Applications

The application cycles never cease to end. Like clockwork, every four years we have to update our CV's, ferret out recommendation letter writers, and scribble up a personal statement. It's awful, but it's the way things are. For residency applications, each specialty is slightly different; some specialties really favor early applications while others don't review files until the Dean's Letters are submitted in November. Wading through the process is a pain; while it is convenient to apply to all schools through a single application process, it's not the most user friendly, straightforward, or efficient procedure. I'm not sure how to feel about the "Match" process. Through the Match, one submits a rank list of preferred programs and programs submit a rank list of favored applicants. A computer algorithm will determine the optimal matching of applicant to program, and the result of that computer program is final and binding. It's unusual and strange as no other school or job application that I know of uses this kind of process. But I guess we'll see how things go.