"Plan, plan and execute- My Match mantra"-Chandni Sinha

Signing those contract papers was a surreal experience. As I spelled out my name, these past 2 years flashed before my eyes. The long hours of study, frustration, the sheer loneliness, the innumerable pep talks I would give to myself in the shower, the disappointment of a bad score and the ecstasy of a great one… And I realize now that the match is more about the journey than the destination.

After graduating from medical school (June 2014), I took about 2 years to finish all of my steps (in the order: Step 1- CK- CS- Step 3). Scores were OK, except for a very disappointing CK. Wasn’t CK supposed to be far far better than Step 1?! All the USMLE forums had said so! I almost felt cheated when I saw my results… But I had passed, so there was no way I could improve that score now… I felt like giving up… but my parents urged me to keep going. I finally gathered myself and started to prepare for CS, which was a welcome break after the intense CK preparations! This was also when I made some good friends (they were my online study partners for CS) … We studied together, worried together and reassured and encouraged each other that it will all work out in the end.

After CS (January 2016), I still had a lot of time before I would apply for the match. I used this time to gather all the “must-haves” on my C.V. Four observerships- two at university hospitals, two with private doctors… some basic research experience with a PhD candidate at Johns Hopkins, and two clinical research projects with a private practitioner)- always making sure that before I left one place, I knew where I was going next… and of course trying my best to create a lasting impression in the hopes of good LORs. As I was done with all my exams (except for step 3) it was easier for me to devote more time to these rotations. During my free time I volunteered with a Hospice service, a very unique experience that was emotionally draining, yet rewarding in some way- it felt special to be able to give companionship to someone during their last days.

During this time, I was also putting together my application, and preparing for Step 3, as I needed an H1B visa. Sometimes it all got too overwhelming but I had a great group of family and friends always backing me up… Step 3 was a bigger challenge, as I needed to show an improvement from CK, and not merely pass it. Thankfully I managed to do that. Also, I got selected for a wonderful, 3 month long, hands on externship program.

My application wasn’t extraordinary but I had checked all the boxes- Done with all the steps with no attempts, with enough U.S clinical experience with decent LORs, research experience (one publication as the third author and one poster presentation), meaningful volunteer experience, and not a very old year of graduation from med school. One or two interviews trickled in. I knew that I have to make the most of whatever few interviews I had, as I may not get too many. I prepared for them meticulously, working on all typical interview questions provided by USMLESarthi-especially following all the little tips and tricks suggested by them- did their mock interviews and took their extremely valuable feedback.
I felt well prepared on the day of the interview. Apart from the common questions like tell me about yourself, etc., (which I had prepared well), my interview revolved around my medical school experiences- especially since I am an Indian who did med school in Nepal, I was asked a lot about the socio cultural differences, and how I dealt with them etc.. , about my externship at a hospital in D.C. one of the interviewers was very happy to learn that I had spent 8 years of my life in Kerala, as he was from there! We even chatted a little in the language spoken in Kerala- Malayalam… I was asked about my adaptability, and a little about my volunteer experience. 

It was my very first interview and BAM! PREMATCHED! I couldn’t believe it. 
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My suggestion would be to look beyond the application and try to do something or say something that stands out. I deliberately drove my interview towards the fact that I have lived in many different places in India and abroad (because of my dad’s transferable job)… to reassure them that I was adaptable and can easily connect with people and patients.. My externship hadn’t begun during the time of the interview, but I spoke about it nevertheless, telling them about my future roles and responsibilities, since I knew it would be of interest to them as it was going to be a very hands-on experience, and may give me an edge over others.

If I look back and try to think what really did it for me, I would say that it was a bit of everything. Managing to keep away from major red flags, having lots of emotional support from my family, sound interview preparation by USMLESarthi and luck- lots of it!
My best wishes to everyone for the match! Yes, it is well within your reach.

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