miracleseeker
Forum Senior
Topics: 13
Posts: 90
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Here's something I picked up while preparing for the scramble. Hope it helps:
1. Don't trust the IMG friendly programs list from scramble services. I've discovered that some of the programs where they put DO NOT SPONSOR or with a blank space on the visa status actually DO sponsor or at least accept ECFMG sponsored J1. Check the websites yourself especially the applicant info page and the residents (to see if it is indeed IMG friendly and if you have compatriots or schoolmates who might be able to give you feedback). Do your own research.
2. Make a doc file and pdf file of your documents (CV, LORS, PS, scores, ECFMG certificate, CAF/Universal application, photograph) and upload to a reliable fax service (don't ask me which one, coz I'm not sure either). This is crucial if you're targeting the first hour and fighting those mercenary scramble services. This at least would cost you a few cents per page rather than hundreds of dollars. Have a manual fax for backup and to send out other documents if they ask for it. Go for one which gives you a personalized fax number and not a generic one that might get blocked.
3. It's all about packaging. Highlight your good points in your CV and coverletter. Better to make an excel file of programs you like with columns for program directors' names, address, fax numbers and then mailmerge with your coverletter so it comes out more personalized rather than the generic dear program director.
4. use ERAs/NRMP to your advantage. 30 programs are free but complement this with fax and e-mailing because there's a delay in uploading files.
5. have a lot of phonelines and a lot of people to help you out. keep a line open for incoming calls.
6. i read in ama-assn website that some programs also advertise on newspapers esp if they know they're going to be unmatched. i don't know if it's still being practiced coz technically that's a violation but try to have someone look at the classifieds just in case.
7. speak clearly. try to stand up while talking on the phone. i read somewhere it makes you sound more enthusiastic. sound cheerful and optimistic.
8. other options: findaresident, nejm, careerMD.
9. prayer. prayers.
hope this helps. god bless. matched or not you are still a good person with a lot of things to offer to the world. just get going. 
miracleseeker
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| miracleseeker
Forum Senior
Topics: 13
Posts: 90
|
oh and you don't have to be computer savvy. there are plenty of downloadable shareware for you to convert scanned files into pdf easily. also, there are online tutorials that teach mailmerge for newbies. god bless.
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