"Good luck to everyone for the 2021 match ! I still remember being in your position. Observerships, filling in ERAS, getting documents from India, interviewing, NRMP deadlines… It all goes by SO fast. But the coveted prize at the end of it is so worth it ! Best of luck and may the match be with you
Few lines of advice -
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Don’t neglect ANY part of your application. You’ll be surprised at what catches the PD’s eye.
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If you can do observerships during interview season - that’s the icing on the cake. Looking back, that’s what helped me match. LORs won’t even be needed if they are seeing you day in-day out and interview you on the last day.
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Have a healthy support system of people in the same boat. There are so many things I learnt from people around me. It’s impossible to keep track of everything. Trust people in your group and allow them to trust you.
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For interviews, practice practice practice. Fluency in English, even though a key factor is definitely not the only thing. You need to know about your program in detail and why you want to go there. Don’t fake stuff. PDs know when you’re lying or exaggerating.
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Have fun whole of interview season! You’ll meet a ton of amazing people, from all backgrounds and you’ll be amazed at their stories. Traveling, meeting a variety of people, new cultures, need cuisines, it’ll be an experience to remember.
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Thank everyone whose helped you along the way. You never know who has had a bad day and who will appreciate that extra appreciation. And will remember you for it.
On that note, thank you everyone in this forum and beyond. From taking exams, to filling in the application, to interviewing- this forum has always had imp information. Good luck to everyone and come March, I’ll see you on the other side:) :)"
Credits: Dr. P. Sen (She covered everything that I wanted to say in the most amazing manner)