So I have a dilemma:
I'm a third year who is trying to decide between applying this year or waiting till next year after a research fellowship.
Option 1 - Applying this year: The advantage of this is that I'll be the only one applying from my class. My school has two positions and it'll also permit the school to accept someone from another school. I can get a headstart on residency and start paying off my loans sooner. The downside to this is that I'll likely only be competitive for my school and there's no guarantee even that I'll match here, though I'm in good terms with my home instituition. You just never know. Also, while I love my school, I'll prefer to match in the state where my family is located. I will be more than happy to match here however. My school has a great program. The goal is to become a dermatologist irrespective of location.
Option 2 - doing a research year: The advantage of this is that it will make me more competitive to any school in general. I'm also trying to set it up in the state where my family resides. The downside is that there'll be a total of 4 people applying from my school for 2 positions. Also, there's no guarantee that the research year will improve my competitveness so much that I'll match.
Which would you guys choose? Advice much appreciated!
I'm a third year who is trying to decide between applying this year or waiting till next year after a research fellowship.
Option 1 - Applying this year: The advantage of this is that I'll be the only one applying from my class. My school has two positions and it'll also permit the school to accept someone from another school. I can get a headstart on residency and start paying off my loans sooner. The downside to this is that I'll likely only be competitive for my school and there's no guarantee even that I'll match here, though I'm in good terms with my home instituition. You just never know. Also, while I love my school, I'll prefer to match in the state where my family is located. I will be more than happy to match here however. My school has a great program. The goal is to become a dermatologist irrespective of location.
Option 2 - doing a research year: The advantage of this is that it will make me more competitive to any school in general. I'm also trying to set it up in the state where my family resides. The downside is that there'll be a total of 4 people applying from my school for 2 positions. Also, there's no guarantee that the research year will improve my competitveness so much that I'll match.
Which would you guys choose? Advice much appreciated!
