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A Penn State Nittany Lion statue is seen in the courtyard of Penn State College of Medicine in Summer 2016. The statue is in focus toward the right side of the image. Out of focus in the background, green plants and trees are visible in the courtyard.

Phase III: Choosing A Specialty

The schedule for Phase III covers your time as an MS3 at Penn State College of Medicine.

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Spring

March Expand answer
  • Begin clinical rotations: use AAMC’s CiMs Clinical Rotation Evaluation to reflect on your experience
  • Complete AAMC Self Assessments: Residency Preference Exercise and if undecided, Specialty Indecision Scale
  • Update your CV
  • Plan activities with Student Organizations/Student Interest Groups
April Expand answer
  • Register for ERAS (tokens provided by OSA)

Summer

July Expand answer
  • Assess specialty competitiveness and discuss with advisor/society heads
  • Meet with your advisor
September Expand answer
  • Start thinking about Letters of Recommendation for residency application
  • Town Hall regarding Residency process
  • Meet with your advisor

Fall

November Expand answer
  • Phase III and IV Schedule Process begins
  • Review 4th yr. schedule with your advisor
December Expand answer
  • VSAS Opens
  • Begin to solicit letters of recommendation (based on specialty interest, if known)

Winter

January Expand answer
  • Register for ERAS (tokens provided by OSA) (reminder to anyone who has not done so already)
  • Phase III and IV Schedules released
  • Meet with your advisor
February Expand answer
  • Start studying for USMLE Exam (Step 1)
March Expand answer
  • Take USMLE Exam (Step 1)