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Are you ready to submit your residency applications for the 2016 Match?
Is it May already? For those of you planning to submit applications for the 2016 Match, there is no better time to start thinking about how you can maximize your time and effort towards creating an inviting application – one that gets the attention of program coordinators and gets you those coveted interviews. Below are some specific steps you can take between now and this fall.
On Time is the Right Time
The best way to make sure program coordinators look at your application is to make sure it arrives as close to September 15, 2015 as possible for the 2016 Match. If you submit a late or incomplete application, you run the risk of not having your application read at all. Programs have a set number of interviews to grant and they won’t wait to start offering them. Submitting a complete, professional, and polished application on the first day should be your goal starting today. Want more information? Download your Road to Residency calendar to help you plan your journey.
Great USMLE® Scores Open Doors
High scores on your USMLE exams continue to be one of the most significant factors in determining who gets invited to meet with programs. The 2014 NRMP Program Director Survey shows those who achieve scores of 230+ on USMLE Step 1 and/or USMLE Step 2CK are almost always granted interviews. If you haven’t taken these exams yet, do yourself a favor and make sure you are confident of a great score before sitting for your test.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
There are other ways to improve an application besides USMLE scores. Programs also love to see your commitment to your specialty. Make sure that your personal statement and letters of recommendation aren’t too generic and focus on your key interest(s) in medicine. Be specific about how your skills and experience suit your specialty and each individual program to which you are applying. The key is to let the programs know that you are going to be a passionate advocate for them and their patients.
What about Clinical Experience?
Speaking of letters of recommendation, many programs value letters written by U.S.-based physicians over most other letters as they need to know that you are ready for the rigors of the U.S. medical system. Kaplan has a handy website that allows you to shop around the country for fantastic opportunities in USCE (United States Clinical Experience). These experiences are vital as they allow you to showcase your skills and knowledge in an American hospital setting. Make sure to make a great impression and you may procure a sterling recommendation that could go a long way towards securing interviews.
How Can I Get Started?
- Make a plan and set daily goals
- Time your studies to complete your application by mid-September.
- Don’t settle for passing scores – aim high!
- Be specific in your personal statement about your passion for your specialty.
- Procure letters of recommendation from U.S.-based physicians by participating in U.S. clinical experiences.
We’d love to hear from you with your personal questions! Set up a personal medical advising session with me at https://medadvisormark.youcanbook.me/.
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USMLE® is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).