Did not match. Feel terrible. - aag

[ArchivalUser]

applied for path only. 10+ grad, 237(2nd), 248(1st), passs, residency in specialised path from home country, work experience in the field, MA (USA), few posters, 1 publication and 1 oral presentation, 5 months US obs in Univ program
3IVs .
Did not match. What to do?

[ArchivalUser]

38 reads and no reply!

People who matched in pathology please share your credentials

[ArchivalUser]

My first word to you is NEVER EVER give up! It only takes one interview and one day to match!

My Take: Never give yourself headache about things you can't change like Scores, YOG, Attempts.

Looking forward:
1. Give the USMLE step 3 a try.
2. Look in to your LOR, see if you can get better letters from US attendings.
3. Review your PS to plead your case better and render some emotions about your passion for pathology.
4. Broaden your search, if you never applied in california, now is a good time to look into the PTAL.
5. Tighten any gaps in your CV.

Finally: Give yourself credit for what you have achieved so far. Remember you are a professional and hold your head high! Life changes in an instant, make sure you take every available opportunity.

Good Luck to you!

[ArchivalUser]

Good advice eightroad

Thanks for giving some hope to us unmatched applicants

[ArchivalUser]

Don't feel bad, you have pretty decent scores but I would open up to other specialties like family or IM. Step 3 is a good idea if you can guarantee a good score. Volunteer, build connections and know that you've done all you can. I matched this year after everyone telling me it would be nearly impossible. Good luck, keep your head up.

[ArchivalUser]

Hey... U have an amazing application , finish ur step 3, get usce in IM and apply for IM, including california(include new programs). I noticed in the "My reports" section in NRMP- there are 9000 IM spots, but 600 spots for path overall, Do the math- we all have a better chance in IM. All u have to do is write a convincing story of why u changed specialty in ur PS- Good luck! u will match next year!

[ArchivalUser]

@aag Great scores. Maybe its year of graduation. You cannot do anything about it.
Continue observership and more lors.. Use the one which is most likely will be strong. Clear step 3.
I think you will definitely get more ivs next year. Do not give up...

What about soap? Did you get any calls?

[ArchivalUser]

@aag, interview day is also very imp. That particular day all the co applicants are all equal regardless of what their backgrounds are, scores are. They are looking for people who can demonstrate excitement and eagerness wih strong commitment to the field. But like others said step 3 is a big relief once u r done with it. And observerships are equally important. Your lor, your personal statement and ur cv all have their own roles. Also when u rank programs make sure u rank them according to ur preference and not according to their feedback
Hope this helps.

[ArchivalUser]

Hi aag, I matched with a lot worse credentials than you. If you like I can talk to you. Please give me your email address.
Please remember, you did not match, does not mean you will never match. You just become one year delayed, thats all.

Thanks!

[ArchivalUser]

Thank you guys - eightroad, defeatthe beast, skymd, acestep2, pathapcp, rosai, torukmato.

There is a lot of great advice from all of you.

I ranked according to my pref.

I am in a non IMG friendly place.

Ace if I do IM obse, won't it harm my CV? as IM and Path both will say I am confused.