Will Residency Programs Stop Looking at ERAS Applications Recieved In November+?

[centroles]

PLEASE HELP.

I am an Carribean medical student and have a rather low Step 1 score. But I have two months off now and know that I can do STELLAR on the Step 2 if I take it end of Sept.

I plan to take Step 2 at end of Sept, fill out my ERAS application, and submit my ERAS Application in late October once my Step 2 score is available. I don't want residency programs to discard my application before getting a chance to see my high step 2 score.

So I'm wondering, will any of the lesser competitive residency programs simply stop looking at ERAS applications recieved in November and after.

Will I be at a huge disadvantage not filling out my ERAS application until November 1st instead Sept 1st.

I'm applying to Psych, IM and FM btw.

I would greatly appreciate your input. Thank you very much.

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[NotAProgDirector]

I certainly can't speak for all programs in those fields. However:

1. Programs that fill many of their spots via prematch offers tend to run their interviews earlier than those that fill through the match. As they fill on a rolling basis, the earlier you interview the better your chances. Nov 1 is a bit late for these programs, but probably not the kiss of death.

2. Programs that fill via the match are going to be offering interviews, but will probably be waiting for MSPE's for IMG's. They will interview a bit later, and Nov 1st is fine.

There isn't a good answer to your question. If you apply early with a poor Step 1 only, you'll probably get a bunch of rejections. If you rock step 2, you'll have a much better chance of success. If you apply early, get rejected, and then get a stellar Step 2, you can consider recontacting those programs and asking them to reconsider. Whether they will or not is anyone's guess, you'll be lucky if >50% of them even bother looking at your application again.

You could split the difference -- send some apps early, and hold others until your Step 2 is in. Or, wait until step 2. I wouldn't fire off all of your apps early if your Step 1 is really bad and you think you can do really better on Step 2.

 

[centroles]

Thank you so much for your kind and enlightening answer.

So it sounds as if there is no deadline suggesting that after Nov 1st, PDs simply stop looking at applications.

It sounds as though applying to programs at end of October should be fine (though it will decrease the odds of me getting residency at places that take candidates on a rolling basis).

As I don't anticipate getting accepted in a prematch anyways, I think I will take my Step 2 at the end of Sept, do really well on it, and submit my ERAS application along with my Step 2 score to programs at the end of October.

Thank you very much once again.


I just have one last question. If you don't mind answering, what is the typical application deadline for your residency program (or typical residency programs). I am just wondering if residency programs might have an application deadline of Nov 1st or earlier.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I just have one last question. If you don't mind answering, what is the typical application deadline for your residency program (or typical residency programs). I am just wondering if residency programs might have an application deadline of Nov 1st or earlier.

We select our IMG applicants in early November. If not all is in by then, I take it as a sign of problems to come.

We close to all applicants in December.

 

[medocus]

Hey, I hope you are studying. Don't screw up your scores. It is very hard to break the barrier and get an interview. trust me I know.