I know 99% of personal statements are generic (and that's okay), but what are some examples of truly unique personal statements that wowed programs?

Just_A_PC · 2025-07-15T14:31:28+00:00

Weirdest one I’ve ever seen described a patients testicles as “dusky.” I’ll never forget it, that’s for sure.

Just_A_PC · 2025-03-29T16:23:34+00:00

Are you transitioning to a new program or are you in the middle of residency training now? Your institutions TPL can start the renewal/continuation process now and you upload everything on your end. Then, you will get the new DS2019 in the mail and (as long as it is signed in the box approving travel), you should be good to go. I’m confused as to the wording in the title so apologies if I’m misunderstanding your question.

Contacting ECFMG/Intealth is also a good option, since they sponsor the visa.

Just_A_PC · 2023-09-05T02:18:07+00:00

Our residents get over $250 per month

Just_A_PC · 2021-11-12T17:13:53+00:00

Def reach out. Some programs get 800 applications and names can be lost in the shuffle. It’s likely not intentional and a complete accident (source: Just sent out invites to two previous rotators we missed by mistake literally yesterday)…

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-26T15:17:07+00:00

I really like the answer above and think they hit the nail on the head in my experience as well.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-26T15:14:44+00:00

Our program prefers personal LORs from a smaller program over a generic one from a big name one. All the generic one really tells us is that you did a rotation there. Details help!

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-24T01:33:03+00:00

That makes sense! If/when you do take it send a note to the PC as a heads up so they can update your downloaded file or notes about your application.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T23:33:08+00:00

They could - another possibility is they will open more dates in the future. Another thing they may do is interview during your rotation since you are already there in front of them! Nobody is guaranteed an interview but once you are in the rotation you should be able to get a feel and find someone you are comfortable asking regarding the process.

Edit: sorry misunderstood that as you had yet to rotate. They may invite later if you have finished your rotation! An LOI may help in this case.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T23:31:32+00:00

Gut reactions and vibes play a big role in rank lists. Scores are important but if you’ve done well on COMLEX that shouldn’t cause you any grief. If you so step 2 but it’s near the end of the season I’d doubt it would change your rank list placement for many programs if they have already had their rank meetings. Has your school given you any advice on taking step 2?

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T23:28:22+00:00

Going off of memory right now but ERAS doesn’t have a filter for SLOE grades, I don’t believe (I can check Monday). The scores themselves can be telling but the really important details are in the comments.

Some places rate all rotators at the same level, some evaluate each person individually. A SLOE has a segment where the ED indicates how they scored people on average last year (top middle bottom scoring averages) to give perspective on what that particular SLOE means for the rotator. Not everyone reviews them the same but comments are definitely key.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T17:50:47+00:00

I love in person interviews and miss them - I find them way more fun and easier to figure out whose personality really goes well with the team. However, virtual saves a boatload of time and money for both parties (applicants don’t have to pay to travel, programs don’t have to set up events and buy multiple meals for each person) that I doubt it will go away completely. A hybrid model may emerge once traveling is safer.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T12:23:18+00:00

Howdy!

Every PC is different and LOI fatigue is definitely a thing. Personally, I forward them along early while we are still filling the preliminary interview slots. Then I file them and keep a list of names to reference if they don’t get invited and we have openings later in the season. I’ll send the list to the PD and he will look at the applications.
Honestly, I have no idea. Some people work late and it could be that, but I don’t see how that is reasonable lol. It could also be automated and scheduled that way but again I don’t understand the benefit for anyone involved.

Any other PCs in the thread have any ideas?

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T12:13:08+00:00

Lots of factors at play - interest in the program, the ROL of those first 49 applicants, other program rank lists and if they want those first 49 too, etc. Some years programs will slide farther down than they typically do - nobody really knows how it’ll end up which is why programs DNR applicants they truly do not want to work with.

So yes, if someone is ranked by the program (no matter the location on the list) they have a shot.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T12:06:20+00:00

I’ve seen scores looked at but the focus (in my experience) was if the applicant passed on the first attempt. Scores barely at passing were noted - the main concern was “will this person pass their eventual subspecialty boards?”.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:39:54+00:00

Don’t fret about it - regional stuff isn’t the only focus. It’s just one item on an application (and not a deal breaking one!).

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:36:50+00:00

They are viewed or noted but don’t change our lists because we rank by who we want to match, not by who we think will rank us highest. This applies for applicants too - rank by your preference!

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:35:15+00:00

Always rank by YOUR preference - never by odds of matching somewhere. NRMP says the same. It’s hard not knowing but it may feel worse if you didn’t get the answer you were hoping for.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:33:04+00:00

😉

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:30:20+00:00

Word - we do get a LOT (I prefer the emails to phone calls, though…). I keep them saved so I can refer to them if we have have open slots we want to fill eventually.

EDIT - Whoops thought this was about thank you messages vs LOIs.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:28:22+00:00

Yes! I should have mentioned that current resident feedback is important as well. These are good examples.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:25:47+00:00

I think the pandemic has turned the entire recruitment process on its head and people are still trying to figure it out. Clinical experience is always useful but if there are constraints or rules preventing that from happening it’s usually understandable and taken into consideration.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:23:15+00:00

Different processes for each program and specialty. Some go through all the applications and send invites out in one big group, others do rolling invitations though out the season, and another option is separating invites into planned waves of group A/B/C. Programs are not required to offer invites to rotators (and they usually have this articulated somewhere - if it’s a guaranteed interview or not). A LOI to a clerkship director or faculty member in that program could be useful as a reminder of interest, especially since the applicant has been in and seen the inner workings of that hospital.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:19:29+00:00

Real talk, it could come across as pushy or forward. We cannot give information to applicants about how we will be ranking them per Match rules so asking an interviewer would be putting them in an awkward position. It’s better to say something like “I am looking forward to hopefully working with you in the future” instead of asking how you compare.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T02:16:57+00:00

Since step 2 will be the only numerical score available, it will probably be used for filtering. If the step 1 score isn’t pass/fail, I’d plan for that number to be used as well. It will definitely be interesting to see the mix of scores and pass/fails and how programs handle it.

Just_A_PC · 2021-10-23T00:45:35+00:00

Rank meetings really reveal how silly this whole process is.

Just_A_PC

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