- Joined
- Apr 2, 2020
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Posting here for advice. I did not match into a surgical subspecialty (March 2020). After much introspection and discussions, I plan to apply DR (should have applied the first time) for Match 2021. I'm currently delaying graduation to 2021 so I can stay a student and apply as a US Senior (and take 2 DR rotations). I am also really interested in everyone's thoughts about including not matching in my personal statement. Of course, I am happy to explain it in an interview.
Should I use my personal statement as an opportunity to explain why I think I didn't match / what I've learned from the experience? Or should I use it to talk about why I'm interested in DR and why this is a MUCH better fit for my personality and intellectual preferences? There is also an area on ERAS that asks "Was your medical education/training extended or interrupted?" and it's a 534-character text box. Thoughts?
Stats
- Went on 15 interviews last cycle. Made contact with 6 program directors asking for feedback after not matching. All gave positive feedback regarding my interview skills and application. I repeatedly heard "there is nothing that sticks out to me from your file to explain this".
- Medical School: Top 40 NIH-funded.
- Step 1: 250+
- Step 2 CK: 250+
- Step 2 CS: PASS
- Class Rank: Middle of the pack (60-70%ile)
- Letters: 1 DR (strong) + 1 IR (strong) + 1 Outpatient (Family Medicine) + 1 Research (IR)
- 4th year grades: Honors in home surgical subI, away surgical subI, DR, family medicine
- 3rd year grades: Honors in Surgery, Internal Medicine
- Preclinical grades: nothing special
- AOA: No
- Pubs/Posters/Abs TOTAL: 23
- Pubmed Published Journal Articles: 5 (4 surgical specialty + 1 IR)
- Medical School Honors/Awards: 6
- Work Experiences: 4
- Volunteer Experiences: 7
- Research Experiences: 6
Thanks everyone!
Should I use my personal statement as an opportunity to explain why I think I didn't match / what I've learned from the experience? Or should I use it to talk about why I'm interested in DR and why this is a MUCH better fit for my personality and intellectual preferences? There is also an area on ERAS that asks "Was your medical education/training extended or interrupted?" and it's a 534-character text box. Thoughts?
Stats
- Went on 15 interviews last cycle. Made contact with 6 program directors asking for feedback after not matching. All gave positive feedback regarding my interview skills and application. I repeatedly heard "there is nothing that sticks out to me from your file to explain this".
- Medical School: Top 40 NIH-funded.
- Step 1: 250+
- Step 2 CK: 250+
- Step 2 CS: PASS
- Class Rank: Middle of the pack (60-70%ile)
- Letters: 1 DR (strong) + 1 IR (strong) + 1 Outpatient (Family Medicine) + 1 Research (IR)
- 4th year grades: Honors in home surgical subI, away surgical subI, DR, family medicine
- 3rd year grades: Honors in Surgery, Internal Medicine
- Preclinical grades: nothing special
- AOA: No
- Pubs/Posters/Abs TOTAL: 23
- Pubmed Published Journal Articles: 5 (4 surgical specialty + 1 IR)
- Medical School Honors/Awards: 6
- Work Experiences: 4
- Volunteer Experiences: 7
- Research Experiences: 6
Thanks everyone!