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Dhakshitha Rao- Matched, 1st match cycle - Pediatrics- 2019


Creds:
243/217/not taken step 3
CS 1st attempt pass
YOG - recent grad, 2018
USCE - 4 months electives; 4 US lors
Require visa
2 years of home-country research
2 poster presentations, 1 case presentation
Applied 102 programs; only in Pediatrics
Got 8 IVs [ 6 match programs + 2 prematch programs ] - attended all the interviews, didn't get prematch, ranked 6 programs in total
Q. Are high scores important?
High scores definitely help, but you don't have to kill yourself for 260+
'Most' of the peds candidates that I interacted with in this match had 230's
Q. Is research important?
Research really helps if you have
- low scores
- old grads
- to explain gap years
I was asked about my research in detail in 1 interview and about my poster presentation in another interview
Q. How important is Step 3?
I talked with PD about step 3 and she was telling it really helps for those with step "attempts" and old graduates.
For H1b visa, you need to give your step 3 by dec ending so that you can have step 3 results before March (match results)
In peds, there are very very few H1b programs, so keep J1 option open.
--> USCE is more important than research experience
--> Have a specialty focused CV; programs know if you are truly interested in the specialty or not
--> Have a complete application with ALL scores and ECFMG certification BEFORE applying for the match on Sept 15th.
--> Start with your PS at least by August 1st so that you have time to do drafts and get it edited. If you are planning to apply for multiple specialties then have 'multiple' PS ready.
Q. Does calling and emailing the programs help to get interviews?
I emailed all the programs I didn't hear back from and got rejections from most. Some (~4) put me on a waitlist (I didn't get an interview invitation from them at the end though) and 1 program replied positively with an interview invitation.
So, I believe it helps.
Q. Does sending the thank you cards or emails help? Which is better - cards or emails?
One of the programs that I attended specifically asked us not to send thank you cards or emails and the PD stressed that it makes no difference to their ranking the candidates.
That's my belief too. Programs will rank you irrespective of you sending them the thank you cards or not.
But, there is nothing wrong in sending a note of appreciation if you truly enjoyed someone's presence or their program. I made sure to send a thank-you card to PC for re-arranging my interview.
Q. How do the programs rank the candidates?
I asked this question to a PD during one of my interviews.
She said they pay more attention to the direct interview performance and the interactions. They have a certain scoring for even the CV, but once someone gets an interview they focus on the person and if that candidate is the right fit for the program.
Make sure to charm their wits out!
~~~
If there are any specific questions, comment below and I will answer them.
Thank you to everyone who has helped me throughout my journey and I just want to return back the favor.
Good luck to all and may everyone cross the hurdles.

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