hanskenneth
Forum Junior
Topics: 2
Posts: 55
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Hello friends. I would like to ask those who participated in the 2007 match how much you had to shell out for the applications, travel, etc, related to the match. If possible, kindly include the number of programs you applied for. I'm planning to join the 2008 match and would like to know how much I have to prepare. Thank you very very much! Mabuhay tayong lahat. 
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| hecmd23
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 146
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hanskenneth,
i participated last match, and I have one advice for you, never think about how much you have to spend. Spend all you can to optimize your chances...remember, it will all come back to you.
I applied to around 60 hospitals (all surgery programs) and thats $60 + $80 + $ 150 + $750 = $1040 for applications alone. let me tabulate my expenses to give you a clearer picture as to how much you need to shell out for the whole process (considering you finished all exams already)
Applications (60 surgery programs) $1040<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
ERAS Token $75
NRMP registration $40
Travel (from <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Philippines) $1200
Travel to interview per interview $250
Hotel stay and misc. (taxicab rides) during interview $500
TOTAL = $3355
This is what I should have spent if I got AN interview during the match. Since i never got an interview, subtract the $750. But i did take the Step 3, which was around the same amount so this is what I actually spent during the regular match season...... not to mention the other circumstances that happened after the match.
After the match, I went home to the philippines with a bruised ego, but getting ready for the next match. the next day that i opened my mail, i received an interview invitation in one surgical program ( they had an opening, and they screened 100 applications and invited 2 applicants - one of them was me) so nearly a day after arriving from the states, I bought another ticket to fly back to attend the interview (thats another $1500) plus travel to the states itself (around $250) and hotel accomodations and stuff ($500).So that's an additional $2500 out of my pocket. Unfortunately, they chose the other applicant (a US grad) though the program director claimed he liked me so much (yeah right, hehe!). So it seemed like I threw away $2500 for nothing. But hey, at least i went through it and I never had to think how things could had been.
So the lesson of the story, be prepared to spend a lot. and I mean a lot. the key to a successful mtach is the number of interviews, and the key to having more interviews (of course considering other factors on how good an applicant you actually are) is to apply to more programs. basically, it's around $3000-4000, depending on the number of applications you send and the interviews you get. This is only a rough estimate based on my experience, I'm sure there are others who spent less, others who spent much more than what i did. But either way, don't deny yourself of being able to apply to more programs, when you can actually financially do it. Like what i said, everything will all come back to you in time.
Hope this helps, see you next match!
[left] [/left]
___________________
"I'm still the best there is at what i do best" -James Howlett
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| hecmd23
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 146
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and by applying to more programs, i don't mean that you pick a state and apply to ALL programs. Don't do what the war planes during the world war did, went to the enemy area and started carpet bombing the vicinity, whithout knowing if they hit the actual target. Instead, be a stealth bomber, be precise - search the target and that's the only one you have to hit.
What I mean is, do your homework. instead of picking a state and applying to all hospitals in that state; research well on the requirements on each hospital and just apply to those that you meet. even with stellar scores, you will be surprised at what kind of requirements some hospitals have. so apply wisely, don't waste your money on programs whose criteria you don't meet. by doing this, you'll be able to maximize your expenses. Apply to more programs, but make sure they will count.
___________________
"I'm still the best there is at what i do best" -James Howlett
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| hanskenneth
Forum Junior
Topics: 2
Posts: 55
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Hi hecmd23. Wow. Many thanks for your reply. Yeah, that's what I've been doing now. I'm checking the FREIDA website for programs in which I can realistically have any hope of being interviewed. Medyo toxic nga but kelangan. Anyway, good luck in the next match. I know you'll do better this time. Experience is a great teacher. Again, thank you very very much!
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| louisemd21
Forum Junior
Topics: 3
Posts: 21
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hey hanskenneth, hec (hi hec!) is right about the expenses. I suggest the following: 1. Try to apply to nearby states, concentrate your efforts there so that you don't have to travel far and shell out money that much. I know one person who concentrated on jersey, new york and philadelphia. Me, i concentrated on michigan, chicago
2. Consider the specialty you are applying, be realistic (without losing faith, hope and uhmmm love). I applied to 29 programs. All internal medicine. I loove internal medicine and could not imagine myself in any specialty other than that to the point that i would rather train in the Philippines for IM rather than do a non IM residency in the US. But if you are not that particular, and if you do not feel strongly for a particular program , then i suggest that you go for IM, pedia, FM or OB. They are very open to IMGs.
3. I divided my 29 programs into groups - i applied to 7 top tier programs, i applied to 10 which were within my credentials, and the remaining programs, to programs whose doctors credentials were kinda weaker than mine.
4. Also apply to programs where the doctors are happy. What will you do with three years of residency where the condition is hell? Go to scutwork.com for that.
5. Google it up. Check for the minimum requirements of each program. I think there's a website that tabulated everything. If you have spare money, i recommend matcharesident.com
Hope that helped.
Also , apply AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. AS SOON AS ERAS OPENS APPLY APPLY APPLY EARLY.
louise
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| hecmd23
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 146
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you're welcome, i feel everyone should help each other in this gruelling process. louise is right...follow your heart. I would kill for a surgery position, and i was prepared to go unmatched for a year if i don't get a position. so right now, i'm doing some surgical research to improve my credentials for the next match, still surgery all the way! Anyway, i think freida is a good site, i even tabulated all the programs regarding their requirements, toxic, pero that's the only way to maximize your resources. I also suggest to email them individually to be sure about their requirements, kasi minsan di updated yung website. And yes, lastly, apply the moment september 1 arrives, that's very important..... and have everything ready by september 1, scores and ecfmg certification. Good luck!
louisemd, matched at MSU, congrats! that's not that bad, and you'll be doing somehting you really want. Good luck, and wow everyone how pinoys really work!
___________________
"I'm still the best there is at what i do best" -James Howlett
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| oneirosdreams
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 8
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Hello everyone! I'm new in this forum, it's good that there's specifically for pinoys. I'm applying for the 2008 match, and like everyone I guess, I'm getting overwhelmed with all the application processes and expenses. I'll be taking Step 2CK June 28, CS Aug 15.
Here are my questions:
1. For those applying for H1b visa for 2008, when are you taking Step 3? I read in FSMB website that deadline for Step 3 application is Sept 4, and must be ECFMG certified (Steps 1, 2CK, 2CS passed) before applying. Problem is, I'll be taking CK Aug 15, so earliest I'll be certified is Sept-Oct. Is it ok if I take Step 3 on Jan 2008 and still be on time for the match?
2. Pag J1 visa naman, does anyone know where to get the DOH letter (stating the need for US training) required by ECFMG? Which office/dept in DOH? How long does it take to get the letter?
Thanks!
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| hecmd23
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 146
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oneirosdreams,
yep, you need to be certified before you take the step 3. i got my certification last dec, and took step 3 on march, which, if you're filing for H1, you should have taken it way earlier. As you know, it takes much longer to file for an H1 visa (even with the premuim processing) though some of my friends were able to make it eventhough they took the exam as late as late jan.
The thing is, if by october and you will be offered a position via pre-match, and you don't have a step 3, you might be forced to opt for a j1 (which is not that bad), but i have a personal friend, she was offered a prematch at cleveland clinic foundation by october (she's really good) and she opted for an H1 so ccf told her they're willing to wait for her scores until march.
now, i don't know where to get the j1 letter of need, coz i myself am going for the h1 this coming match. hope that helps, good luck!
___________________
"I'm still the best there is at what i do best" -James Howlett
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| oneirosdreams
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 8
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Thanks for the info hecmd23! I just found out how to get the DOH letter. It's called NTC (Need for Training Certificate) for the Exchange Visitor Program. More info at the DOH website. It's only given after getting accepted in the hospital, with contracts signed. And interestingly, I just read that the DOH does NOT allow J1 waivers. Says in the website that the Phil government does not recognize the "No Objection Letter" to allow a J1 waiver position. Too bad.
I hope I can do the same thing your friend who got accepted in cleveland clinic did. I'd really prefer an H1 (like everyone else). If I take Step 3 by Jan, 2008, results will be available by March. Hopefully i pass, and the program director would be willing to wait.
Thanks again!
Good luck to everyone in the application process.
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| lilac
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 42
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hi guys!! It's nice to finally find a forum for pinoy imgs. You all seem so very supportive. Anyway, I"ll be taking my CS soon and was wondering if you guys know of a nice hotel in Philly that isn't too expensive, preferably within walking distance from the CS testing center there.
Thanks so much! Hope to get a response.
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| hanskenneth
Forum Junior
Topics: 2
Posts: 55
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Hey Lilac! Did we just meet for coffee earlier? Haha. Anyway, good luck still if I am mistaken.
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| lilac
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 42
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hi hanskenneth don't think so. I'm just trying to keep my head above water. This application thing is pretty overwhelming. Thanks! Goodluck in the match too!
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| hecmd23
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 146
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hi lilac, i dunno any hotels in philly, coz i took the cs here in chicago. if by any chance you are able to have it moved and you can find a spot here in chicago, there's a hotel right in front of the testing center here, it's called marriot hotel. all of my friends who took the exam here stayed there. i think they have discounts for those taking the exam. i didn't stay there coz i leave a few miles from the testing center lang naman.
good luck with the match!
___________________
"I'm still the best there is at what i do best" -James Howlett
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| hecmd23
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 146
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i LIVE a few miles pala. sorry about that that. anyway, don't hesitate to ask anymore questions about the match!
___________________
"I'm still the best there is at what i do best" -James Howlett
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| lilac
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 42
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Hey Hec! Don't think I'll be able to take it in Chicago since I'll be staying with relatives in New York. Thanks anyway for the info.!! By the way, I was wondering if you know when the ERAS token requests will be available? The way I understand it is you need that token to register for MyERAS so they can give you that AAMC id, which you need to include in all the docs. you will send to ECFMG like LORS. Did I get that right? Hey sorry to bombard you with all these questions. Just wanted to get those LORs done as soon as I can. Does that mean I have to wait till July when the MyERAS site opens before I could get my LORs moving? Thanks!!!!
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| hecmd23
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 146
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yep got that right. last year, the eras token was available around june 30. its ok, it's quite quick coz they process it immediately. i bought my token june 30, got my aamc id july 1. you can work on your eras application as soon as you get your token, coz there's a lot of things to get done with the application - your common application form, PS and other stuff. but once you get your ID, you can send your lors, mspe, and transcripts to ecfmg. I think i got mine in by mid july, so don't worry, you have a lot of time, it's just a stressful process coz you need a lot done all at once. but you're right, once you get those LORS out of the way, it will be smoother sailing until september. hope that helps.
___________________
"I'm still the best there is at what i do best" -James Howlett
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| lilac
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 42
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Thanks Hec!!! That really clarified things. I'm so glad you're here. Hehe!! Thanks again
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| hecmd23
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 146
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sure no prob, glad to help!
___________________
"I'm still the best there is at what i do best" -James Howlett
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| hanskenneth
Forum Junior
Topics: 2
Posts: 55
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Hey NLP! Musta review? When's your CK?
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| brylyz
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 1
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Hello to the kababayans.this is my first time here hoping to see Pinoy site.Hope you will not get tired of helping your kababayans..like me.
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| lilac
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 42
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Hi hec!
i know you're probably very busy, but i hope you get to read this. was wondering if it's ok to send a lot of LOR's to ERAS then just choose which LOR goes to which program? or can you just really submit 4 for scanning? i know i read something about it on the ERAS site, but just wanted to make sure. thanks a lot! sorry for bugging again 
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| hecmd23
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 146
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hi lilac, you can submit as many lors as you want to eras. Once they receive them, or once you get your token and login to MYERAS, you need to make "slots" for them under the documents tab. Its pretty easy, just click the documents tab at MYERAS, then click LORS, then click create designations. You will need to input the name/department/which specialty will it be exclusively used for each LOR you have. So if you have 10 LORS, you have to do that 10 times.
Now, when ASSIGNING lors to programs, when you have chosen a program already, all your LORS will appear in the apply to prgrams window. You have to choose ONLY 4 LORS to send to each program. But it still depends, some programs only ask 2, some ask 4, so check their requirements. In order to assign them, all you have to do is put a check mark on the lors you want to send, and you can assign different sets of lors to different programs, as long as you assign to a maximum of 4 only. then come sept 1, when you send your CAF, everything will be sent to their rightful programs.
hope this helps, good luck!
___________________
"I'm still the best there is at what i do best" -James Howlett
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| lilac
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 42
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OK hec thanks a lot!!
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| NLP
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 25
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hi hanskenneth! Haven't been concentrating on reviewing for the past few months. So many personal stuff going on. I'm scheduled to take CK on the 25th, but I'm not sure if I should still take it right now. My attitude/goals have sort of changed--just want to take the exam to get it over with...
I only read Step Up to Internal Medicine, few chapters in USMLE Step 2 Secrets, few chapters in Crush Usmle Step 2, First Aid for Step 2 CK, and the Kaplan OB notes and videos. Ive been doing a couple questions/day in USMLEWORLD, getting really low scores as well...
I'm kinda lost in what to do right now. Ano advice mo hanskenneth? Ngexam ka na ba? kamusta naman?
IF any other kababayans have advice, please enlighten me! thanks!
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