Timeline for a Match!

Since a lot of people have asked me how to create a timeline and what happens when, thought will write this post so that all get benefitted :)

N= Your desired year of matching

By April-June (N-1)

• Request your ERAS token. (opens somewhere in April/June/July)- Frankly do not remember when- http://neilnf.blogspot.in/2014/08/how-to-get-eras-token-in-order-to-apply.html
• Start requesting letters of recommendation.
• Strengthen your application by having USCE 

By August (N-1)

• Be ready with your personal statements and have your LOR’s uploaded
• Be done with all your Steps (Step 1, Step 2 CK & CS) and if possible graduate and be ECFMG certified since some programs require ECFMG-certification before applying.
• Finalize your documents and upload as necessary. 
• If you haven’t taken Step 3 do consider taking it as it could strengthen your residency application.
• Know which colleges you plan to apply to, which are IMG friendly or so. Talk to your seniors and check where they applied and stuff.

 September 15^th (N-1) Check the date!

• AAMC’s MyERAS opens! Apply early and stay organized.
• Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores are strongly encouraged to be considered for interviews.
• Sometime later register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)

 From October (N-1)- January or February (N)

• It’s time for interviews!
• Be patient as many programs invite interviewees late into January or February

 February (N)

• By mid Feb submit your rank order list.

March (N)

• Get your match results.
• If you didn’t match, consider the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) to find your spot.

March To June (N): 

• Matched Candidates should start and complete Visa Processing if needed and find a place to Stay during this period

July (N):

• Residency Begins after initial 1-2 weeks of Orientation and ACLS + BLS training 

PS- 

• ERAS creates a CV for you
• It is said that latest to apply is by September end at least since most programs finish downloading all their applications by the last week of September.

Some kind person named Dr Harshal Awasthi has painstakingly written about the Matching process and terms. You can find the link HERE or here

Another guide to Residency by some guys from Pakistan is HERE

List for electives/observerships

Last updated on 21st June 2015

I have no idea whether the list still holds good or no.

But during my search for electives in addition to umar tariq and electives.us the following lists come in handy.

Note : Links below open in a new window- On the top right corner of the new window click the Skip Ad and then you get the list. (Google Drive)

1. List 1
2. List 2
3. Observership opportunities  - Post from Facebook actually
4. Compilation - Some great people put together a HUGE list
5. Harshal Awasthi - Really great tips for applying
6. Dinesh Vinayak J- Good tips for new observers 

NOTE- Some people have contacted me saying that the links do not open. Do try the following.

• Check that the pop up blocker is turned off since the links open in a new tab/window.
• Add https:// before the web address
• Use a laptop or computer if does not work in your phone
• Ad blocker is turned off at least till you download the files

P.S.

• If you are the owner of the list or need me to take it down would gladly do so should you contact me. 
• Please add in the comments section if there is any mistake or additions that should be done.
• This is not the MOST updated list. Recommend mailing (emailing) the colleges to check if there are spots available.
• Kindly apply for electives spots towards the end of the year or in the beginning since there are higher chances to get opportunities then.
• Lastly no matter how bleak your chances are DO NOT GIVE UP!
• Do share the post if it helped you.
• Best of luck!!