Do you need to be in the USA for the Scramble ?

This post obviously applies to people who may not be able to be in USA during the scramble for want of a visa.

During the scramble, everything occurs over the phone and programs usually do not arrange for an interview in person No time baby!, unless you happen to stay in the area and they like your profile. They have to make quick decisions about candidates in just those 2 scramble days.

Being in the USA during the post-match scramble may have some technological and financial advantages:

1. Faster Internet Connections that allow faster download of the list of Unfilled programs
2. Faster Fax Transmissions and less dropped connections
3. Spend much less on the Phone calls and Faxes within the USA, etc.

Besides that, there does not seem to be any added geographical advantage. Some people have expressed an opinion that since some programs call back to announce a selection rather than email, there might be a slight predilection towards US-based candidates and a chance that some international calls may not go through. (I am not sure if we should worry too about this and certainly don't think this reason enough warrants presence in the USA). Also, if you happen to live nearby, you can always go in person to submit an application - but in the process you may be losing the time that could have been used to call more programs.


So what do we make out of this ?

If you can stretch your current stay to be in US during the Scramble, do so. If not it's probably not too judicious to get here ONLY for the scramble, if $$ are an issue. Inquire with online Fax companies like eFax if online faxing will be supported in your country. Efax.com has online chat support - Click here :-)