Advice about schedule conflict

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Hello all,

I was recently offered an interview at Wash U and NYU Neurology programs, which I am ecstatic about. However, they are scheduled for the same day and this is the only option I have.

Any advice/insight you have on these programs that may be helpful would be greatly appreciated. While I obviously care about how well the program is regarded, I think both of these programs are well regarded. I do care a lot about the quality of teaching and the atmosphere.

Thanks!

 

[smmypnts]

If you can only say yes to one, say yes to Wash U. I've heard nothing but good things about it (think it might be in the top 10 in the country) and the only reason I didn't apply is due to its location. I think it's the better of the two. NYU isn't even the best program in NYC (I would say its probably 3rd or 4th best unless you want to do epilepsy).

Tell the other program that you are very interested in interviewing there but have a schedule conflict for the date they offered and ask them to put you on the wait list for another interview date. I tried that with 2 programs and within a week they got back to me saying another date just opened up. Even if they say all slots are full right now, there's a good chance people will cancel at either program and wait list spots will open up as time goes on, so stay on top of it with a monthly reminder of "im still interested in your program, dont hesitate to contact me if another date becomes available.

 

[jae01]

Heard from NYU today too! Maybe we'll bump into each other.

I had a similar conflict with some other programs in the past. I emailed the program that was more geographically difficult to get to on that date that was given to me and asked them nicely if there are alternative dates. They were very nice and understanding and gave me some other available dates.

edit: Reread your thing, I'd also say follow smmypnts' advice. Having said that, I'm sure NYU will offer you alternative dates.

 

[drzing]

easy--decline interviews at both places and tell them to invite me instead. 🙂 No, but really I think smmypnts is right...Wash U is the cream of the crop of neuro...do NOT pass up that program for NYU

 

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Thank you so much for the replies. I think it's obvious to me that WashU is the better program, it's just so hard to choose between two attractive programs. I have emailed the programs to ask for alternative dates/wait listings so hopefully I'll get some good news. Thanks!