The 2020-2021 MAtch is here!
As in every year, the image below (from the VIRMP website) is one of the most important things to keep in mind. You must pay close attention to each deadline and fully understand what each means.
Make sure to read VIRMP DEADLINES – WHAT YOU MUST KNOW. It is a quick read and tells you what each deadline is all about!
One of the most important things about your application is the ability to plan ahead. This can give you an edge over many other candidates.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to create the best application possible and get a position!
Read all the way down to see how you can enter a give away for up to $250 back on your VIRMP application
How will covid affect the match?
First of all, if this is not your first time applying through the Match, you've likely noticed that the schedule is slightly different. All deadlines were extended and Match Day is also later this year. This allows extra time for potential candidates to go through more clinical rotations since the senior class of 2021 started training later due to COVID.
It will also pose certain logistical difficulties, including procrastination in getting your applications in shape and ready to go.
Please don't do this - you're working towards your dream career!!
Due to the above, there will be less time between Match results and programs starting. As is (ie. prior to COVID), some candidates would have trouble obtaining State licenses in time for their program starting dates. It is likely this will be worse this year. For international candidates, this will be a much bigger problem. For this reason and the current political situation, it wouldn't surprise me that even more programs will not consider international candidates that did not graduate from an AVMA accredited school or currently possess either the ECFVG or PAVE certificates.
Interviews will be another big change compared with previous years. In-person interviews will likely not going to be offered at all. But phone and skype/zoom interviews will certainly continue to happen. Make sure to be prepared for those! You can read our interview series here: VIRMP INTERVIEWS – WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO ASK?
Another thing to consider is how certain programs will be impacted by COVID. This is largely unknown and very program dependent. As of now, it seems that everyone is extremely busy (caseload wise), but it is unknown if this will remain the norm moving forward. The logistics of each program might also change - hopefully most will disclose how COVID has changed/impacted their internship/residency programs. It'll be more important than ever to reach out to program directors and current interns to learn more about these changes.
Don't be afraid to ask programs how COVID has impacted their normal daily routine and how changes will affect the training provided to interns/residents
IS the match more competitive this year?
Some people have asked me if the Match will be more competitive this year. The short answer is, I don't know. I think it can go either way.
I'm curious to see if there will be more or less applicants in this year's Match. While some candidates certainly dropped out after Match day earlier in the year, I don't think that was a significant number.
I'd also think there will be less people (or the same) applying this year due to the unknown of what's coming. If this is the case, it is likely that more people will apply for the 2021-2022 Match instead. Assuming that COVID is under control by then...
Ultimately, no one really knows what'll happen. Let me know if you have thoughts on this on the comments below!!
we'll cover up to $250 of your Match application!!
Huge news here!! For the first time ever, we are going to sponsor a giveaway to offset the cost of the internship / residency application fee for at least one lucky winner.
Yes, you've read that right. We'll send you up to $250 of your application fee in the form of an Amazon gift card!
To enter, all you have to do is purchase or previously have purchased a copy of our book and be applying through this year's Match. Just email your VIRMP receipt and proof of purchase of our book (make sure to remove sensitive information!!) to pedro@vetmedsurvivalguide.com
We'll announce the winner(s) on March 2 (the day after Match day) - if you were selected, simply send us a print screen showing where you matched . If you didn't match, that's ok too; you will still get your prize! We'll contact the winner(s) via email.
It's as simple as that! Good luck and share this with your classmates!
See the rules below:
-You are eligible if you are applying through the 2020-2021 VIRMP and you have purchased our book (from now on or in the past). The VIRMP receipt (again, cover/remove sensitive information) must show this year's date.
-Email your receipt to pedro@vetmedsurvivalguide.com. If you purchased the book using a different email, make sure to share it with us!
-Due to logistics, only US based individuals are eligible for this offer.
-We'll email the winner(s) on March 2nd, 2021 and will send an Amazon e-gift card as soon as you email us back.
-If you applied to 10 or fewer programs, you'll receive a $90 gift card.
-If the above occurs, a second, winner will be drawn and will receive either a $90 or $160 gift card (ie. $250 - $90 = $160). If the second winner also applied to 10 or fewer programs, a third winner will be drawn and will receive $70 (ie. $160 - $90 = $70).
-If you applied to 21 or more programs, you'll receive a $250 gift card.
Awesome giveaway! I hope you get a lot of participation!