getting further. The OP stated "only heard from a few programs", and the linked thread talks about someone who hasn't heard from any programs. Trust me, the linked thread is not too difficult or long to read, and your statement that someone else had not read it is not credible. Moreover, your conclusion that a person's response is not relevant because it is not personally applicable is logically unfounded.
If you, so far, do not have any interviews (or now, only a few), and, if the manner you write is consistent with your personality (concrete thinking, hubris, inflexibility), perhaps the issue lies with you, and not an influx of applications. Perhaps being a bit collegial might assist you, instead of stating that 1. others are affirmatively wrong and, at the same time, 2. you have affirmatively answered the question, and appearing abrasive and individualistic.
You do not appear to be commiserating. I am going to go out on a limb here and tell you that roja is an assistant program director. She sees a LOT of applications (and I've seen the list of residents she's training - I was shocked - SHOCKED, I tell you - as to how academically strong and diverse they are), and she knows about which she speaks.
And you can add me to the list of people that feel that the linked thread DOES relate substantially to the OP. The linked thread was about a person with zero interviews. This OP was wondering when one should worry (presumably because the OP had few interviews - which is more than zero). That's a parallel. The statement was "wait for the MSPE" - that is good advice. To call and email, asking for an interview? That is NOT good advice. Given the way you write here, I would believe it is unlikely that you are smooth and diplomatic enough to slide into a spot at multiple programs.
So, if you respond to me in the same manner as you have to roja and alwaysaangel, it will then be emblematic of you; recall your psych rotation - "if you think everyone else has the problem, YOU have the problem". Show an iota of insight.
okkayy. i didn't realize that this was a time for multiple personal attacks on me. i won't even respond to those because those too are irrelevant and it makes me wonder if you are trolling.
i simply said alwaysaangel posted a link and in doing so, i'm sure she was trying to be helpful, but in the end, the link did not answer any questions. therefore, it does not help the OP. obviously the question in that thread was pretty much the same, but no one actually answered the question in that thread.
regarding rojas, I didn't say anything negative about her. i simply said that the beginning of the post made me feel like I needed to defend my earlier comment. everything else that was in her post was obviously good advice. i'm not sure what made you, apollyon, think that i had disagreed with ANY of what she had to say regarding the original question of "when to worry".
as for contacting program coordinators/directors, this is simply what was told to me by an EM chief resident and an assistant program director, both in different programs. if that is bad advice, then that is GOOD to know. or perhaps that is advice that pertains to my own situation. if you have better advice, PLEASE contribute! i'm not sure if you understand this, but ANY advice/answers/ideas would be VERY appreciated.
during this stressful time for those of us applying, perhaps you should not insult people. perhaps what others saw as snark was my own frustration (as I already stated). I am sorry that instead of 1) giving helpful advice or 2) showing compassion for those in a tough sitation, you felt a need to attack me from multiple angles (you don't know my personality at all, but your's isn't coming off very well either) and misinterpret my comments.
anyway, i'm done posting, thanks. this is not supposed to be a forum for condescending personal attacks.
and in the end, i apologize to alwaysaangel for displaying snark. while i still don't think the link you posted was relevant (and am likely jealous that you have a bazillion interviews), i did not intend to be rude. and to rojas, i obviously think all the advice you had was helpful. the goal of my post had just been to defend myself. main point: i should just have kept my mouth shut. and to apollyon, your own comments were completely inappropriate and somewhat nonsensical. even moreso, you didn't even bother to try to answer the OP's question. you came looking for a fight and i am not going to engage any further.
i simply said alwaysaangel posted a link and in doing so, i'm sure she was trying to be helpful, but in the end, the link did not answer any questions. therefore, it does not help the OP. obviously the question in that thread was pretty much the same, but no one actually answered the question in that thread.
regarding rojas, I didn't say anything negative about her. i simply said that the beginning of the post made me feel like I needed to defend my earlier comment. everything else that was in her post was obviously good advice. i'm not sure what made you, apollyon, think that i had disagreed with ANY of what she had to say regarding the original question of "when to worry".
as for contacting program coordinators/directors, this is simply what was told to me by an EM chief resident and an assistant program director, both in different programs. if that is bad advice, then that is GOOD to know. or perhaps that is advice that pertains to my own situation. if you have better advice, PLEASE contribute! i'm not sure if you understand this, but ANY advice/answers/ideas would be VERY appreciated.
during this stressful time for those of us applying, perhaps you should not insult people. perhaps what others saw as snark was my own frustration (as I already stated). I am sorry that instead of 1) giving helpful advice or 2) showing compassion for those in a tough sitation, you felt a need to attack me from multiple angles (you don't know my personality at all, but your's isn't coming off very well either) and misinterpret my comments.
anyway, i'm done posting, thanks. this is not supposed to be a forum for condescending personal attacks.
and in the end, i apologize to alwaysaangel for displaying snark. while i still don't think the link you posted was relevant (and am likely jealous that you have a bazillion interviews), i did not intend to be rude. and to rojas, i obviously think all the advice you had was helpful. the goal of my post had just been to defend myself. main point: i should just have kept my mouth shut. and to apollyon, your own comments were completely inappropriate and somewhat nonsensical. even moreso, you didn't even bother to try to answer the OP's question. you came looking for a fight and i am not going to engage any further.
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You don't have to defend yourself, no one is attacking you. What everyone is trying to tell you is just don't take things out on other people and try to chill a little. We are all frustrated about something concerning applications because it's a lot of stress for everyone involved, programs as well as applicants. But it's going to get better over the next few weeks after MSPEs go out and a bunch of invites go out. Plus, the people who are getting 20+ invites can't go on all of them, and they are already starting to withdraw from programs. So those invites will be given out to new people also. I'm sure you, the OP, and the OP of the thread alwaysaangel linked will feel a lot better in a couple of weeks once you get some more invites. Hang in there, and good luck.
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Wow, victim much? From where do you get the idea I'm "looking for a fight"? Is that your deal - drawing unsubstantiated conclusions?
Oh, and BTW, if I'm a troll, either I've been incredibly lucky, or incredibly crafty, to keep doing so for 8 years on SDN. However, you have 3 posts in this thread, and they are inflammatory and argumentative - which could be construed by a non-involved observer as...trolling.
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Wow. This thread changed so much since I last saw it...good grief.
I posted a link because the OPs initial sentence was: "Tried looking around to see if this has been addressed." It had been. Is there an answer? No. No one knows why a particular person isn't getting a lot of interviews. But was it addressed? Yes, and several people stated they were in the same boat and discussed possibilities and timelines. I thought it was exactly what the OP was looking for.
And as far as my two cents on why a given person might still be waiting. I think having the full 3 letters in makes a HUGE difference. I got like 3-4 interviews before my third letter got in. Then 2 weeks ago was uploaded. That week I got 3 invites on Friday, one on Sunday, one Monday, one Tuesday, one Wednesday and one Friday. Literally one almost every day for the entire week. From my experience I would say that being complete makes ALL the difference. (and to prevent the flame wars I'm not bragging I'm offering personal experience to make anyone who isn't complete yet feel better)
I posted a link because the OPs initial sentence was: "Tried looking around to see if this has been addressed." It had been. Is there an answer? No. No one knows why a particular person isn't getting a lot of interviews. But was it addressed? Yes, and several people stated they were in the same boat and discussed possibilities and timelines. I thought it was exactly what the OP was looking for.
And as far as my two cents on why a given person might still be waiting. I think having the full 3 letters in makes a HUGE difference. I got like 3-4 interviews before my third letter got in. Then 2 weeks ago was uploaded. That week I got 3 invites on Friday, one on Sunday, one Monday, one Tuesday, one Wednesday and one Friday. Literally one almost every day for the entire week. From my experience I would say that being complete makes ALL the difference. (and to prevent the flame wars I'm not bragging I'm offering personal experience to make anyone who isn't complete yet feel better)
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I am now officially very worried.
As background, my stats are 227/95 Step 1, 236/99 CK, CS pass.
I'm a FMG (went to a Carib school, am a Canadian)
So far I have only gotten 2 EM interviews (including the place I rotate at)
My application became 'complete' on Thursday of last week, as the one SLOR I got was finally uploaded (and d/l by programs by Friday). I have 3 other LORs (2 from IM, 1 from peds)
I am now starting to think my being a non-US citizen is having an effect? (I only applied to progs who were willing to sponsor a J1)
Obsessively checking my email every hour is not helping either...ha
As background, my stats are 227/95 Step 1, 236/99 CK, CS pass.
I'm a FMG (went to a Carib school, am a Canadian)
So far I have only gotten 2 EM interviews (including the place I rotate at)
My application became 'complete' on Thursday of last week, as the one SLOR I got was finally uploaded (and d/l by programs by Friday). I have 3 other LORs (2 from IM, 1 from peds)
I am now starting to think my being a non-US citizen is having an effect? (I only applied to progs who were willing to sponsor a J1)
Obsessively checking my email every hour is not helping either...ha
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Yes, you FMG status is going to affect you.
1) A lot of programs are going to wait for your MSPE and to have all their apps in before offering you an interview.
2) Did you check the application requirements where you applied? Some require 2 SLORs.
Wait until Nov 15th until you start freaking out, but the "Charting Outcomes" and stuff should have given you an idea of where you were/what to expect as an FMG in the first place and hopefully you applied accordingly.
Good luck.
D
deleted206819
alwaysaangel,
You bring up some good points. As a US-IMG from the Caribbean it's definitely much more difficult to get interviews and it behooves us to understand that we will be scrapping the bottom of the barrel for interviews so to speak. Charting Outcomes and the NRMP Program Director Survey do provide us with a level of expectation but it still is nervewracking to say the least.
Similar to Pablodiablo, I also have a few interviews but hope that the programs that have not yet responded have looked over my application, liked what they saw, and not rejected me outright. The only hope I have at this point is that they are waiting on the MSPE to make sure that I have application US clinical experience, was not a troublemaker, and performed adequately in relation to the class.
I think the most important thing for other IMGs is to apply to those programs that have accepted residents from your school or region.
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Not to sound antagonistic, but how come many of you guys didn't have all your applications and LORs in the first day possible for ERAS. I know it's difficult to get writers to stay on top of deadlines sometimes, but that's why you ask more people that necessary so you get the yield you want.
For all in the future, anything past getting everything in the first day is a needless risk in applying to residency, especially as an IMG.
All the best though in securing a spot
For all in the future, anything past getting everything in the first day is a needless risk in applying to residency, especially as an IMG.
All the best though in securing a spot
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Actually that is very good advice - which I followed to the extent that I could. I was not given any options in 3rd year (my 'elective' month was pre-chosen as FM). Hence, I could not do any EM rotations until September of this year. I got a SLOR writer as quickly as I could and had it sent to ERAS by October. All things considered, this was fast. Unfortunately, when I could rotate in EM was out of my control, and I took the first available month to gain experience in EM and obtain a SLOR.
Secondly, I did exactly what you said - I got 3 LORs (2 IM, 1 peds) sent and uploaded to ERAS before Sept 1st.
So all things considered, my application had everything ready for download on Sept 1st, EXCEPT the SLOR (which was out of my control).
I feel that there are quite a few others out there with a similar predicament.
Thank you for the well wishes. Unfortunately, this is massively nerve wracking. After working so hard to do well in all aspects of medical school/boards/getting excellent LORs, I would be extremely disappointed to not get beyond 2 EM interviews.
I had initially hoped for 10 EM interviews, but I have now realized this was probably a gross overestimation on my part. Heh, we all make mistakes
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how many places did you apply to? although it's a lot of money (but not quite the $200,000-300,000 you'd lose by delaying attending salary for a year), I'd check the box to every program possible. then i'd probably email programs in less desirable areas of the country (i.e. anywhere without a good city, ocean, or mountain)
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Just out of curiosity, how much does it affect you having your application completed on Sept. 1st? I ask because where I go there is no elective time in 3rd year. So my first opportunity to do an EM rotation is Aug. of 4th year, thus the fastest I could have 2 rotations done for 2 SLOR's is October.
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I'm officially in freak-out mode- the BF has only 3 interviews, one outside plus the ones from his home program and his away. He unfortunately has a crappy step I because he basically spent his 2 years running his school's EMS Education program at 40+ hours/week. This means he has great experience (and a decent step II), but it seems like a lot of places aren't convinced that makes up for it. Hoping Deans Letter next week makes a difference...
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If you can do August of 4th year, you'd easily be able to get two SLORs out of that month, which gets your foot in the door. With another EM rotation in Sept as an away, you could pick up another. I wouldn't worry about it at all.
D
deleted206819
I was able to get a July EM rotation but the program did not have the SLOR written and sent to ECFMG until late September/early October - they only provide a single departmental SLOR. My second EM rotation is now and ends effectively in November. I had my application completed on September 1st and uploaded with 2 non-EM LORs. As an IMG, there is only so much you can do to make yourself and your application stand out. The problems is finding, applying, and being approved for EM rotations and as an IMG it is difficult to say the least.
There are programs whose residents are from that state, medical school, and are for all intents and purposes IMG un-friendly. I think it makes sense to find those programs that have residents from your medical school or in my case from the Caribbean and apply to those without a doubt -- those have to be your core programs and anything outside of that is gravy.
But then again I don't know what I'm talking about.
There are programs whose residents are from that state, medical school, and are for all intents and purposes IMG un-friendly. I think it makes sense to find those programs that have residents from your medical school or in my case from the Caribbean and apply to those without a doubt -- those have to be your core programs and anything outside of that is gravy.
But then again I don't know what I'm talking about.
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You should still have been able to have SLORs written by individual EM docs
D
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Unfortunately, they wanted just a single departmental SLOR. I was able to get a LOR from one of the EM docs there though.
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I'm sorta maybe okay now on interviews, but I was panicky for a while. Sometimes life just sucks.
I asked 3 docs for SLOR letters in addition to my 4 departmentals. I rotated and got high passes in EM June (at non-residency), July, August, September but didn't get my first letter in until October 7.
One author changed jobs, one never answered his email, one went on two months medical leave.
Hard to make a good connection with individual docs when you never have more than two shifts working together, and new interns the priority. That's why we have departmental SLORs. That's why I have sympathy for people unable to get their ERAS complete by September 1st.
I asked 3 docs for SLOR letters in addition to my 4 departmentals. I rotated and got high passes in EM June (at non-residency), July, August, September but didn't get my first letter in until October 7.
One author changed jobs, one never answered his email, one went on two months medical leave.
Hard to make a good connection with individual docs when you never have more than two shifts working together, and new interns the priority. That's why we have departmental SLORs. That's why I have sympathy for people unable to get their ERAS complete by September 1st.
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I have a quick (not really at all) question. Im a long time observer, first time "poster"... I am an IMG applying to EM and am unsure about how to go about a specific issue. Now, first let me just say that I have only received 2 interviews from the places that I rotated at and I was tweaking a bit, but after reading this post I will attempt to stay calm until 11/15. Hopefully, I will get more interviews - Id like to think that I am a fairly competitive applicant.
So here is the deal. I originally applied on 9/8 w/o any EM letters because my school did not offer us an EM rotation third year. I submitted 4 other letters (IM/Peds/Surg/OBGYN) instead in the meantime, and I just received my first departmental SLOR from my September rotation and uploaded that to my account on 10/18 (and removed my Surg letter). I have not heard about any new interviews since then. I just completed a rotation at NYU-Bellvue today and requested a second departmental SLOR and an additional LOR from another author. I already submitted the request to ERAS and my Deans office so there is a space for this new SLOR in my ERAS it is just not in the post-office, and will not be there until ~11/15. Finally, on to my question.... I was wondering if I should just check the box for the NYU letter now, before it is physically in the system in order to let institutions know that I have another letter coming, or should I just wait for it to appear in the post-office and then check the box and send that letter (while removing my peds letter). Does this make sense? I want the institutions to know that I am getting another EM SLOR and my application is not complete even though I have 4 rec letters (EM, IM, PED, OBGYN). I would rather them not make any choices until they see this new SLOR because I think that it will be an excellent letter but it will not be there until the 15th.
Sorry this is long, complex, and extremely verbose, I am just unsure as to what to do, and looking for advice. Please help?! If you want more specifics or other details just message me. Thanks so much SDN
So here is the deal. I originally applied on 9/8 w/o any EM letters because my school did not offer us an EM rotation third year. I submitted 4 other letters (IM/Peds/Surg/OBGYN) instead in the meantime, and I just received my first departmental SLOR from my September rotation and uploaded that to my account on 10/18 (and removed my Surg letter). I have not heard about any new interviews since then. I just completed a rotation at NYU-Bellvue today and requested a second departmental SLOR and an additional LOR from another author. I already submitted the request to ERAS and my Deans office so there is a space for this new SLOR in my ERAS it is just not in the post-office, and will not be there until ~11/15. Finally, on to my question.... I was wondering if I should just check the box for the NYU letter now, before it is physically in the system in order to let institutions know that I have another letter coming, or should I just wait for it to appear in the post-office and then check the box and send that letter (while removing my peds letter). Does this make sense? I want the institutions to know that I am getting another EM SLOR and my application is not complete even though I have 4 rec letters (EM, IM, PED, OBGYN). I would rather them not make any choices until they see this new SLOR because I think that it will be an excellent letter but it will not be there until the 15th.
Sorry this is long, complex, and extremely verbose, I am just unsure as to what to do, and looking for advice. Please help?! If you want more specifics or other details just message me. Thanks so much SDN
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According to aPD in other threads checking a box to send a letter doesn't notify the program that a letter is coming. They just get it once its actually uploaded. So it makes no difference whether you check it now or later - they won't know its coming either way.
Good luck.
Thank you so much for the help alwaysaangel. My next question is as follows: Do you think it is worth it to email the residency directors of programs I applied to and let them know that I am still waiting on a second EM letter which should be in by ~11/15. Not an annoying, long email, just a one liner stating that I just completed an elective at Bellvue and I expect my SLOR to be in by 11/15... This way they know that my application is incomplete and they will not reject until said letter is received.... Because as stated before, I do indeed have 4 letters in - only 1 EM though, and I was going to unclick another letter (prob peds) once my second SLOR is uploaded. I just do not want programs to make any decisions thinking I will only have 1 SLOR in
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I clearly don't know the "right" answer since I'm just applying too, but I might email my very top couple of programs and let them know...I probably wouldn't email all the programs though so as not to be too annoying. Or you could email the program coordinator and tell him/her? Just my opinion though, obviously. good luck
I hope November goes awesome for you!I clearly don't know the "right" answer since I'm just applying too, but I might email my very top couple of programs and let them know...I probably wouldn't email all the programs though so as not to be too annoying. Or you could email the program coordinator and tell him/her? Just my opinion though, obviously. good luck
thanks for all of your help. im a bit confused as to your response, though. if i email every program 1 time just saying that i have a letter coming in on 11/15, its no less annoying if i email 1 program or them all because everyone is just receiving one email. maybe i am not getting it???
also what do u mean when you say email the coordinator? i think that is who i am going to email in the first place, is there an option to email somebody else that may be better?
thanks so much for your kind words EMrocks and always
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You're probably right about emailing all of them versus just a few being just as annoying...I guess what I mean is that if does end up being annoying, you have only annoyed a few of the programs and not all of them! Although I can't see how it would hurt you to send one brief, to-the-point email (like you said)- so that is probably what I would do if I were you. Maybe others have a different opinion?
In terms of who to email, in your first post you said you would email the residency directors, by which I thought you meant program directors. It might be better to email the program coordinators (meaning the administrative assistants for the programs), and they can alert the PDs if they feel it is appropriate, or add a little note to your file. That way, you're letting the program know without overwhelming the PD with small details that they may not want to know.
Sorry if my first post was confusing- I just took step 2 and am on a demanding rotation so I'm pretty exhausted! 🙂
Anyway, good luck and I truly hope it all works out for you!
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Hmmm, this thread seemed to have exploded in the last few days.
I will try and adress a few of the points that I have seen:
First, regarding what seemed to turn into a slight tiff over tone. (gattacca) I take very little seriously in an online posting. However, EM is a small community. (online EM even smaller). And it is very easy for tone and intent to get misconstrued and for things to then degenerate into everyone getting upset and defensive in online formats. Intended or not, your tone came off wrong to a few people. It happens. Its best to just apologize and move on.
As a general piece of advice for online communication/posting/etc: always keep in the back of your mind that your community sees what is going on and behave professionally. You do not want this to come back and bite you. Social networks etc can be powerful tools and be wonderful. They can also be very destructive if you don't maintain vigilant about your professionalism. (ex: I have been on here since I was a resident...) And try not to take anything as to personal of an attack. My point was simply to illustrate that, intended or not, your post was (hopefully) misinterpreted and that because this is a professional community, it is wiser not to make comments that might be inflammatory.
Regarding when to worry: Programs vary widely in how they review eras applications and when. Some do not even start reviewing apps until after Nov1st. Others start early and may invite those that fit thier criteria with the SLORs, board scores, transcripts and cv's. So, I wouldn't start worrying until about Nov15th.
We had over 600 applications and colleagues of mine in other programs are also dealing with such large volumes as well. It takes a significant amount of time to review all of these.
Regarding timing of application submission: The earlier you have it the better. I just reviewed a number of applications that still had no LORs, SLORs or transcripts. due to the high number of applications, some of these, regardless of how awesome, will likely be placed on a waitlist because spots will be filled. This is a common thing. The earlier the better.
Regarding FMG/IMG, EM is a very competitive field. It is very hard to get interviews, unfortunately. You need to apply WIDELY. Some places will screen you out completely (due to visa issues etc) and others will place you in a lower priority. Other places aren't as concerned. They key is to get your applications in asap. If you have uploaded new information (SLOR's) etc, then send an email to the program coordinator notifying them of updated files, that you are really interested and a polite: is there anything else I can do to help?
Two key FYI points:
1. Be exceptionally polite and non-problematic to the program coordinator. Many PC's have veto power in rank lists. Do not be obnoxious, do not be overtly demanding and do not pester.
2. Do NOT speak ill of any other programs, thinking this will endear you to another. It seems obvious but I have seen it happen enough and it doesn't bode well for the applicant doing this.
Try to breath! Its a long ardourous process but it does all work out in the end!!!
I will try and adress a few of the points that I have seen:
First, regarding what seemed to turn into a slight tiff over tone. (gattacca) I take very little seriously in an online posting. However, EM is a small community. (online EM even smaller). And it is very easy for tone and intent to get misconstrued and for things to then degenerate into everyone getting upset and defensive in online formats. Intended or not, your tone came off wrong to a few people. It happens. Its best to just apologize and move on.
As a general piece of advice for online communication/posting/etc: always keep in the back of your mind that your community sees what is going on and behave professionally. You do not want this to come back and bite you. Social networks etc can be powerful tools and be wonderful. They can also be very destructive if you don't maintain vigilant about your professionalism. (ex: I have been on here since I was a resident...) And try not to take anything as to personal of an attack. My point was simply to illustrate that, intended or not, your post was (hopefully) misinterpreted and that because this is a professional community, it is wiser not to make comments that might be inflammatory.
Regarding when to worry: Programs vary widely in how they review eras applications and when. Some do not even start reviewing apps until after Nov1st. Others start early and may invite those that fit thier criteria with the SLORs, board scores, transcripts and cv's. So, I wouldn't start worrying until about Nov15th.
We had over 600 applications and colleagues of mine in other programs are also dealing with such large volumes as well. It takes a significant amount of time to review all of these.
Regarding timing of application submission: The earlier you have it the better. I just reviewed a number of applications that still had no LORs, SLORs or transcripts. due to the high number of applications, some of these, regardless of how awesome, will likely be placed on a waitlist because spots will be filled. This is a common thing. The earlier the better.
Regarding FMG/IMG, EM is a very competitive field. It is very hard to get interviews, unfortunately. You need to apply WIDELY. Some places will screen you out completely (due to visa issues etc) and others will place you in a lower priority. Other places aren't as concerned. They key is to get your applications in asap. If you have uploaded new information (SLOR's) etc, then send an email to the program coordinator notifying them of updated files, that you are really interested and a polite: is there anything else I can do to help?
Two key FYI points:
1. Be exceptionally polite and non-problematic to the program coordinator. Many PC's have veto power in rank lists. Do not be obnoxious, do not be overtly demanding and do not pester.
2. Do NOT speak ill of any other programs, thinking this will endear you to another. It seems obvious but I have seen it happen enough and it doesn't bode well for the applicant doing this.
Try to breath! Its a long ardourous process but it does all work out in the end!!!
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nah, you have at least another week or two.
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I have emailed a few, addressed to both PC and PD. One PC replied back saying thanks and that they are still considering. Three PD's have sent what look like personal replies stating that interviews are full, but that they'd get back to me.
My suggestion on content is to keep it short and simple. Keep in mind that EM docs, in general, appreciate getting to the point in as few words as necessary. In my letters, I pointed out a particular reason I liked their program, but only spent about 1 sentence doing so. I was also straight forward, stating that I hoped they'd consider me for an interview.
This is just my logic paired with advice from a mentor. Keep in mind that I am a fellow applicant with no real basis to give advice.
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