couple match? - falcon1987

[ArchivalUser]

hello doctors:
I'm an IMG yog is 2011....I have 230+ in both steps but failed CS and pass second attempt, I also have 3 months USCE
now I didn't receive any IV this season and I will start my preparation for step 3, my question is can couple match increase your chances to get interviews?? I mean if I apply next year with my wife she got 245+ in both steps but will do CS in august 2014 so her result will be out in October 8 if she apply to pediatrics and I apply to IM will this help me get more interview?? and what will help in couple match????

[ArchivalUser]

Unless you wife is absolutely amazing and the peds PD makes a call to IM PD saying we want this woman, will you IV her husband, it won't help.

I was always under the impression couples matching made things harder.

[ArchivalUser]

@blueamg
then how come that the couple match rate is much higher than others?? and if we both apply to same programs will this help better or not? I mean both apply to IM or both to Peds?

[ArchivalUser]

Are you an american graduate? Most couples who couples match are american grads (close to ~80% of all total couples matching applicants) so most of the matching rate data will be skewed if you are looking at this through the lens of an IMG. If you were unable to get interviews this year, it's unlikely couples matching will help you. More likely, it will hurt your wife who may have otherwise been competitive for pediatrics. Work on your own application, improve what you can and try again next year.

[ArchivalUser]

I would advice that both of you apply individually. She will most def get more interviews than you, however, if you apply to the same places, both of you can call the programs she gets interviews in and let them know that you are her husband and also applied there... it is easier to get them to call the other department after they have gotten committed to interview one person. It won't work most of the time, but it will certainly work for some programs and help increase your chances.

I will also advice that you encourage your wife to study and take her CS early enough for the start of the interview season. The advantage of being ready is a lot.
Good luck to both of you

[ArchivalUser]

Thanks guys, so couple match mainly is a ranking process in NRMP issue and has nothing to do with interviews right? so its when each one of the couple get his/her IV and when they rank it they mention that they are couple??

[ArchivalUser]

I think the programs will know if you are couple!! Right guys??