Here’s some application and interview advice I got on Reddit that was flat out wrong. I matched into my top choice program after 24 interview invites and wanted to remind everyone that some Redditors speak out of their ass and shouldn’t be giving advice.

1. Using your phone during an interview if your computer stops working: I was told this was basically playing with fire. My computer shut down mid interview and I switched to my phone. You can absolutely explain the situation to your interviewer. Just mention why your screen is vertical, and if you were late because of this, acknowledge it briefly, then move on and interview like normal. A good interview will make it feel like the technical issue never happened. If a program has a problem with a genuine tech issue, that's probably a DNR anyway. These things happen in real life across every profession.

2. Talking about a long-distance marriage as an impactful experience: I was told this looked like I was checking boxes or was seeking attention and came off desperate. In reality, I had a very long distance marriage for the majority of medical school and it genuinely impacted my studies, research, volunteering, social life, etc. One PD told me it reminded him of a difficult period in his own life. Several interviewers thought it was touching and personable and made it a real talking point. We're human. Shit happens. Don't be afraid to show that. You don’t need to make light of your situation if it genuinely felt like it impacted your journey in medicine. Yes others have had it worse than you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the platform ERAS is clearly giving you to speak about an impactful experience in your journey.

3. Listing rotations/clerkships as experiences on ERAS: Was told this made me look like I was padding my app or being arrogant. But ERAS literally offers clerkships as a category for a reason. I had two that were directly relevant to my career path, both niche subspecialty electives. I could talk about them with genuine passion and interviewers responded well. They care about what you're actually excited about and what direction you have planned for residency, not what looks impressive on paper.

4. Taking step as a DO: Some say take it, some say don't. The actual answer is to email the PDs of programs you care about and ask them directly. If they don't reply, no big deal. I did this and got like a 60% response rate, either from the PD directly or the coordinator. I got legit, actionable guidance this way. Several told me to skip Step 1 entirely and just do Level 1 since they’re both pass fail, and then do both Step 2 and Level 2. Some said they didn't need Step 2 at all. Get your info from the source, not from Reddit.

5. Planning your interview answers: Practice your answers to core questions like about me, why medicine, why this program, strengths/weaknesses, why you're a good fit, learning from a mistake, advocating for a patient, etc. Lots of folks made it seem like this would make you sound robotic, but really you’re just preparing yourself rather than memorizing word for word. Similar to doing a chart review before you see a patient rather than walking in blindly. Basically you won’t be stumbling and instead will sound natural and prepared.

6. Reaching out to programs early: I was told this was a gunner move. I reached out to some programs as early as mid-MS2 when figuring out if I should take step as a DO. I used that as a way to introduce myself and show early interest in the program. Most PDs loved it. Several remembered my email months later at interviews. One reach program gave me an interview specifically because I had reached out early. If you’re genuinely interested, make it known and they’ll remember you.

7. Talking about pregnancy and having kids: So many people told me this would backfire. They thought talking about having kids during residency would deter the program as they’d have to accommodate. It’s a match violation for them to ask you about family status and potential pregnancy. But you absolutely can mention it to them or to any residents that interview you to get a feel for the program. Are they welcoming to residents with families? Do they seem accommodating? Are they going to pressure you into limiting your maternity/paternity leave? Basically, if you are family planning during residency, would you want to go to a program that doesn’t want residents with families? If they don’t rank you for this reason, you’re probably better off elsewhere anyways.

Separately, here’s some general advice regarding ERAS and the interview season:

1. Thank you letters: They’re appreciated but not required. Many programs will tell you outright. Doesn't hurt, but don't burn yourself out writing 30 of them.

2. Vibe check programs: Most programs in a specialty are very similar on paper. The real difference is culture, resident morale, and satisfaction. Go to socials, look at their social media, see if they actually show love to their residents. Vibe checks are probably the best thing you can do for your sanity.

3. Letter of intent: Send one to your top choice. It's free. It signals commitment. Do it.

4. In-person interviews: Go in person when you can. Obviously expensive and not always possible, but worth it. It’s much easier to get a gauge of the program’s quality and for a general vibe check if you go in person versus online.

5. Withdraw if you know you won't go: If you have an invite from a program you know you won’t rank (looking at you HCA Florida), then withdraw. Don't waste your time or theirs.

6. Look up board passing rates and accreditation history: Do this for every program you apply to. You don't want to end up somewhere that doesn't have their shit together. This is your career and your license on the line. If you’re curious about something, ask during the interview. You might come off as direct, but hey, you did your homework and want to make sure you get adequate and quality training. If they don’t like you for it or don’t own up to their mistakes, they’re probably a DNR.