Where should I apply (IM)? How many programs?

[Phrozen]

Hello!

I will be applying for the 2013 match. I'm hoping to match into Internal Medicine.

Some info:
- Step 1: 230-235 (1st attempt)
- Step 2 CS: Pass (1st attempt)
- Step 2 CK: 235-240 (1st attempt)

- Canadian citizen (born and raised) so I will need US visa sponsorship
- School: St. George's University
- No real research (I did help out a little bit compiling data but I don't believe the research got published), some volunteering

- All my 3rd year core rotations and 4th year elective rotations are in the US and Greenbook. I got an A in the IM rotation if that matters.

- LORs: I can get 2-3 strong letters from IM, 1 strong from Surgery, and possibly a strong one from Pediatrics (I thought I did very well in Peds but ended up getting a B instead of an A)

I'm getting really nervous about the match now that we can purchase our token and begin working on our applications.

I was wondering where I should apply... Is there a list available to which programs offer visa sponsorship? I tried searching of FREIDA with no luck. How many programs is "safe"? I was thinking of applying to Pediatrics and/or Family Medicine as a back up... is it good to do this?

Thank you for any advice!

[rokshana]

Thanks rokshana!

I pretty much applied to every university/uni-affiliated program that supports the J1 in 39 states of the contiguous 48 states and has been known to accept IMGs.

I think I'll stick to the 231. I may purge a few from that list but I'm not sure how to narrow it down.

Don't worry ....the programs will narrow your list down fast enough!

[Phrozen]

Don't worry ....the programs will narrow your list down fast enough!

Haha that's true.

I got laughed at on SDN for even mentioning applying to 200+ programs.

[rokshana]

Haha that's true.

I got laughed at on SDN for even mentioning applying to 200+ programs.

you gotta take sdn with a grain of salt....you REALLY think all those MGH and stanford and yalies are on sdn all the time?

[Phrozen]

you gotta take sdn with a grain of salt....you REALLY think all those MGH and stanford and yalies are on sdn all the time?

True! 1 more day to go... Application is pretty much done. 229 programs.

[devildoc8404]

Pfth. Anyone on SDN who laughs at someone for applying to 200+ programs is apparently not intelligent enough to know that the game is dramatically different when you are applying as a foreign grad, and especially as a foreign foreign grad. Screw 'em, Phrozen, their opinions are naught but background noise.

Good luck to you!

[Phrozen]

Pfth. Anyone on SDN who laughs at someone for applying to 200+ programs is apparently not intelligent enough to know that the game is dramatically different when you are applying as a foreign grad, and especially as a foreign foreign grad. Screw 'em, Phrozen, their opinions are naught but background noise.

Good luck to you!

Thanks a lot devildoc8404!!

[Phrozen]

Finally got my first interview invite and it's from a university program!



Only have 1 of 4 LORs uploaded to the ERAS Post Office... damn ECFMG for taking so long.

[RussianJoo]

Finally got my first interview invite and it's from a university program!



Only have 1 of 4 LORs uploaded to the ERAS Post Office... damn ECFMG for taking so long.

2 weeks after applying? that's great news

[C35]

2 weeks after applying? that's great news

Hey, any idea on when to start "communicating" with program coordinators? (as in harassing them to look at my darn app? lol) I applied on the 27th, due to not having CK results.
But I feel like since I applied a week or so late, I might have to start gunning right now.

Also congrats Phrozen!

[Phrozen]

2 weeks after applying? that's great news

Thanks RJ! So far I have 2 interviews... hoping to get some more this week.