Prepare for the Match as a Third Year Medical Student
Written by Bianca Georgakopoulos, MD
It’s February, and Match 2022 is a month away. As a third-year medical student, you are in an interesting spot. Your medical school is very focused on fourth-year students. As a third-year medical student, you can start to think about match season.
Specialty: If you are deciding between two specialties, meet with your mentors to figure out what you are most interested in. If you are interested in getting more input, reach out to fourth-year medical students and see why they chose to apply to their field. You can also reach out to residents you worked with during clinical rotations. It is important to be proactive.
Schedule: After deciding on a specialty, start creating a schedule for the fourth year. Make sure there are lighter rotations during interview season (October-December/January). The first few months of the fourth year should include your acting internship and possible away rotations. Ensure that you include all course graduation requirements on your schedule. For your remaining electives, choose fun and interesting areas of medicine that you may not be able to explore in the future.
Letters of recommendation: Most specialties want three to four letters of recommendation. Some specialties have specific letter requirements like the SLO for emergency medicine and OB/GYN. It is important to consider all preceptors you have had and what genuine relationships you formed throughout the year.
1-2 letters of recommendation can be from your third-year clerkships. The other 1-2 can be from the upcoming rotations that remain (like your acting internship or away rotation(s)). Remember to ask the 1-2 preceptors from your third-year clerkships early about the letter of recommendation (so you have time to regroup if they say no).
Location: Consider where you want to apply. Do you want to be in certain areas, like geographically near family? Do you want to go to areas of the country where you have never lived? The world is your oyster, and you should mull over what spots you would be happy in (how far from your home, loved ones, warm weather, etc).
Overall, do not stress. You are still very early in the process. It is important to think about the points above as you will be a fourth-year medical student soon!
