Steps to a Successful Fellowship Interview

I was hoping to write this piece later in the year, but after talking to a few fellowship applicants, I decided to put it out before July 15 for their benefit.

There is common knowledge that on average, you need at least 8 interviews in order to match for residency. Well, this is not necessarily true. I'll say you need only 1 interview: the successful interview. Quality>>Quantity.
This article briefly describes the steps you take towards securing the right interview.

After you submit your application, there are several factors that determine whether you will be selected for an interview. These include USMLE/COMLEX scores, visa sponsorship (J>H visa), research/publications, strength of recommendation letters, additional training, chief year etc. The weight applied to each criterion varies by program. Pray the program director reviews your application in his best mood.

Once you're invited for an interview, it is now in your hands.

In order to increase your odds of getting interviews, you have to apply to as many programs as you can afford. This especially goes to IMGs or residents that need visas. Many times you get rejection letters not because you're not qualified, but because there are many other equally qualified applicants.
Choose the programs wisely. If you need a visa, don't apply to programs that don't sponsor visas. If you're on H visa, apply to both H and J programs. You'll sort that out later. Some programs don't sponsor H visas because they're not familiar with the process. You can talk to them about it.

Talk to fellows in these programs. They're a great resource and can give you invaluable advice about your application. In fact, a look at the fellows' profiles on the program website can give you some insight into whether you're the kind of applicant they're looking for.
Caution here to minorities; you may find that there are many minorities in the program (great!) or there are none. Well, it's possible that the program leadership in the latter case just noticed the same and is looking to increase diversity. So, I'll advise that you apply irrespective of program make up.

A really good strategy is to get in touch with programs way before the application process. Link up with faculty with shared research or voluntary interests. Have them review your work. You may be lucky to actually start collaborating with them even before you apply. This is a good head start.

Get your letters of recommendation in early. You don't want programs reviewing incomplete applications. This means requesting letters from up to 5 mentors. You're betting on a 60% timely turnover rate. Make sure the letters are the strongest possible. It's better to get a strong letter from junior faculty than a mediocre letter from eminent faculty. Ask the letter writers if they want you to provide a template. This makes their job easier and it also shows them the achievements that you'd like to highlight.

I don't think a great personal statement will make an application. A bad personal statement can break one.

pleated-jeans.com

Everything I've described above is for one reason only: Getting an interview. Once you score the interview, then most likely you have as good a chance as anybody of getting accepted. You control your own destiny to a large extent on the interview day.

The next article (The Successful Fellowship Interview) discusses how to maximize your match chances during the interview.
Stay tuned.

Hakeem Ayinde