How to be a good candidate
The most important thing is going to be your US experience: summer internships, observerships, exchange programs... Residency programs like people who have some experience, know how the system works and what they're getting into. 2/3 of the candidates are not retained because they have no US experience. And during those times, ask for letters of recommendation - they will be very useful for your application.
What's included in your application?
- Your resume/CV. Americans really like original experiences and volunteering. So try to get involved in college, in any field you like, if possible on a regular / long-term basis volunteering. If you have had unusual experiences that have nothing to do with medicine (for example I gave a hand for the accounting of my father's company who ran a French-Cambodian TV channel), do not forget to put it on your CV!
- Your Step scores. Really important. Some programs have filters, and don't even read applications below a certain score so you really should not take them lightly.
- Your letters of recommendation, even more important! They have a special format with a lot of personal details. They should relate how you are doing in your rotations, your interactions with medical and paramedical teams, your medical knowledge, and some anecdotes that prove that the author of the letter has really worked with you and knows you well. You should have at least one from your country of origin (otherwise it gives the impression that you are fleeing because you are bad) but it is necessary to explain the interest and the subtleties of this letter to whoever will write it for you. You can find examples of good and recommendation letters the internet to get a better idea.
- Your dean's letter. It's a letter that the dean of students writes resuming your grades and your rotation evaluations. It is followed with a brief presentation of your school and its system of evaluation / notation. Read the MSPE guide for recommendations on how to write it. I believe it's optional for foreign students, but it's always better to have it.
- Your photo: it must be professional (but you can smile!). You will find the rules to follow in terms of size and format on the ERAS website where you will need to download it.
I think that's all. To summarize: experiences in the US with strong recommendation letters and good Step scores are the most important things, and volunteering is an extra bonus.
What's included in your application?
- Your resume/CV. Americans really like original experiences and volunteering. So try to get involved in college, in any field you like, if possible on a regular / long-term basis volunteering. If you have had unusual experiences that have nothing to do with medicine (for example I gave a hand for the accounting of my father's company who ran a French-Cambodian TV channel), do not forget to put it on your CV!
- Your Step scores. Really important. Some programs have filters, and don't even read applications below a certain score so you really should not take them lightly.
- Your letters of recommendation, even more important! They have a special format with a lot of personal details. They should relate how you are doing in your rotations, your interactions with medical and paramedical teams, your medical knowledge, and some anecdotes that prove that the author of the letter has really worked with you and knows you well. You should have at least one from your country of origin (otherwise it gives the impression that you are fleeing because you are bad) but it is necessary to explain the interest and the subtleties of this letter to whoever will write it for you. You can find examples of good and recommendation letters the internet to get a better idea.
- Your dean's letter. It's a letter that the dean of students writes resuming your grades and your rotation evaluations. It is followed with a brief presentation of your school and its system of evaluation / notation. Read the MSPE guide for recommendations on how to write it. I believe it's optional for foreign students, but it's always better to have it.
- Your photo: it must be professional (but you can smile!). You will find the rules to follow in terms of size and format on the ERAS website where you will need to download it.
I think that's all. To summarize: experiences in the US with strong recommendation letters and good Step scores are the most important things, and volunteering is an extra bonus.
Great initiative. Like you noted there isn't enough information out there on getting into residency in the US as an IMG. Great work
ReplyDeleteThis is really helpful :)
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