The dating game

[ILikePath]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,

These interviews are definitely a lot like dating-you interview with several programs...during each interview, both of you try to get to know each other to see if there's a good fit...then you try to contact each other to see if the other is interested in you and wants you. In dating, it's good to be forward, but not too much. In this game of residency interviews, does that statement hold true? I interviewed with a program and I might have been too forward when I told them I really want them- did that hurt my chances? How forward should an applicant be when they want a program? Also, when should they start going after the program- near the ranking period or the sooner the better?

 

[mlw03]

i don't speak from experience, but i see no harm in making sure a program knows that you're very interested. if they want you they'll rank you to match, albeit perhaps #3 instead of #1, but so what? unlike med school, there's no waffling around with waitlists and stuff like that. i realize you don't want to sound crazy about your interest in a program, but when i go through this next year i plan to let my #1 know that they're number 1 by mid-late january, and i also plan to let some of my other top choices know that i've ranked them very highly. perhaps i'm overlooking a particular aspect, but i just don't see a reason NOT to share that information with the programs.

 

[RyMcQ]

I interviewed with a program and I might have been too forward when I told them I really want them- did that hurt my chances?

I know first-hand of a few instances of applicants getting ranked lower because they didn't seem enthusiastic enough about the program. If you are really interested in a program, say it.

 

[ILikePath]

Thanks for the replies! I actually just received an email from the PD telling me that they're interested in me, so I guess being too forward actually worked🙂

 

[anencephalic]

I told my number one that they were my number one...just got a letter today that they consider me competitive, so I don't think it hurt me to do so.

Good luck!

 

[SLUsagar]

i also think it's imp. to be honest, yes, honest - and no, not just morally.

the fact is, path is a small world. if you're a fat liar and end up letting program(s) think you're going to rank them super duper high, and THEN you don't end up, trust me, the PD's aren't stupid and will know what's up. And they very easily can pick up the phone, and makes, ahem, a few calls. No, doesn't mean they will have you whacked, or that you'll be kicked out of the place you did ended up matching, but come fellowship time, you could very easily be screwed a vegas "escort."

 

[deleted113029]

i also think it's imp. to be honest, yes, honest - and no, not just morally.

the fact is, path is a small world. if you're a fat liar and end up letting program(s) think you're going to rank them super duper high, and THEN you don't end up, trust me, the PD's aren't stupid and will know what's up. And they very easily can pick up the phone, and makes, ahem, a few calls. No, doesn't mean they will have you whacked, or that you'll be kicked out of the place you did ended up matching, but come fellowship time, you could very easily be screwed a vegas "escort."

😕 I can only see that happening if you say you'll rank a place #1 and eventually not. All other rankings are fair game...#2 is still 'super duper high' and I would not feel any guilt telling a program whose #2 that they are ranked 'extremely high.'

And your comment on fellowship is kinda irrelevant since most people do their fellowship at the same institution. ultimately, the place that gets you is usually happy to have you and is willing to help you achieve your career goals.

On a side note, we're all adults and should have thick/thicker skin by now. (PDs and candidates know nothing is carved in stone so let whatever happens happen.) **** happens in this world and a lot of what I've learned is that you have to look out for yourself, cuz no one else will.

 

[SLUsagar]

😕 I can only see that happening if you say you'll rank a place #1 and eventually not. All other rankings are fair game...#2 is still 'super duper high' and I would not feel any guilt telling a program whose #2 that they are ranked 'extremely high.'

And your comment on fellowship is kinda irrelevant since most people do their fellowship at the same institution. ultimately, the place that gets you is usually happy to have you and is willing to help you achieve your career goals.

On a side note, we're all adults and should have thick/thicker skin by now. (PDs and candidates know nothing is carved in stone so let whatever happens happen.) **** happens in this world and a lot of what I've learned is that you have to look out for yourself, cuz no one else will.

yes, if you're lucky enough to match at a larger, bigger name institution they yes you have a high probabababilililility of staying home for fellowship. But NOT everyone is in this situation. There are far more small/mid tier programs than larger ones, and these small/mid tiers either don't offer the fellowship, or their residents want to go elsewhere b/c it's not competitive or high quality. So actually, no, i don't nec. think it's irrelevant, and know of people and situations where people have gotten screwed over.