Match Day 2024 is less than three weeks away!😱
Finally, after months of applying, traveling, and interviewing, the moment every medical student dreams of is just on the horizon🌅.
This is a time filled with excitement and anticipation!...but let's face it, as a medical student who has worked so hard to get here, you still can't help but be stressed😅.
So how can we navigate the weeks leading up to Match Day? Check out some of these helpful and essential tips⬇️
- Know the timeline. First things first, be sure you know the timeline for Match Week. On Monday, March 11th at 10:00 AM EDT, applicants will find out their match status (whether or not they matched) via email and the online R3 portal. Then on Friday, March 15th at 12:00 PM EDT, applicants will find out exactly where they matched. Make sure to set your calendar📅 accordingly!
- Be proud of your decisions. Here's a reality check: no matter how many times you talk about it or stare at your rank list📃, it isn't going to change. And that's okay! While it's normal to have lingering thoughts and questions about the order of your rank list, it's also important to remember that you are an educated individual who made an educated and informed decision. Rather than dwelling on something you cannot change, be proud and optimistic about what comes next😊.
- Do a self check-in. So telling you to be optimistic and not stress is one thing, but actually following through is entirely different. Since the weeks leading up to Match Day are filled with emotion, now is the perfect time to check in with yourself🤔. What exactly is making you feel anxious/stressed/scared? Are you nervous about potentially moving to a new city🏙️? Are you worried about being away from your family? Once you've checked in with yourself...
- Find your emotional support. Casual reminder: Not only are you not the only person going through this, but you also have a ton of people in your corner who are rooting for you📣. Set aside time to spend with friends, family, and classmates and consider discussing some of the things that have been on your mind with them💙. If you're medical school does not have a formal Match Day celebration, consider planning one with the people closest to you🎉.
- Focus on your own journey. Just like during interview season and the rest of medical school, people will be chattering🗣️. You may hear through the grapevine about how many programs another student ranked🔢, or you may even know someone who has already matched through one of the specialty matches. As easy as it is to get caught up in these stories, the most important thing is to focus on your accomplishments and your journey. Everyone has their own mountain to climb, and you're so close to the top of yours.
I hope everyone has a fun, relaxing, and prosperous Match Week!😁
🔮 Next week: Unfortunately, not every medical student who applies will match into residency. Check back next week for some tips on what to do if you don't match.
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