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POST MATCH SCRAMBLE STRATEGIES AND PLANNING
hi everyone, with the interview season ending and the wait till march 13th starting, i thought why not discuss post match scramble strategies, which might be a possibility for many of us ( i wish no one has to go thru the ordeal ).
here is what i found at various websites and if u folks find any useful info please contribute.
www.ecfmg.org/eras/index.html#scramble
Post-Match Scramble
This general information about the post-Match Scramble may answer your questions.
Please be aware that the Scramble involves three different organizations:
MyERAS, operated by the Association of American Medical Colleges www.myeras.aamc.org The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP, or "the Match") www.nrmp.org ERAS Support Services at ECFMG, your designated Dean's Office www.ecfmg.org/eras Who may apply?
All applicants who have not matched.
IMGs must have their passing results for all required exams reported to the NRMP in time to participate in the Match (refer to the NRMP website for complete information), but they do not have to be certified prior to the Match in order to participate. When do I apply?
You may apply as soon as the list of unfilled positions has been posted at www.nrmp.org at 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, on Tuesday, March 14, 2006. This is also the site where the final Match results will be posted 2 days later. To which programs can I apply?
You may apply to any program that has an unfilled position.
What if I have applied to a program earlier?
Let them know that they already have your application, and ask them to take another look at it. You cannot re-transmit your application. How do I gain access to the list of unfilled positions if I did not register with the Match?
You must register with the Match. The Match Agreement prohibits applicants from sharing the NRMP's List of Unfilled Programs with individuals who did not register for the Match. How do I apply, via fax or ERAS?
Applicants who registered for the NRMP's Main Residency Match are prohibited by the Match Participation Agreement from contacting residency programs about unfilled positions prior to noon on Tuesday of Match Week, when the "Scramble" begins. The Match Agreement also prohibits applicants from sharing the NRMP's List of Unfilled Programs with individuals who did not register for the Match.
Regardless of whether you have registered with the NRMP or not, we strongly urge you not to contact any programs before Tuesday noon. Programs will take note of applicants who violate the Match rules and probably report them to the NRMP. We also urge you not to engage services that, for a fee, purport to help you by flooding the programs with unsolicited applications from multiple applicants, either by e-mail or fax. Instead of being helpful, in most cases they are detrimental to your application.
Therefore, be sure to register with NRMP prior to the rank order list certification deadline date. After having consulted the list of unfilled positions on Tuesday of Match Week, go to MyERAS and apply to some of those programs. Be sure to assign your LoRs and USMLE Transcript to the programs, so that we can transmit them accordingly.
How much will it cost?
You may apply to a maximum of 30 programs during the two-day scramble. There is no charge for applying to programs during the scramble. However, to release your application, you must complete the payment process, even if the amount due is zero.
Any programs to which you apply after 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, on Thursday, March 16, 2006 will be charged at the regular rate.
For more information, see ERAS 2006 Application Fees on the AAMC ERAS website. How long will the Scramble last?
Two days, from 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, Tuesday, March 14, 2006 to 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, Thursday, March 16, 2006. On Thursday, March 16, 2006, at 1:00 PM, the results of the Match will be announced. Are there programs that participate in ERAS, but not in the Match?
Yes. Are there programs that participate in the Match, but not in ERAS?
Yes. Which programs are they?
We do not have this information. Do I have to appear for interviews?
We do not know. The program directors will tell you. Can I make any changes or updates to my application?
You may change any information that the software will allow you to change. You may change the information in MyProfile and you may reassign personal statements and Letters of Recommendation.
What will ERAS Support Services at ECFMG do for me during this period?
Throughout the season we check your files, on a daily basis, for any new information that would require an updated ECFMG Status Report to be transmitted to the programs. That new information could be a USMLE score or issuance of an ECFMG Certificate. Once a new Status Report has been created, based on any of these conditions, it will be transmitted automatically at the end of the day. There is nothing you need to do.
During the two Scramble days, we will login to the ERAS PostOffice several times each day to retrieve your document assignments and program lists. We will process those lists and transmit your documents shortly thereafter. What is the best strategy?
During the 48 hours of the Scramble, there is no time for manual processing. Your file must be ready for automatic processing by our system before the Scramble begins.
That means:
At least one week before the Scramble, you must apply to at least one program.
If you are planning to apply during the post-Match Scramble only, you must still apply to at least one program about one week before the Scramble.
You must also make sure that all of your documents have been received and assigned, so that we can attach and transmit them before the Scramble.
If you are sending us new or replacement LoRs, we must have them one week prior to the Scramble, so that we have time to attach them. If you have a new, additional LoR, assign it to one of your original programs. This gives us time to attach it before the Scramble. During the Scramble we will not have time to do it.
If you are sending us a replacement LoR from the same writer, attach a note to it that reads, "This replaces the previous LoR." Otherwise, we might mistake it for another copy of the one we have already scanned and discard it without scanning.
After that, your file is ready for the Scramble. some other info As soon as the list comes out, start calling ur most favourite places, if u cannot get thru b/c the line is busy , move onto the next one. Also they will have fax numbers, ur family/friend should be faxing them while u call so that time is not wasted. Have ur CV, LORs, ECFMG certificate, copy of greencard or passport, score reports if they are good.try to minimize the number of documents to be faxed. Also some will only take cv thru email so send it that way.It is a very hectic day-no funa t all-some got positions by evening but some dont at all. Stay at home that night b/c some call after 7pm and some are in diff time zone.dont leave the house for 2 days. Some will ask for interviews, but i recommend taking any job at that point. If u dont get anything by 2 days, keep calling-I know some NY/NJ/PA programs are still not filled-chances went down as days go by but I still get a job very late. make sure there are lots of phone lines-If u have a phone number on CV, most probably they will call u back at that number so leave it free. otherwise, they want to call and they cant get to u.
The best bet will be comm programs in places like NY. Univ programs might say they are not filled on the list but they will fill up in 2 hrs-trust me.Also try OH, IL, Ky, any img friendly place.Goodluck
This general information about the post-Match Scramble may answer your questions.
Please be aware that the Scramble involves three different organizations:
MyERAS, operated by the Association of American Medical Colleges www.myeras.aamc.org The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP, or "the Match") www.nrmp.org ERAS Support Services at ECFMG, your designated Dean's Office www.ecfmg.org/eras Who may apply?
All applicants who have not matched.
IMGs must have their passing results for all required exams reported to the NRMP in time to participate in the Match (refer to the NRMP website for complete information), but they do not have to be certified prior to the Match in order to participate. When do I apply?
You may apply as soon as the list of unfilled positions has been posted at www.nrmp.org at 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, on Tuesday, March 14, 2006. This is also the site where the final Match results will be posted 2 days later. To which programs can I apply?
You may apply to any program that has an unfilled position.
What if I have applied to a program earlier?
Let them know that they already have your application, and ask them to take another look at it. You cannot re-transmit your application. How do I gain access to the list of unfilled positions if I did not register with the Match?
You must register with the Match. The Match Agreement prohibits applicants from sharing the NRMP's List of Unfilled Programs with individuals who did not register for the Match. How do I apply, via fax or ERAS?
Applicants who registered for the NRMP's Main Residency Match are prohibited by the Match Participation Agreement from contacting residency programs about unfilled positions prior to noon on Tuesday of Match Week, when the "Scramble" begins. The Match Agreement also prohibits applicants from sharing the NRMP's List of Unfilled Programs with individuals who did not register for the Match.
Regardless of whether you have registered with the NRMP or not, we strongly urge you not to contact any programs before Tuesday noon. Programs will take note of applicants who violate the Match rules and probably report them to the NRMP. We also urge you not to engage services that, for a fee, purport to help you by flooding the programs with unsolicited applications from multiple applicants, either by e-mail or fax. Instead of being helpful, in most cases they are detrimental to your application.
Therefore, be sure to register with NRMP prior to the rank order list certification deadline date. After having consulted the list of unfilled positions on Tuesday of Match Week, go to MyERAS and apply to some of those programs. Be sure to assign your LoRs and USMLE Transcript to the programs, so that we can transmit them accordingly.
How much will it cost?
You may apply to a maximum of 30 programs during the two-day scramble. There is no charge for applying to programs during the scramble. However, to release your application, you must complete the payment process, even if the amount due is zero.
Any programs to which you apply after 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, on Thursday, March 16, 2006 will be charged at the regular rate.
For more information, see ERAS 2006 Application Fees on the AAMC ERAS website. How long will the Scramble last?
Two days, from 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, Tuesday, March 14, 2006 to 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, Thursday, March 16, 2006. On Thursday, March 16, 2006, at 1:00 PM, the results of the Match will be announced. Are there programs that participate in ERAS, but not in the Match?
Yes. Are there programs that participate in the Match, but not in ERAS?
Yes. Which programs are they?
We do not have this information. Do I have to appear for interviews?
We do not know. The program directors will tell you. Can I make any changes or updates to my application?
You may change any information that the software will allow you to change. You may change the information in MyProfile and you may reassign personal statements and Letters of Recommendation.
What will ERAS Support Services at ECFMG do for me during this period?
Throughout the season we check your files, on a daily basis, for any new information that would require an updated ECFMG Status Report to be transmitted to the programs. That new information could be a USMLE score or issuance of an ECFMG Certificate. Once a new Status Report has been created, based on any of these conditions, it will be transmitted automatically at the end of the day. There is nothing you need to do.
During the two Scramble days, we will login to the ERAS PostOffice several times each day to retrieve your document assignments and program lists. We will process those lists and transmit your documents shortly thereafter. What is the best strategy?
During the 48 hours of the Scramble, there is no time for manual processing. Your file must be ready for automatic processing by our system before the Scramble begins.
That means:
At least one week before the Scramble, you must apply to at least one program.
If you are planning to apply during the post-Match Scramble only, you must still apply to at least one program about one week before the Scramble.
You must also make sure that all of your documents have been received and assigned, so that we can attach and transmit them before the Scramble.
If you are sending us new or replacement LoRs, we must have them one week prior to the Scramble, so that we have time to attach them. If you have a new, additional LoR, assign it to one of your original programs. This gives us time to attach it before the Scramble. During the Scramble we will not have time to do it.
If you are sending us a replacement LoR from the same writer, attach a note to it that reads, "This replaces the previous LoR." Otherwise, we might mistake it for another copy of the one we have already scanned and discard it without scanning.
After that, your file is ready for the Scramble. some other info As soon as the list comes out, start calling ur most favourite places, if u cannot get thru b/c the line is busy , move onto the next one. Also they will have fax numbers, ur family/friend should be faxing them while u call so that time is not wasted. Have ur CV, LORs, ECFMG certificate, copy of greencard or passport, score reports if they are good.try to minimize the number of documents to be faxed. Also some will only take cv thru email so send it that way.It is a very hectic day-no funa t all-some got positions by evening but some dont at all. Stay at home that night b/c some call after 7pm and some are in diff time zone.dont leave the house for 2 days. Some will ask for interviews, but i recommend taking any job at that point. If u dont get anything by 2 days, keep calling-I know some NY/NJ/PA programs are still not filled-chances went down as days go by but I still get a job very late. make sure there are lots of phone lines-If u have a phone number on CV, most probably they will call u back at that number so leave it free. otherwise, they want to call and they cant get to u.
The best bet will be comm programs in places like NY. Univ programs might say they are not filled on the list but they will fill up in 2 hrs-trust me.Also try OH, IL, Ky, any img friendly place.Goodluck
2. CV
3. ECFMG Cetrificate
4. Sealed and Signed LOR's (if available). this is a tough one, my LOR's are all in the ERAS system, but i am planning to get some copies for scramble day.
5. The above may not be needed if we are applying to programs who have our application
via ERAS.
6. I believe ERAS will be open for application during the 48 hours of scramble, so we may not need to fax the above at all, if we are applying to a program participating in ERAS.
7. PROPOSED STRATEGY: we perhaps need to have a target city/programs strategy BEFORE the release of unfilled seats. For instance I am interested in Boston, Prelim programs and Transitional year programs, i already saw from the NRMP directory the quota for 2006 match for these spots in Boston. I am planning to write to some of these expressing my interest in case they end up with unfilled seats post match.. I dont know if this is the right thing to do, but JUST A THOUGHT, feedback welcome. Hows that for a start!!! inputs appreciated. GL ALL. As bristles would put this tatataitai tai tai tai, its the final countdown. tatataitai tai tai tai..... Ok...so one didn't match. The next option is the post-match scramble but what exactly is it? We're about to find out.
Official requirements:
1. Fax Machine and Email Account ...
2. Standard Curriculum Vitae ... You can only use ERAS for up to 30 programs.
3. Letters of Recommendation ...
4. Medical School Transcript
5. ECFMG Certificate
6. A flawless, and well written Personal Statement
7. Dean's Letter ... if applicable.
Visit NRMP.org for more information.
Ok..well it seems straight forward so far.
In 2006 this will be 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 and will last from noon on March 14 to noon on March 16, 2006. In these 48 hours the online USMLE Post Match scramble process usually transmits thousands of documents.
Good news: The process is free during the post-match scramble.
So that means I will have to submit my documents to ERAS beforehand. And in case I did not register with the Match, I need an NRMP / AAMC ID and a password to gain access to the list of unfilled positions.
Ok..it's getting a little complicated but still manageable.
Then the website tells me:
During the 48 hours of the USMLE Post Match scramble, there is no time for manual processing. Your file must be ready for automatic processing by our system before the USMLE Post Match scramble begins.
That means:
1. At least one week before the USMLE Post Match scramble, you must apply to at least one program.
2. If you are planning to apply during the USMLE Post Match scramble only, you must still apply to at least one program about one week before the USMLE Post Match scramble.
3. You must also make sure that all of your documents have been received and assigned, so that ERAS can attach and transmit them before the USMLE Post Match scramble.
4. If you are sending ERAS new or replacement LoRs, they must have them one week prior to the USMLE Post Match scramble, so that they have time to attach them. If you have a new, additional LoR, assign it to one of your original programs. This gives them time to attach it before the USMLE Post Match scramble. During the USMLE Post Match scramble ERAS will not have time to do it.
5. If you are sending ERAS a replacement LoR from the same writer, attach a note to it that reads, "This replaces the previous LoR." Otherwise, ERAS might mistake it for another copy of the one they have already scanned and discard it without scanning. After that, your file is ready for the USMLE Post Match scramble.
Hmm..more complications..but that's ok. It's all so I can be ready for the big day.
D-Day is here:
It's time to download the list of unmatched positions.
Little do I know that every future resident in the country is trying to log on to the NRMP. Needless to say, most of us unsuccessfully. 2 hours in, and I am still trying. The NRMP web site just cannot handle the load.
After logging on, I am still three clicks away from downloading a list of unmatched programs. Each click I have to repeat from 10 to 100 times because everybody else is doing that.
After getting the list I still have to filter out the information I need: speciality and geographic location. Now I need to compile a list of phone numbers, e-mails and faxes of the programs you want to apply to.
I log on to ERAS and apply to up to 30 programs I am interested in the most.
I start calling the programs, and the nightmare continues: what a mess...faxes not going through, phones busy, voice mails full, emails being returned...!! seems like it's next to impossible...
Then I receive some calls from the programs which then interview me on the phone. I am so flustered with the whole process, I start stammering and not answering correctly. How can one focus with all this happening, and the time flynig by and me trying to fax while a PD is trying to reach me.
So what's the solution?
There is none. One has to go through the process. The only way you can get through it is:
Preparation: The program coordinator and assistant director are on standby and prepared. So whenever an application that is requested is faxed, it is immediately reviewed. So why should they be prepared and not I?
Organization: One has to be organized and set a game plan on how to proceed. Success seldom occured amongst chaos.
Knowledge: You cannot defeat an enemy if you don't know the battlefield. You have to be familiar with the process long before it starts unfolding. Hope this helped.
For H1, you can technically take step 3 latest by may first week (expecting results by may end). Premium processing takes 5-7 business days. If you are taking step3 on a tight time frame (like in May), then make sure that you ahve everything else (particularly license and papers from signed from your program) all ready with the attorny, so as soon as step3 result comes, you fax it to him to file for the visa next day. Most programs are fine as long as you get your approval by the start day of orientation. Some programs will even wait into first week of July.
GL.
i thank cainsitu for this post.............. March 13, 2006
Matched and unmatched information on applicants posted to the Web site at 12:00 noon eastern time. This means that at the specified time and date you can log onto the NRMP web site and see whether or not you matched. Note if you DID match, the information provided at this time does not tell you WHERE or into WHAT speciality (if you ranked more than one) you matched. Obviously you need a good internet connection to access this information as the site will be jammed and a DSL/Cable line will be a bonus in getting through quickly.You must have your NRMP access code and password to enter the site for this information and you can log in from home, school, library, work, etc. Anywhere with a good connection. Don't forget to account for international date/time changes. March 14, 2006
Filled and unfilled results for individual programs posted to the Web site at 11:30 am eastern time. The next day after obtaining information on whether or not you matched, you can obtain information on which residency programs went unfilled (presumably if you went unmatched you are immediately more interested in these than those that DID fill. So at 11:30 EST you will know which programs might possibly have empty positions. Print this list out if you are able and ascertain which programs you might be interested in. Locations of all unfilled positions are released at 12:00 noon eastern time. Unmatched applicants may begin contacting unfilled programs at 12:00 noon eastern time. At 12:00 noon EST, or only 1/2 hour after the information about which programs are unfilled was posted, you now have information on which of these programs have unfilled POSITIONS. The SCRAMBLE HAS BEGUN!! The information that follows can also be found at: www.ecfmg.org/eras/index.html (so information is geared toward ECFMG candidates). You will be most successful if you have everything done toward ECFMG certification but do not specifically need to be certified to participate in the match or scramble (although some programs may prefer it). Now you may begin contacting programs with unfilled positions in an effort to obtain a spot. Hopefully you can do so over the phone and avoid an in-person interview. Although you can start with any program you like, my recommendation is that you first contact programs where you interviewed AND could possibly be happy AND have open position(s) (ie, if these conditions are met). Your chances are better at a place that was interested enough to interview you and has some idea of who you are. Let them know that they already have your application, and ask them to take another look at it. You cannot re-transmit your application through ERAS/ECFMG.
If none of the unfilled programs are places you interviewed at, then you can contact the programs in any order you desire. Programs will differ as to whether they wish you to FAX them information or have you submit it through ERAS (as you did during the regular match) for the Scramble. Ideally, you will have contacted a few programs in advance to find out whether you should apply, and how each program wants to receive your application. Since it will be difficult to reach the program directors and receive the answers you need during the Scramble, ECFMG suggests the following method: Add up to 30 programs to the list of programs to which you have applied and try to follow up with these programs by phone, if you can. If a program prefers to receive your application by fax, you can still fax your application to them. Remember you will know the day BEFORE the Scramble whether or not you matched so can contact programs then, if not before (ie, if you suspect you will not match). When the scramble begins, you can apply to a maximum of 30 programs additional during the two-day scramble through ERAS. There is no charge for applying to programs during the scramble. However, to release your application, you must complete the payment process, even if the amount due is zero. Any programs to which you apply after 12:00 noon, Eastern Time in the United States, on Thursday, March 16, 2006 will be charged at the regular rate. On Thursday, March 16, 2006, at 1:00 PM, the results of the Match will be announced. Programs may still have open positions, but most are filled during the two days leading up to this announcement (the official Scramble). Anything later than this date is referred to as Post-Scramble/Match. During the two Scramble days, ECFMG will login to the ERAS PostOffice several times each day to retrieve your document assignments and program lists. We will process those lists and transmit your documents shortly thereafter. During the 48 hours of the Scramble, there is no time for manual processing. Your file must be ready for automatic processing by our system before the Scramble begins. That means: At least one week before the Scramble, you must apply to at least one program (if you have already applied during the regular match you do not need to apply to any additional programs; you will already have a file at ECFMG for the match). If you are planning to apply during the post-Match Scramble only, you must still apply to at least one program about one week before the Scramble. You must also make sure that all of your documents have been received and assigned, so that we can attach and transmit them before the Scramble.
If you are sending us new or replacement LoRs, we must have them one week prior to the Scramble, so that we have time to attach them. If you have a new, additional LoR, assign it to one of your original programs. This gives us time to attach it before the Scramble. During the Scramble we will not have time to do it. If you are sending us a replacement LoR from the same writer, attach a note to it that reads, "This replaces the previous LoR." Otherwise, we might mistake it for another copy of the one we have already scanned and discard it without scanning. After that, your ECFMG file is ready for the Scramble. Thus ECFMG effectively serves as your "Dean's Office" as in a US school, forwarding your documents to the programs you desire. If you are scrambling for a residency position and the programs prefers receiving information from YOU via FAX, you must: a: have a phone with a good connection and the ability to call long distance (ie, programs will not be taking collect calls)
b: access to a FAX machine, again which allows you to send information long distance or even out of the country if you aren't in the US for the scramble.
c. have GOOD copies of your entire NRMP application - this includes transcripts, letters of rec (to be sent either from the letter writer, your school, or ECFMG; do not send them personally as this will invalidate any statements that you have waived your right to see the letters, personal statement, USMLE scores.
d. be prepared to either accept an invitation to interview or a position ON THE SPOT. They generally will not allow you time to decide. Do not be suprised if program offices do not answer their phones or emails on the Scramble days. As an example, my program got HUNDREDS of FAXes, emails and phone calls a few years back when we had an open position. There is no way the administrative staff can answer the phones and actually get some work done. Therefore, if you know you haven't or won't match, then have your information together and if you've contacted programs prior to the Scarmble and they prefer a FAX rather than ERAS, then just send the stuff to them. Do not underestimate just showing up at a program if you are in the vicinity during the Scarmble. GOOD LUCK TO ALL AND LETS JUST PRAY THAT WE ALL MATCH!! AND TO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS SCRAMBLE CRAP!
an extra fax line and all the associated expenses (paper, ink cartridges etc.). Get a real fax number that's tied to your email. Send and receive faxes as email attachments. It's all the reliability and security of faxing with the ease and convenience of email. Sign up for eFax Plus or eFax Pro and see for yourself.
Yes. To the person faxing you, it looks and acts like any other fax number. When someone faxes to your number, the fax is converted to a file that is emailed to you as an attachment. What if I already have a fax number?
When you sign up for eFax Plus or eFax Pro, you'll choose a local or toll-free fax number. When someone faxes you, you receive the fax in your email inbox as a file attachment. Just double click the file to read it. You'll be able to check your faxes anywhere you can check your email. You also have the option to route all your incoming faxes to up to 5 different email addresses ? no more copying, distributing, or forwarding. It's easy to send a fax with your eFax Plus or eFax Pro subscription. One way is to attach either a file (click here for supported file types) or a scanned hard copy to an email. Then in the To: field, type the recipient's fax number like this: 13235556789@efaxsend.com. Click send and it arrives as a paper fax in their fax machine. Of course. Save a fax just like you would any email attachment and they'll only be a click away. You can also access your faxes online by logging in at http://www.efax.com for up to one week with eFax Plus or one year with eFax Pro. With eFax Pro, you'll get even more out of your eFax number. Someone can call and leave a voice message. It's converted to a file and emailed as an attachment. You can listen to it through your computer with popular music programs such as Windows Media? Player, iTunes?, and RealPlayer?, or our own eFax Messenger software. If you already have a fax number and want to keep it, there's no problem. Just contact your phone company and call-forward the number to your new eFax Pro or eFax Plus number. Or you could give out your eFax number and stop paying the high cost of an extra fax line. eFax has developed the largest digital fax network in the world with local numbers available in over 2,000 cities worldwide and toll-free numbers that cover the U.S., Canada and several European countries. The eFax network sports a 99.5% up-time, meaning no one will ever get a busy signal and you'll never worry about running out of paper or toner. Our patented technology ensures transmission times that average 2-5 minutes. If you ever have any questions, your eFax Plus or eFax Pro subscription includes live phone support. eFax Plus is perfect if you receive fewer than 130 fax pages a month and do not need voicemail. You'll get a local or toll-free number that's tied to your email. Send and receive faxes as email attachments. Access your faxes online for up to one week. eFax Pro is a more complete communication solution. As well as all the features of eFax Plus, receive up to 200 fax pages a month and access your faxes online for up to one year. Your eFax Pro number will also accept voicemail and deliver it as an email attachment. More details.