Apply Early or it will cost you an year!

Applying Early vs Late for the Match.

If you apply late - let us say in Oct/Nov/Dec.

The program will have 500-2000 applications by that time. The secretary finds it hard to find place to keep all these files organized in her office. She hardly will have the time or interest to consider new applications. The deadlines of most programs are over by Oct/Nov. So they may not look at your application. Even if they look at your application, they will say, we are sorry all our interview slots are filled.

If you apply early, say in September...
You may have less exam results than you wish to have on the application. But you can call the program or email them as and when something changes in your status. They will automatically get the results via ERAS, anyway.

I know people who applied early with just step 1 and got many interviews and eventually matched. I know people with steps 1 and 2 who applied late and missed the boat!

Secret of Success!
In order to get a lot of interviews, you have to demonstrate traits and qualities that the program wants! What those qualities are depends on the program. Most want people with high scores, but scores are not everything! They also want Research, unique clinical experience, interpersonal and the like!

Scores are important but not everything!

I personally met people with scores in mid 90's with only 5-6 interviews, while people with scores in high eithties with 25 interviews. It depends on many things and not ignore any part! Personal Statement plays a crucial role in interview selection! So, write an attractive Personal Statement! Not just summary of what you have been doing so far!

If you need a VISA?
You need step 3 also by the time of interview, or by the time of the rank order lists in Feb. But many programs will rank you, if you say I will go for J1, if I do not clear step 3 in time)

Final word:

Apply EARLY! Let nobody mislead you in this or it will cost you an year!

Good luck.

Prab R Tumpati, M.D.