January Pros/Cons

[LBishop]

I was just told that I was accepted but the September class is already full so I would have to begin in January. I was wondering if some of you started in Jan and if you could tell me a little about the pros and cons of your decision. I think this means I'll be a year behind in the match and I'm not so sure if I want to do that or go to AUC in Sept. Any advice would be appreciated!

[ArtVandalay]

It is possible to start in January and still match in 2010. Basic Sciences will be over at the end of April '08, then you go to Miami for 3 months which brings you to the end of July. You can take August off to study and take step 1 of the USMLE. Then if you begin your rotations in September, you have about 21 months to complete 78 weeks (18 months) of rotations if you want to match in 2010. It would be gruelling but it can be done and is done often. Figuring out a time within rotations to get ready for step 2 of the USMLE is also something you need to consider. I've been accepted into the Sept class, but would rather start in January and will likely defer to January. I plan on hitting the same match as if I had started in Sept.

[allstarforever]

I was just told that I was accepted but the September class is already full so I would have to begin in January. I was wondering if some of you started in Jan and if you could tell me a little about the pros and cons of your decision. I think this means I'll be a year behind in the match and I'm not so sure if I want to do that or go to AUC in Sept. Any advice would be appreciated!

when did you have your interview?? and how long did it get to get the response about acceptance?

[nismo]

It is possible to start in January and still match in 2010. Basic Sciences will be over at the end of April '08, then you go to Miami for 3 months which brings you to the end of July. You can take August off to study and take step 1 of the USMLE. Then if you begin your rotations in September, you have about 21 months to complete 78 weeks (18 months) of rotations if you want to match in 2010. It would be gruelling but it can be done and is done often. Figuring out a time within rotations to get ready for step 2 of the USMLE is also something you need to consider. I've been accepted into the Sept class, but would rather start in January and will likely defer to January. I plan on hitting the same match as if I had started in Sept.


It is possible, but very unlikely. From the students that I have spoken with, many people take at least 4-8 weeks to study for step 1. Then, you have to wait about 3-4 weeks for the results to get back, and only then can you begin rotations. And it's not like if you find out that you passed on thursday you will begin your first rotation four days later on Monday. Also, most of the time it doesn't work out that the 78 weeks of clinicals will be consecutive. Some students might have to wait a week or maybe even a few weeks between rotations. When I spoke to one of Ross's clinical advisors, she told me that unexpected events might occur and I should look at the 78 weeks more like 82 weeks. And don't forget that many students take a few weeks off to study for step II. If you have a chance to start in September, then do it and avoid the very big chance that you will end up not being able to start residency in 2010.

[LBishop]

when did you have your interview?? and how long did it get to get the response about acceptance?

I interviewed the Tuesday after Easter. I just heard back. They said it took so long because they were on break between the January and May semesters and the adcom was not meeting.

[FoxTrot]

I took Step 1 on a Friday and began my family medicine rotation on the following Monday. Yes, you can begin your family medicine rotation before receiving back your step 1 scores, but if you find out 3 weeks later you don't pass then you're allowed to finish the rotation but can't continue other rotations until you've passed. Luckily I passed the first time.

Then, you have to wait about 3-4 weeks for the results to get back, and only then can you begin rotations. And it's not like if you find out that you passed on thursday you will begin your first rotation four days later on Monday.

[sukhtinder]

wow u guys are gunners. ide just take it easy and wait till '11, have a few vacation semesters off, goof around, trave the world...

[bobdole]

Sure, but if we start in January and don't make the 2010 admissions, what do we do for the remaining time? "Take time off" sounds suspiciously like "find a way to live with no income while Sallie Mae starts sending bills" to me, and I doubt my wife will like that. :)