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Tips for Senior Medical Students
One of the most frequently asked questions: "I am not very strong academically. My grades are decent, but I only rank in the top 50% of my class. My Board scores [USMLE] are right around the mean. What can I do to improve my chances to get an orthopaedic residency spot?"
Does that sound like you? Well, take heart, all is NOT lost. You can STILL be successful in the Match if you start early and pay attention! Here we go:
- Start early! Start early! Did I mention yet the importance of starting early?!? This includes collecting information provided by the programs to which you wish to apply, beginning the completion of your applications, and especially requesting your letters of recommendation.
- Do we look to see when an application was received? YES! Picture this: It is the final hour of reviewing files. The Committee is tired, bleary eyed and probably more than a little bit irritable by now! There are still many files with equal qualifications, but only a few more "spots" available. At this point, the date an application was received can be a determining factor as to whom will be invited for an interview and who will get a "regret" letter.
- Determine which program has the earliest deadline and set a goal to have application materials (to all programs, including letters of recommendation) complete at least one week prior to that time. This may take a bit of extra effort at the outset, but will definitely make your life less complicated during October and November when many students are completing away rotations.
- Request at least one more letter or recommendation than required. This way, if one person is late getting a letter out, you will not be caught with an incomplete file at the deadline.
- Request letters of recommendation from faculty members who know you well. A warm, enthusiastic letter carries much more weight than a lukewarm letter from a well-known surgeon.
- Our program does not require that any of your letters be from the Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics at your school. We prefer a letter from someone who knows you.
- Personal statements: the key word here is personal. Tell us who you are in your statement rather than just reiterating your curriculum vitae in paragraph form. This is your only chance to "talk" to us - make the most of it! While a lack-luster personal statement might not prevent you from receiving an invitation to interview, a really good statement could be just enough to tip the balance in your favor and move you into the interview pool.
- The length of a personal statement should be limited to one page.
- Begin your follow-up calls to programs at least one week before the deadline. This will give you time to substitute a letter if necessary or to send whatever documentation is missing. Our program, in particular, is very strict about the deadline!
- Do not send reprints or copies of articles which you have had published. Reporting this information on your application is sufficient. To be honest, with over four hundred applications to review, it is highly unlikely that anyone will have time to read superfluous materials!
- If you are at all unsure about application requirements, please don't hesitate to call me (336) 716-3946. If I am not available, please leave a message on my voice mail or send me an e-mail message: hermance@wfubmc.edu. I will be happy to respond.
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