Once your ERAS has been submitted, getting into residency kicks into high gear with the interview season. But what if you’ve completed your residency application and yet haven’t been invited to interview?
First of all, realize that residency admissions have become increasingly competitive of late. This is especially true for “lifestyle” specialties like Radiology, Opthalmology, Anesthesia and Dermatology (often termed the “ROAD”). The number of applicants in those fields and others is generally increasing, as the number of medical students continues to increase. Thus, the lack of an invite may just represent overloaded admissions offices.
However, there are a few things you can do to determine your status:
- Through ERAS, you can ensure your application is complete. I have had several clients who believed they submitted their applications in full, but noted that one or more programs listed their applications as incomplete.
- If the institution does not expressly forbid it, you can call. Be polite when asking about your status. I have had an occasional client who is invited for an interview upon calling.
- Send a letter of intent. Let the program(s) know of your continued interest and your new accomplishments. Ensure the letter is well written, streamlined and brief.
One would never take the USMLE Boards without practicing first and yet, countless applicants go to their medical residency interviews without preparing. Once you receive your first invitation, consider working with a professional: Because applicants can unknowingly undermine their chances of success with poor interview skills, a qualified, personalized residency admissions consultant provides a great advantage.
Medical 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 statements, applications and interview skills.
When choosing a residency admissions consulting company, a candidate should verify the company’s references and research its consultants. Elite companies that offer both the medical focus and a highly experienced consultant who works one-on-one with clients offer a large advantage for pre-residency applicants, especially during these competitive times.
