Should set up a limitation

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Should set up a limitation

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7 Posts

Peace18
Forum Newbie

Topics: 4
Posts: 18

12/01/07 - 09:00 PM

Hi, Folks,

I am new. have an thought here. you just ignore it if I am being naive.

Should ERAS set a limitation on the number of programs each applicant could apply for in the future? I think it will benefit both the applicants and the programs. Bx: here is my thought: The tendency seems to be that people are applying more and more programs, even multiple specialties year by year, being brave to invest(wast). it ends up with 2,000-3,000 applicants applied for the same program which may only have 6 slots. raised eyebrow

most likely almost the average of application each program could receive is about 1,000 more or less so (conservative estimate). who they are sending IVs to? first 200-300 same applicants? PDs won't have idea what else programs applicants are applying for. Are all the programs are interviewing those same people? how many canceled IVs will end up with? How many interviews each PD has to do to feel safe to get spots filled securely? can we predict the worst situation in the future?: people are taking loans to apply every program possible or maybe impossible? just to try luck. It hurts everybody.

Anybody has better opinion on this? I know this does not help anybody a bit here right now, just a thought.

CuteMeNow
Forum Junior
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Topics: 10
Posts: 33

12/02/07 - 12:18 PM

i agree with you 100% ..
you know i expect this year match will result in many unfilled positions,because as you said the programs are inviting almost the same people and they are cancelling other qualified applicants in whome they have less qualifications.

i believe that the money this year will be the postmatch scramble ..

so just be ready ! wink

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arlete
Intern in 2009!!!!!
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Topics: 30
Posts: 2,208

12/02/07 - 04:47 PM

If that is being lucrative to somebody, it won't change. Period. Money is the boss.

But if it's not, who do you think should/would/will take the initiative to change things around? Who has the powerful voice in this matters?

I agree, this is crazy and frustrating and maybe not working in anyone's favor.

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new_n_lost
Politically InCorrect
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Topics: 650
Posts: 6,056

12/02/07 - 04:55 PM

arlete wrote:
If that is being lucrative to somebody, it won't change. Period. Money is the boss.
But if it's not, who do you think should/would/will take the initiative to change things around? Who has the powerful voice in this matters?

I agree, this is crazy and frustrating and maybe not working in anyone's favor.

Programs will have to realise that by not limiting the number of applications they will find themselves in peril when the candidates cancel their interviews. Because then they wont know who was having them as a priority other than the guy they just called because that particular guy was waiting for anyone to interview him anywhere.

But it works in the favor of the Candidates as their luck plays a major role. With limited number applications the candidate suffers.

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sarika
Forum Guru
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Topics: 195
Posts: 1,200

12/02/07 - 05:08 PM

This can only be fair if the programs also have limitations on sending invitations per number of positions they have. If they are interviewing 15 candidates for one spot, what are the odds?
Also no prematches, so where ever you interview you have a chance to match.

Peace18
Forum Newbie

Topics: 4
Posts: 18

12/02/07 - 05:26 PM

So glad to see I am not alone here. I will look forward to scrambling too.

crazydr
Forum Senior

Topics: 21
Posts: 62

12/02/07 - 05:30 PM

To start with ERAS / or the Program do not have the right to limit the no of applicants legally.
Some of the Things can be done to avoid confusion is

1.Fixed date of Interivew Invitation, eg.like Nov1 Dec 1st
so reduces candidats anxiety, less risk for future OCD to check hourly mail, help us aware of our own status to make early decision to schedule, attend, cancel an interview.
2. Flexibliity in Interview Scheduling via Online Like CS exam for all programs so any cancellation/ reschdulig can be easier and meaningful as the candidate no need to worry calling the program.
3.Refundable deposit of 100 USD (some AMOUNT) for schduling an interview which program can pay back after the interview. Non refundable for non attendendee..etc. ? how that sounds?
4.Reducing the ratio of Interviwe to available position.
IF not prescreening by telephone interview with video link. etc (given the 21st communication techonolgy it is not going to be a big deal)Then they can call the more deserving candidate . Atleast saves some USD and precious time for us.
5. To stop Prematch (Every body will hate including me).

I think we need to start a new headlines, make a collective opinion and forward to ERAS . Who knows it may help us if not others in case not matched.

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