Be the Best Candidate!

Match Strategy

**** Want to know what residency directors ****

**** are looking for in US Grads? Criteria ****

The key to Matching is to make yourself the best candidate that you can!

Scores: Obviously are a big deal. Great scores, open doors! You only have one chance... so ROCK the exams. 260 baby!

US clinical experience: Critical for making connections, getting letters, and impressing the right people. Sometimes it's all about who you know!

Visa Status: Hard to change so start researching the programs that give the H1 visa. They are the most competitive programs so get yourself into those hospitals and show them your skills.

Gaps: Again hard to control so make sure to use that time to productively if possible. Be ready to explain on the interview.

Letters of Recommendation: You want 3 good ones. US preferably with at least one from the specialty that you are applying to! Residency directors and chairmen are the best. For more check out: How to Rock Your Letters of Recommendation

Personal statement: Students stress the most about this... and the program directors put the least weight on it. Show it to as many good english speakers as you can. Don't copy from someone else... they can find out. Cut out the BS and use concrete examples. One page, 4 paragraphs at most! Check out: Barone's Tips for Rocking your Personal Statement

Research: Important for competitive specialties such as Derm, Plastics, Neurosurg, etc. Most important... is who you meet and impress during your time there.

Application: Don't wait till the last minute!

Interviews: You only get one chance to make a good impression. Make sure to read my interview tips!

Good Hunting! I'll be rooting for you!

Dr. Barone