Pass/fail transcript VS. Transcript with Grades -

[ArchivalUser]

Mike

Hi,

My medical university offers a pass/fail transcript or one with the student's actual grades on it. With such an option, which transcript is better to apply for the match with?

[ArchivalUser]

duckie

Mike, Go for the one that gives a better impression of you!!!
If you got the highest grades in class, and were valedictorian, then go for the grades, if you aint too happy with your grades, go for pass fail!! whattya say?!

[ArchivalUser]

Mike

Yup, I wasn't the top student in the class nor was I the worst. Then, I guess I should go with the pass/fail transcript. But, won't the PDs wonder how the class rank and GPA were derived on the Dean's Letter?

Sorry to bombard you with all these questions but, you seem to be the only one around that has a clue what this is all about. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions Duckie. -Mike

[ArchivalUser]

duckie

its alright Mike, I didnt have anyone to answer my questions when i was struggling, and i only found out about this website after I matched (duh..!!) so i figured may aswell help someone else out!!

One thing is that ECFMG doesnt ask for your GPA as such. I mean its not something you ahve to fill in at all on any form or something that you will be asked on your interview day. We dont use the GPA system where i come from ,and I never got mine calculated- cos they take the ECFMFG exams anyways. Personally, I dont think it really makes too much of a difference what kind of Deans letter you send in as long as it can be verified from your Med school and its authentic. Mine was worse than a piece of shit, and I got through over 15 interviews and matched pretty fine. So dont stress out too much, just do what satisfies you.
Someone may ask you what your class rank was on your interview (but that interviewer will prbably be from some country like India !!- I got that alot from Indian interviewers- probably cos i went to Med school in India- I dunno)
Anyways, there you can say you were usually in the upper 10-15% or whatever....

If your med school is cool and agrees to make you one of those horrendous MSPEs that everyone is fretting about, i would say, go for it if it suits you!
The thigns that matter the most wil be your personal statement ad your scores (apart from your CV)
Good LORs are better than bad ones, and really mean soemthing only if they are coming from places that have the same set-up or level of medical care that the US offers.- i mean if they are from someone that the Prog Director can identify with.

Basically- DOnt stress, do what suits you , as long as it fulfills the requirements, and works in your favour.