Post-Match Feedback - 2014

The following sampling of comments from AUA students and graduates who went through the
2014 Match are based on their own experiences and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
schools representatives.
However, common recommendations from these students and of those from whom we have
received feedback based on previous Matches suggest that having a complete application package
available to program directors by September 15th is important, with the exception of MSPEs
which are not to be viewed until October 1st.
Step grades are not the only or even most important factor in getting an interview. A program
director told me that their program looks at basic science grades to get a sense of how an
applicant measures against other students from the same school. Another program director
talked about personal statements and how interesting a person sounds on paper. Factors such as
clinical science grades and letters of recommendation were also mentioned. Every program and
program director was slightly different in how they selected candidates to interview. It's a matter
of numbers of programs one applies to.
Getting step grades in on time is important. Ideally they should be in by the first day programs
can view applications. I know of a lot of people who messed up this part and got fewer
interviews with grades similar to mine.
Interviewing skills are something that can be worked on. In my case, I tried very hard to project
a cool and calm person with a sense of humor and little issues talking to others. In reality I am a
very shy introvert with very little skills talking to others. I did a lot of interviews and scheduled
an interview early with a program outside of the match I had no intention of taking. This way I
could see if I was both a good applicant on paper and in person. I had intended to go from there
and improve if my strategy did not work. There are also a lot of curve balls that one can be
thrown during an interview such as medical questions and other questions that interviewers are
not allowed to ask, I even had 3 interviews where the program had a PhD psychologist conduct
a component of the interview. There's a lot to be said on this topic that I learned through the
many mistakes that I made. Matched 2014. Step 1-230, CK-246, strong Basic Science
performance. Utilized AUA Previous Years Matches list and Matcharesident.com.
Make sure you have all of your tests and documents ready by the September 15th and research
the programs and who they select. It is a waste of money to apply to programs that do not take
or interview foreign medical school grads. Save up money now for travel expenses etc. You
dont want lack of funds to be the reason you did not match. Make sure all of your time is
accounted for because they will ask. Keep busy especially if youre a repeat applicant like I was.
After 2 weeks I emailed every program I applied to and told them of my interest and reasons
why. If you are a repeat applicant, take and pass Step 3. Most programs were impressed I did so
before starting residency. Finally, on interview day, impress the residents. A couple of residents
at the program where I Matched told me they thought I would be a great fit and they would
advocate for me. Residents have a unique and large role in securing residents for the year.
Matched 2014. Repeat applicant. Step 1-185, CK-216. Utilized AUA Previous Years
Matches list and researched programs websites and their residents.

 I applied on September 15 with an incomplete application (everything was complete except CK

was still pending). I was advised by a friend at a US medical school that their advisors were
telling them to apply with pending documents so I did so as well and it was the best decision I
made. I took CK on October 16 (very late) and 1 day after my result was available, the interview
offers started flooding in. I reached out to all of my programs and kept them up to date that my
file was complete. There was a lot of mass emailing and finally phone calls on my end. Many of
my friends and I agree that if we were to do this again, we would focus on 2 states: New York
and New Jersey. As an Illinois resident, I felt that my delay in CK hurt my chances because
Illinois seems to prefer all documents submitted on September 15.
My advice to other students: Do not rush CK. Taking my time paid off well in the end for me.
Schedule the places where you dont want to match earlier and save the ones you want for later.
As the interview process went on, yes I fatigued but I improved dramatically with each
interview. Prepare thoroughly for each interview like each one were your last. Start saving and
budgeting for hotel expenses, flight tickets, rental cars, etc. You would be surprised by how
much it adds up to in the end.
Lastly, if it is possible at all, complete your surgery core rotation before interview season begins
or do it when interview season ends. Lastly, trust and believe in yourself. Even though, you are
desperate for a job, remember how far you have come and trust that you have done your very
best. Matched 2014. Step 1-219, CK-241, strong Basic Science performance at AUA.
Utilized AUA Previous Years Matches list and Google Search for IMG friendly programs.
I learned that during the interview process a lot of my programs were trying to find the best fit,
so once you have gotten an interview a lot of your application has been considered favorably.
One thing I learned from the interviews is that the residents have a large amount of input in the
selection process and one tidbit they shared is that they filter out interviewees based upon if they
attend the pre-interview dinners because that shows a level of interest. I wish I would have
known and had the opportunity to pursue electives for audition interviews. I had one program
notify me that if I could schedule an audition rotation there then the position was as good as
mine. Of course you cannot take everything at face value, but it does speak to the importance
placed on experience with programs. Also, more than half of my interviews were at programs
that had at least one AUA graduate, which speaks volumes. Our graduates are leaving their
mark and creating places for other students, so looking at past Match results of graduates and
where residents at a program come from will improve your chances if you have a weaker
application. Good luck to all my fellow classmates! Matched 2014. Step 1-207, CK 223.
Utilized AUA Previous Years Matches list, Matcharesident.com and FREIDA.
The entire four years of medical school should be geared towards seeking a residency
placement. While this may seem obvious, at no point should one take anything lightly. The
smallest details are scrutinized during the interview process and it may make or break the
chance of getting a placement. I was fairly confident I will match because I graduated summa
cum laude and I am a published author. However, I was not very happy with the number
interviews I got. Its important for Canadian citizens to know that we get fewer interviews than
our American colleagues and so we should really put our A-game in every interview we attend.
Matched 2014. Step 1-233, CK 231, strong Basic Science performance at AUA.

 I began clinical rotations in November 2011 and ended up not trying to rush for the 2013 match,
which helped me the most. Once I realized I was not going to make the match I became more
selective about which electives I wanted to do and was able to get strong letters of
recommendation for the specialties I intended to apply to. Additionally, taking 6 weeks off to
study for Step 2 CK (which I wouldnt have been able to do if I tried to match in 2013) and
doing well on it and passing CS the first time proved to be valuable strengths on my application.
I also spent a lot of time writing 3 unique personal statements individually catered toward each
specialty that I applied to instead of using the same theme for all 3 and just changing words
here and there. I felt that really helped get interviews. I feel that the ERAS picture plays a role
throughout, so I made sure it was a good one!
I then cast a wide net by applying to 210 programs, which was costly but ultimately worth it. I
think submitting on September 15th and having all my scores available helped in getting
interviews right away. I only cancelled 2 of my 22 interview invitations and did not take any of
the 20 I attended for granted. I ranked all 20 programs despite not really wanting the bottom 3 or
4 just to ensure that I matched. Now having matched at my first choice it seems like I did too
much and didnt need to apply to so many programs, attend so many interviews or even rank all
the programs, but ultimately I thought it was more important to be safe than risk not matching.
Preparing for interviews was key, but they were all pleasant experiences and usually programs
were just interested in my personality and future goals. Most interviews seemed to go well, but I
did not always get feedback from programs even after sending heartfelt thank you notes. I made
my rank list according to my own true preferences, despite which programs had gotten back to
me or not. The interviewers at my top choice actually didnt even respond to the thank you (only
the program coordinator did), but I still ranked them first and ended up matching there. The
biggest lesson throughout the entire 6 month long, expensive and stressful time period was to
have faith in myself, the process and the NRMP match algorithm! Matched 2014. Step 1-229,
CK-239. Utilized AUA Previous Years Matches list, match lists for the past 2-3 years
from the major Caribbean schools and checked individual program websites for eligibility
requirements and to see which programs had current Caribbean/IMGs as residents.
Biggest advice I have is to apply to as many programs as you can and as widely as you can.
Make sure all the documents are in the first day that ERAS opens. Dont be shy about
contacting programs and letting them know how interested you are in them via emails and
phone calls. Some will not answer, some will say they are still looking at applications and some
will give you interview only because you showed interest. Once you get an interview dont wait
to schedule the date because they do fill up and you can find yourself on a wait list. Learn
everything possible about the program from the internet. Be friendly and professional, but most
importantly be yourself. Residency Obtained Outside the Match 2014. Repeat applicant.
Step 1-209 (on 2nd attempt), CK-221.
Rank your programs according to where you want to be. Matched 2014. Step 1-252, CK-263,
very strong Basic Science performance at AUA. Utilized FREIDA, Program Websites,
Interview informational sessions.

 The main thing I would like to stress is to apply early! I was waitlisted at several programs that
wanted to grant me an interview, but there were no spots left. Students should take Step 2 CK
by July or August at the latest. I ended up taking CK in mid-October and finished my ERAS
application on November 15th. I am thankful that I Matched, but what I did was very risky.
Apply early, apply early, apply early!!! I could have probably acquired double the amount of
interviews if I had done so. Matched 2014. Step 1-200, CK-213, strong Basic Science
performance. Utilized FREIDA, Matcharesident.com, Isersons publication: Getting Into a
Residency.
I customized every personal statement for every program that I applied to. I had uploaded 95
different personal statements for the 95 programs I applied to. In those statements, I included
why I liked that program, what I liked about their geographic location, and why I think I would
be successful there. I think that may have gotten me more interviews and program directors
really liked this and brought it up in my interviews. I think it helped significantly. Matched
2014. Step 1-201, CK-213. Utilized AUA Previous Years Matches list.
I realized from the start that I had to stand out from thousands of other applicants. In order to
remain sane, I set short term goals and focused on each step individually without worrying too
much about the future over which I had no control: Ace basic sciences and understand the
material; do well on Step 1 (this is the most vital step in allowing me to be confident about the
match); do even better on Step 2 CK (this showed the program directors that I am not just a
book worm, as it were, and can actually apply myself clinically; I did NOT want fail Step 2 CS,
and put in a lot of time to ensure that; indulged myself in research as early as possible. It was
vital for me to be realistic while at the same time I had to be optimistic. For me, it wasnt just
something I did just before applying to the Match, it was a cumulative process right from the
very first day of medical school.
I individually researched each program that I applied to. I used the programs website primarily.
I also used the ACGME website; not just for the accreditation status but it has information on
numbers of residents in each year (helps find out if the program is pyramidal) and where the
rotations are. I stuck to primary sources rather than any secondary information. Residency
Obtained Outside of Match 2014. Step 1-241, CK-256, very strong Basic Science
performance.
You can accomplish anything as long as you put the necessary time into achieving that goal. As
a Caribbean grad, the chances of Matching into a very competitive specialty are slim. However,
I read an entire textbook on my chosen specialty BEFORE rotating through my elective
clerkship in that specialty. It definitely set me apart from every other medical student on rotation
and these were students from a highly-ranked US medical school. This enabled me to receive
great LOR's from faculty at a highly recognized university hospital. Also, I recommend finding
a mentor from the start of medical school.
I wish I knew how many programs to apply to based on my stats. I think I spent too much
money on applications. Matched 2014. Step 1-227, CK-260, strong Basic Science
performance. Utilized hospital/program websites and Match lists from Caribbean medical
schools.

 I found out that in order to succeed in the match process and attain a large number of interviews
it is important to have an application that sets you apart from other applicants. These days there
are so many applicants with high board scores so in order to make yourself stand out to program
directors, you must build your resume with a distinct body of work. Students should try and
obtain research, publications, and link other jobs they did to the field medicine. One example is
that I worked IT in the past and I linked my experience in that field to the fact that it is
becoming more necessary than ever to be proficient in all aspects of computers in medicine
today. Another important aspect of the application is the personal statement. On several of the
interviews I went to, program directors quoted my personal statement and other parts of my
application because something stood out to them or they shared a mutual interest. In addition, it
is important to find letter writers who know you well and will also write something more than
the general this student is great and works hard. In terms of board preparation, I would like to
stress that it is not always beneficial to study for months and months or even a year. Eventually
your score will plateau or even start decreasing as you start forgetting things and become burnt
out. I found that the way several of my classmates study, they get bogged down on little details
and spend an unnecessary amount of time on every single subject while not tackling their
weaknesses specifically. I personally studied everything in general the first time around and
then focused specifically on the areas I was weak in during my periods of repetition. If you are
already strong in an area there is no need in repeatedly studying what you already know. Both
Step 1 and Step 2 are becoming increasingly conceptual exams and therefore it is important to
first understand the concepts behind the question before filling in the small details that may or
may not show up on the exam. Straight memorization is not enough anymore for these exams. I
personally endorse doing UWorld several times and reading through all of the explanations.
Practice questions are the only way you can determine if you are applying the book knowledge
you read effectively. For Step 1, I also used Pathoma and FirstAid along with UWorld and
found all to be great sources. For Step 2, there is no specific book that has all the information
needed but the best sources I feel I used were UMSLE Step 2 Secrets and UWorld. I would also
recommend reading Step Up to Medicine (not step up to step 2) if the student has time to do so.
Also, I did not study more than 2 months for either exam but instead focused my time on the
exam for 10 hours a day for those 2 months. Additionally, before applying make sure your CS
grade is in or you will be getting it early in the application process. I had many friends with high
board scores who waited to take CS and did not get nearly the amount of interviews they would
have if they had taken it earlier. Residency Obtained Outside of Match 2014. Step 1-230,
CK-234, strong Basic Science performance.
High USMLE scores is critical
Strong LORs are great
Having a CV/ Medical school Transcript reflect your field of interest is essential
A good personal statement needs time, planning and professional editing
Interview skills should be deliberately worked on.
Matched 2014. Step 1-223, CK-205 (on 2nd attempt), good Basic Science performance.
Utilized FREIDA, Matcharesident.com, AUA Previous Years Matches list.

Apply broadly. Be yourself during the interview. Be humble and polite and always smile.
Matched 2014. Step 1-193, CK-241, strong Basic Science performance.

 Apply early, have letters of recommendation and other materials in on time. Contact programs
in mid-October if you are not receiving adequate interviews. Be polite to everyone, send thank
you emails to all interviewers and the coordinator. Schedule your less favorable interviews early
for interview practice. During my first interview I got severe dry mouth and cold palms (feel
free to bring a bottle of water in with you). By the 3rd interview I was receiving compliments
from all interviews regarding my disposition and answers. Always have a few non-generic
questions about the program or curriculum. I asked some nontraditional and somewhat bold (yet
extremely polite) questions and got great feedback. If you have ANY deficiency in your
application, have an answer prepared. Contact all programs that are within a few hours driving
distance from your home. Programs like to keep people that are local or semi-local. I learned
this late in the game. Matched 2014. Step 1-211, CK-256. Utilized AUA Previous Years
Matches list, Match lists from other Caribbean medical schools, Matcharesident.com and
FREIDA.
As foreign medical graduates, we must make sure we have competitive Step1 & Step 2 scores,
however as competition gets harder and harder we must start diversifying ourselves as well.
During clinical rotations the students should 1) not do all of their rotations in just one city and 2)
take this time to do outside rotations, preferably near home, and try to network themselves.
Make yourself known in the hospital and show the faculty how hard of a worker you are and
show them how much of an effort you are willing to put in during residency. Use each rotation
as an audition for residency. Everyone is watching you. While you are working hard during
rotations you should also try to jump onto any research opportunities that may come your way.
If none seem to come then ask an attending for any interesting case that is worth writing up,
show your interest. Work with your attending or resident to publish your case and try your best
to present it at a major conference.
With all of this extra effort you put in, someone is bound to notice you and give you a chance in
a residency position. It makes it very difficult for a hospital to rank you low when they have
seen how hard you will work for them and how much you want to work at their hospital,
regardless if youre a foreign graduate or not. Matched 2014. Step 1-212, CK-223.