Because getting into residency continues to get harder each year, the submission of a strong residency application is critical. It’s important too, to ensure you create a realistic list of programs to target. When I review re-applicants’ candidacies to see what went wrong the year before, I oftentimes note that the applicants did not have realistic expectations.
If an applicant’s scores, letters of recommendation and medical school grades are suboptimal, there is little to no chance that person will match into a competitive specialty like dermatology, radiology and ophthalmology. Furthermore, even if an applicant is pursuing a less competitive specialty, the candidate must show early commitment to the field. That could mean research, successful rotations in the specialty and presentations or attendance at national conferences. Too often I see applicants pursue specialties for which their application demonstrates no particular connection.
Additionally, being an international medical graduate (IMG) may limit candidates. In 2010 only 47.3% of U.S. citizen IMGs obtained first year positions through the Match. Of those IMGs who were not U.S. citizens, only 39.8% matched (Source: ECFMG®). IMGs should consider this tough reality when making their lists.
Creating a list of programs to target with a residency admissions consultant can make a big difference. Good consultants can help you create a robust, realistic group of training programs. Because applicants can unknowingly undermine their chances of success with poorly considered decisions, inadequately compiled application materials and underdeveloped ERAS®, a qualified, personalized residency admissions consultant provides a great advantage. The bottom line: Consider working with a professional to get residency admissions help.
Residency admissions consulting companies come in a variety of forms. Some are bigger businesses that focus on admissions to several types of graduate programs – not just medicine. Others are smaller and provide a medical focus, but have a pool of consultants of varying quality. Finally, elite companies offer both the medical focus and a highly experienced consultant who works one-on-one with clients. These professionals are ex-admissions officers from highly respected medical institutions. They have the inside knowledge of how residency admissions work, providing individualized guidance to optimize applicants’ personal essays, ERAS and interview skills.
When choosing a residency admissions consulting company, a candidate should verify the company’s references and research its consultants. It is best if the company does not assign written materials to outside editors who cannot be evaluated. Elite companies that offer both the medical focus and a highly experienced consultant who works one-on-one with clients offer a large advantage in providing residency admissions help, especially during these competitive times.
