"Working with Memorable Essay has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. "

It's hard to believe that MATCH 2023 has come to an end. The labors of an arduous process now bears fruit. Retrospectively, working with Memorable Essay has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The team stood the test of endurance during the MATCH Cycle.

After completing my Step 2 exams and subsequent OET exams , I knew time was against me. My matched seniors told me that I needed a precise and swift intervention and recommended I join Memorable Essay. Memorable Essay became the family I needed to provide insight and true guidance during an intricate and complex process. 

On my first few assignments from Memorable Essay, I was challenged in many different ways to identify the core qualities and fundaments that made me unique. How often are we self-aware of the qualities that define who we are? What led us to this path and where we will go in the future? This was the first time I truly had to examine and articulate  my self-perception, values and commitment to my own journey. As I went through this process, I slowly realized more and more who I was holistically. After submitting my application, I felt a sense of relief that the team at Memorable Essay had ensured I stood a fighting chance.

As my interviews began accumulating, I started asking myself if I was truly ready to express myself as candidate. Looking back, I believe I went through a forging process: I had the raw materials- my scores, unique background and stories and individual qualties but I was not yet refined. Shawna, Dr.Gordon and the entire team had the ability to recognize my unique strengths and help me use them to shine through. They also showed me how to navigate my weaknesses. I saw the process of constant interview prep, individual meetings and practice scenarios refining/forging me into being a holistic candidate. This allowed me to get better at the interview process and make a memorable impact during the interview season.

My mindset entering the interview season was to treat every single interview as the only one. I knew at this point: I am a holistic applicant and all I need to do is express this to the interviewers. I actually enjoyed all of my interviews and the end of each one, it seemed less of an interview and more like a conversation with a dear old friend.

Our journeys through this life will always be different but surrounding yourself with the right people that truly care about your wellbeing and growth is important. I am entirely grateful that the Memorable Essay Team was there in my journey. I have grown beyond the person I was when I entered their process. 

My advice to future MATCH applicants: Trust the Process, Work Hard, Stand Out, Be Bold, Be True, Be You.

— Christopher  

"Ten interviews later, I am now fully matched into one of my top choice internal medicine residencies in the 2023 season."

After two unsuccessful match attempts, seven years post-graduation, being a non-US IMG  and having limited US clinical experience, I felt like a candidate who would be easily bypassed by programs' filters. So I reached out to Memorable Essay. Shawna-Kaye, Andre, and the Memorable Essay Team revitalized my once-dead-in-the-water application and helped me to realize my dream. Ten interviews later, I am now fully matched into one of my top choice internal medicine residencies in the 2023 season.

The match process is extremely competitive and good board scores do not guarantee a successful match. The team at Memorable Essay takes a full view of your application and transforms it into something memorable! 

Like anything in life, your commitment to the process is extremely important. Drafting and redrafting of personal statements, CVs and MSPEs is crucial to ensuring your application is polished and presents a cohesive brand. Memorable Essay makes this challenging process easier by their carefully structured learning modules and resources to guide you, and access to a mentor who will help oversee your application. 

All members of the team are friendly, approachable and have your genuine interest of matching at heart. I am one of the many happily matched residents who went through their program and any prospective match candidate can achieve their goal by going through the program. Luck favors the prepared, and you will certainly be well prepared by the team at Memorable Essay!

— Match 2023 Client, J

"In the end, I had a polished personalized application that was uniquely me on paper! And I matched to my number 1 program."

The US residency application is by far the most complex application I have ever done in my medical career. I guess this is owing to the fact that all my medical training was done in my home country, from medical school through to my post-graduate program. 

Having gone through the Match process once and being unsuccessful, and knowing that I was 15+ years outside of medical school, not the  preferred 5-year post-medical school window, I needed professional help. I had paid to have my ERAS application and personal statement reviewed the prior season but the assistance received was generic. I decided to engage the services of Memorable Essay as they offered personalized assistance for every stage of the matching journey.. I must say the investment was well worth it. This doesn't mean you won't have a lot of work to do personally, but it is quite a guided approach that takes the guesswork out of the process. In the end, I had a polished personalized application that was uniquely me on paper! And I matched to my number 1 program.

If the match is an important part of achieving your career goal, working with Memorable Essay is a worthy investment in your future.  Look at it this way, we depended on our curriculum and lecturers to guide us along the path to becoming the accomplished physicians we are today irrespective of the cost as we knew it was worth it! Now, you can follow Shawna-Kaye's curriculum, and her team to get you to that "Congratulations, you matched!" email in March. 

— Match 2023 Client, L

"Within 4 weeks of submitting applications, I received 13 invites, and it was clear to me that my decision to work with Memorable Essay was already proving to be wise and productive."

A few months prior to the match application cycle, I had a job interview that I thought went well. However, after the interview had concluded a member of the interview panel told me a hard truth: even though it was clear to him that I was a strong candidate, I ultimately fell short of what they were looking for solely due to the fact that I failed to sell myself convincingly. That revelation made me realize that I had to be proactive about improving on this shortcoming going into the match and interview season. A senior from my medical school then advised me to reach out to Memorable Essay to achieve this goal.

The experience with Memorable Essay was incredibly productive and, in many ways, life changing. By the conclusion of the process, I had changed considerably through the transformative nature of the process Memorable Essay and I embarked on together. This change began from the very beginning of the process when I was asked to complete a brand-finding questionnaire. This questionnaire forced me to examine my drive and motivations and helped bring many things into focus that I had not even been aware of.

Within 4 weeks of submitting applications, I received 13 invites, and it was clear to me that my decision to work with Memorable Essay was already proving to be wise and productive. 13 invites were more than double the 5 invites I was expecting as an IMG who had completed medical school 5 years prior.

As the interview season began, I became unsure of my ability to convincingly present myself well in interviews, as I am not the most talkative person. Concerned, I reached out to Shawna Kaye and Team, and we made a strategic plan to improve this weakness to improve my prospects heading into the interviews. During the planning process, something Shawna said to me stuck with me immediately. She said “They already love you on paper, you just need to bring it to life”. In that moment, I realized that my approach should reflect the fact that they did in fact love me on paper. I decided that I would approach my interviews with the idea that a match was mine to lose, not gain. They invited me to the interviews because on paper I looked like a candidate they would offer a position in their programs to, therefore the onus was on me to confirm what they already thought. I don’t consider myself talkative, yet I went into those interviews and sold myself in ways I never thought I was capable of before, even going over the allotted time in some interviews.

 The USMLE journey is expensive and mentally exhausting. Having a supportive team that is familiar with the inner workings and complexities of the process is a major asset in navigating the sometimes stressful, confusing, and complicated process to help get the best outcome possible.

Have faith. Network,Network,Network. Don’t be humble--sell yourself.

— Denzel 

"I was not only able to secure interviews at all my top programs and match at my number 1 program but I have experienced tremendous professional growth."

When I started the process of preparing for residency applications, I thought I was at least capable of writing a personal statement on my own. So, when colleagues and friends recommended Memorable Essay,  I just filed away the information to the back of my mind. It wasn’t until after I had tried and failed for probably the 15th time that I decided to reach out to Shawna - Kaye.

I highly recommend the services offered at Memorable Essay because I can now definitively say signing up has been one of my best decisions in my journey to residency. The Memorable Essay team has been very supportive, very thorough and made the entire process seamless from start to finish.  

I was not only able to secure interviews at all my top programs and match at my number 1 program but I have experienced tremendous professional growth. The sessions with the team also helped to change my thinking and approach to my goals - something I will carry with me throughout my career. 

— Karecia 

"I received 6 interviews, and accepted a pre-match offer at a program where the PD said my CV was "pristine".

The IMG Residency Match Application Accelerator came highly recommended to me by a senior colleague who had gotten support from Shawna and matched. So I didn't have any hesitations about joining.

I wished I had started the program sooner. I loved Shawna's attention to detail and the personal feel to the experience. I felt like I was the only client, and to me that's how you know you are getting excellent service. Also, the guest experts in the program were quite knowledgeable.

I received 6 interviews, and accepted a pre-match offer at a program where the PD said my CV was "pristine". My service exceeded my expectations so if you're thinking of joining the IMG Residency Match Application Accelerator, know that it requires effort to get the best out of the service but your application will be stellar.

Matched into Pediatrics

— Yanique 

"Just 16% of IMGs who applied to Psychiatry matched, and I am glad I was among them. I got a pre-match offer from a program that was impressed with my application, and I took it."

When I heard about the IMG Residency Match Application Accelerator from a colleague, I wondered if the money I would invest to get support for my application could be used elsewhere, like for pulling out all the stops with Step 3 or the actual application fees. I also wasn't sure if getting help for branding would significantly increase my chances of matching, or if the application process was something I really could do on my own and be okay.

I eventually signed up to join the Early Bird cohort (Jan-March), so I finished the bulk of the work early and had time to get everything polished before the ERAS token was released in June. 

Being a part of IRMAA was insightful, to say the least. I realized just how hard it is to work on branding— being a humble person I would not have included some of things that ended up in my application if I had worked on it by myself.  The process also helped me to build confidence, knowing I was working with masters in the system who know from experience exactly what works.

Just 16% of IMGs who applied to Psychiatry matched, and I am glad I was among them. I got a pre-match offer from a program that was impressed with my application, and I took it. I didn't have the stress of waiting until Match Day and ending up in a least preferred location.

If you are unfamiliar with The Match process and the system of Graduate Medical Education in the U.S., it is best to have guidance from those who know what works and save yourself the trouble of maybe having to apply to the match again and incurring more financial and emotional woes. You're going to end up with a complete application package that sells you more effectively than you can sell yourself. 

Shawna is very meticulous and goes through documents with a fine-tooth comb, ensuring she has covered all of the bases. She might not be accessible 24/7 but she will give you feedback on time. She is down-to-earth and always looking for ways to unearth things or improve. Be prepared to work hard and get the most out of the process.

— Kayan

" This application process is daunting and having someone who is knowledgeable about the process personally guide me made it so much easier to match. "

When applying to the match,  I wondered if the money I would use to get support for my application could be used elsewhere to help the application, for example by doing another rotation in the United States (before COVID hit). But the IMG Residency Match Application Accelerator came highly recommended from three colleagues who had worked with Shawna-Kaye and matched. 

I found Shawna-Kaye to be blunt. I appreciated that she did not sugar coat anything but at the same time, there were times that the process was getting to me and she was infectious with her positivity. I greatly appreciated her positive thinking and encouragement. 

My written application was far superior to what I would have come up with on my own or with help from friends. After my interview prep, I felt  less nervous and I feel more prepared to handle them compared with interviews I have done in the past.

Don't hesitate to make the investment in yourself. This is an investment in your future. This application process is daunting and having someone who is knowledgeable about the process personally guide me made it so much easier to match.

— Christian

"My application, I believe, was well packaged and the feedback from my interviewers was great. They were particularly impressed (visibly in many cases) when I had asked questions about their program."

The residency application process can be very daunting and overwhelming, from drafting a well packaged CV to an impressive personal statement, to the big hurdle of leaving a mark in the interviews. Being a part of The IMG Residency Match Application Accelerator helped me meet each of those milestones in a seamless fashion. It  does require a big personal drive and commitment because the work is not done for you, but it’s certainly an excellent investment in YOU.

Before signing up, I was primarily concerned about if the quality of the service would really be helpful and reflect the cost. After I had completed my personal statement, CV, and letters of recommendation, we did the interview prep. In that prep, we focused on preparing for one specific program, and from there the learning points helped me tremendously  in formulating answers and questions for subsequent interviews. My application, I believe, was well packaged and the feedback from my interviewers was great. They were particularly impressed (visibly in many cases) when I had asked questions about their program. These were questions that were formulated through working with Shawna-Kaye. 

I was matched to a program I love. This is the program for you if you really want to package your application in a memorable way, to give yourself the best odds at matching. I am sure that even the soft skills learnt in the process will help me beyond residency and in other aspects of life.

— Kemar

"I matched, yet still in hindsight, I would have started the process with Shawna a bit earlier to have more time for my interview preparation."

I was hesitant initially about getting support from Memorable Essay, as I wasn't sure if I really needed help. However, after working with Shawna, I realized how much help I really needed. My application and CV improved significantly. Some interviewers mentioned they really liked my CV and it's why I was invited for an interview.

My entire experience was great. The individual conversations with Shawna Kaye were the best for me, as she has a way of helping you to identify your strong points and examples of cases where these are exemplified. Because of this, my interviews went smoothly.

Aspiring doctors and medical students who want to enter residency programs: Just Do It. Do this program. I matched, yet still in hindsight, I would have started the process with Shawna a bit earlier to have more time for my interview preparation.

- Domonick

I matched to my Number 1 ranked program.

Before working with Shawna-Kaye, I was hesitant about whether this would be a worthwhile investment. Now that I have successfully completed the process, without a doubt I would say my decision to improve the quality of my application with guidance from Shawna- Kaye has proven to be one of my best investments in my career to date. Shawna- Kaye took her commitments seriously, appeared to understand and value how important this process was for me, and was invested in me successfully securing a residency position.

I felt satisfied with my personal statement and CV, and my interview prep made me feel less nervous in approaching my interviews. I obtained greater than my expected number of interviews, inclusive of my top 3 choices of university programs and matched to my Number 1 ranked program.

I think people generally underestimate the importance of their application—it is actually just as important as your Board scores. Programs look at your personal statement especially to get an idea of how much effort you place into assigned tasks. For most of my interviews, the program directors commented on my personal statement and that was a nice way to break the ice.

My advice is to start early with the process, be diligent with your work and timelines, and really commit to having an immaculate application. Without a doubt, doing this process with Shawna-Kaye’s guidance is an investment into your future that is worth having.

- Shanique

When I decided to pursue residency in the US, I knew I would need assistance with my personal statement and overall application package. I didn't know what these programs really wanted, and that's where Memorable Essay came in.

Shawna-Kaye has valuable insight, which was obvious when working with her. She helped me to pick good content for my personal statement and guided me in delivering it in a clear and impactful way. In one interview, the program director revealed that my personal statement played a major role in me being chosen for an interview. So I can safely say we nailed the statement.

She taught me a lot about writing in a purposeful way, which influenced how I presented my CV, and conducted email communication with my letter writers and program directors. She showed me how important every piece of communication was to the overall process of being chosen.

When coaching me for my interviews, Shawna-Kaye taught me how to use every part of my story to stand out on my interview day, how to pivot on difficult questions and turn red flags into positive characteristics and demonstrate growth.

Overall, I valued my time with Memorable Essay and didn't regret making this investment, even prior to knowing that I matched my number 1 ranked program.

If you are looking for a program that will help you to stand out in this highly competitive process and you are willing to do the work it takes to make your application the best it can be, Memorable Essay is for you.

- Anna-Belle

“When I went to interview, a program director singled me out.” “When I was recommended to Memorable Essay, I was not sure if I needed help. I thought I could just get my friends to read over my match application. I’m glad I chose to work with Shawna: Working with her boosted my confidence in what I was bringing to the table. It also helped me make my personal statement appealing and improve my CV so it sold me well. When I went to interview, a program director singled me out—he said he wanted to talk with me because of what I had written about in my personal statement.” “Our interview prep was especially helpful, and I wish I had done it earlier. I had read books on interviewing, but my interview prep allowed me to prepare answers that were unique to me. It also prepared me to ask strong questions during my interviews, which I believe made a difference in my match outcome.” 

- Nicola

I was invited to interview at my dream residency, where they told me that a line in my personal statement was the reason I was called.

I came to Memorable Essay with the challenge of having to write two personal statements for my residency applications in Family Medicine and Psychiatry. I had no idea where to begin but speaking with Shawna gave me so much insight into approaching the task that I was able to get my thoughts and ideas on paper. Then Shawna worked with me to turn my very rough draft into professional documents that were indeed memorable.

I was invited to interview at my dream residency, where they told me that a line in my personal statement was the reason I was called.

Shawna is very personable and goes above and beyond to make herself available. I am very happy that I was referred to this excellent service. It made the entire experience more manageable.

- Lorraine

I was a third-time applicant to the match, and with Shawna’s help I was successful!

Sometimes when you use paid services, it feels so distant. Preparing for my interviews with Memorable Essay felt personable and real. Shawna was invested and urged me to tell my story and show people what I had to offer. She guided me to where I wanted to go and boosted my confidence. I was a third-time applicant to the match, and with Shawna’s help, I was successful!

- Andre

“The talking points we came up with during interview prep were used countless times throughout the interview season. I highly recommend Memorable Essay.” “I secured 9 interviews and really thank Shawna for all her help. The essay we worked on served as an icebreaker at most of my interviews and the points we made were often referred to by the interviewers. The talking points we came up with during interview prep were used countless times throughout the interview season.” “I highly recommend Memorable Essay to anyone applying to the match. It’s easy to contact Shawna and her suggestions are clear. You’re in good hands because she knows what she is doing.” 

- Jason

I was selected for interviews, where an interviewer commended my personal statement as well-written, insightful and enjoyable to read, and inquired about what had happened to someone mentioned in my essay.

I had been struggling for a few weeks with putting a good essay together, and found it necessary to involve Shawna-Kaye in this process. In a very short time, Shawna- Kaye helped me to organize my thoughts and previous experiences to create an eloquent personal statement, which surpassed any expectation that I had about what I was able to write.

I was selected for interviews, where an interviewer commended my personal statement as well-written, insightful and enjoyable to read, and inquired about what had happened to someone mentioned in my essay. This no doubt contributed to my success in obtaining an internal medicine residency position, which has brought me much closer to my professional goals.

- Rochelle

Memorable Essay will always be my number one recommendation.

I decided to work with Shawna after not matching on my first try. I ended up feeling more confident about my application and wishing I had used her service earlier. I had no idea how to express how my work experiences had shaped me, but Shawna provided regular, timely feedback. She gave honest advice and was patient in helping me get the details that I had previously ignored. I learned to ask in-depth questions about application requirements and to project the right information about my experiences, and matched! Memorable Essay will always be my number one recommendation.

- Darren

Working with Shawna has been one of the best investments I've ever made.

I had gone through The Match once before and thought I could handle it all on my own. I was wrong.

Shawna's wealth of experience with the process provided so much insight and helped me gain confidence in the strength of my profile.

What I appreciated the most was how tasks relating to the completion of the application were spread over a period of weeks thereby mitigating how overwhelmed I had felt before.

She paid close attention to detail and ensured my message echoed in a memorable way.

Interviewers were particularly impressed with how refined my application was, even commenting on how special my personal statement came across. I know many of us aspire to provide world class patient care but are often met with the limitations of being an IMG. If matching is something you're determined to do, investing in The IMG Residency Match Application Accelerator will give you the head start to success that you deserve.

- Dr. Y M

I learned about Memorable Essay while in medical school, after hearing many success stories of graduates from my school matching into US residency using the service. So I reached out to the service at the beginning of my residency journey. This was the best decision and investment I made.

Coming from my medical school, I knew little about The Match process as we are not mentored about The Match process during medical school, which is a huge disadvantage competing against AMGs and other IMGs who learn about the process very early and can start working on their CV years before applying.

Memorable Essay helped bridge this huge knowledge gap, which is very important to put forward your best application. I was very pleased with how Shawna helped me put my best application forward by providing strategies and spending time perfecting my PS, CV, letters of intent, other important documents, and providing outstanding interview preparation. I am now matched at my number 1 choice program because Memorable Essay provided the right guidance, mentorship and helped me submit an application representing the best of me.

I am thankful to Shawna for helping me realize my dream of pursuing US residency training. Over the years, I have recommended Memorable Essay to many IMGs who went on to match and will continue to do so because I see great value in the service. Thank you Shawna; I couldn't have done it without your expertise.

- Dr. C W