LOR and some general app questions, applying path this cycle
First off, if tl;dr: What type of LORs are best for path residencies?
Good morning all! First time posting here but I frequent this page. Coming here for some guidance since applying to path is a little different and it can be hard to find info.
A little about me: 4th year DO student, good step 1 and level 1 & 2 scores (didn't take step 2), good preclinical and clinical grades/evals, some basic science research with a poster (but no pubs) , some teaching/tutoring experience but otherwise not a lot of other extracurriculars, 2 path community rotations but no aways/rotations with residents. Clear interest in path since 2nd year, but only about a month ago did I solidly decide on path and only path (toyed with the idea of dual applying or doing a prelim year). Mainly looking at residencies in the southeast.
My main question is about what type of LORs path residencies like to see. Information on most program websites is either sparse or lacking entirely on this topic. So far I have one from the path chair at my school, one from my research PI.
The issue I am having is what to do for 3rd/4th letters. I have asked for one from one of my path rotations, could possibly get 2 from path rotations. But should I get one from a clinical specialty? I could ask for one from IM PD from 3rd year (but they don't know me all that well, idk how strong the letter would be), or one from a surgeon I worked with more closely and know better (but no residency affiliation).
What combo of letters do you all suggest? Let's assume the 2 I already have are strong, and the remaining options I listed above would be more or less equal in strength (although like I said I think the IM PD doesn't know me well).
If you're feeling extra nice today, I have some more less pressing questions below
- Does not having any away rotations/rotations with pathology residents hurt me? I didn't push too hard to find any because of COVID and the fact that I felt like I've gotten the info I needed to know that I want path.
- Does not having a step 2 hurt me if my step 1 and comlex scores are good?
- Any tips on how to research residencies other than their websites, reddit and the reddit spreadsheets? Any path residents here from the southeast programs?
- Any general tips for application, personal statement, or interviews?
- Thoughts on TY or prelim year and then applying path afterward? Not because I'm iffy about going into path, but because I feel like my clinical education has been hurt by COVID and I'm worried I won't be as strong a pathologist for it. I realize this is prob a bad idea, but I literally can't find any information on doing this so thought I would ask. I kinda wish TY years were still required for path.
Thank you for your time!