When to Interview?

[p20s02u]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am applying for a competitive residency. If given 4 specific choices for interview dates, is it better to interview at the latest possible date? (i.e. either Nov, Dec, of Jan...choose Jan)

 

[Dr.Jessica]

I am applying for a competitive residency. If given 4 specific choices for interview dates, is it better to interview at the latest possible date? (i.e. either Nov, Dec, of Jan...choose Jan)

Choose the best date for you. You will hear advice on both sides: interview early so they'll rank you early...interview late so they'll remember you. Bottom line: interview when you have time to do it. Just be thankful that you are flexible with the dates they offered. Some of us are not so lucky. 😉

 

[eyestar]

it depends on the specialty. If you are applying for ophtho, you really don't have much choice since programs have only two interview dates and interview dates are usually the same. This forces you to choose between programs and skip some.
But if you are applying to radiology for example, which tends to have more interview dates, then the ans. to your que. "it doesn't matter when you interview"
Usually, the applicants are scored right after their interview by a number system. So even if you send thank yous etc, it really doesn't make a difference. However, if the program is your top choice and you interviewed there early in the fall, I would definitely revisit or contact the PD before match time letting them know about your interest in the program (esp. if you have not done an away at that place). This can help you in the rank list ONLY if you are a competitive candidate to begin with.

 

[trouta]

This is discussed every year and on every specialty board. The consensus is that it makes no difference despite what people may tell you. In fact I have had a couple of program directors tell me exactly that.

Schedule the interview when it works for you, focus on coming across well and you will be fine.

 

[cytoborg]

In path, the general wisdom seems to be earlier is better, at least for the programs you are most interested in - the main reason being that everybody gets tired toward the end. Interviewers are sick of the parade of applicants and already have a pretty good idea of their ROLs, and applicants are broke and tired of traveling, and are more apt to cancel interviews at the end. Of course, once you actually attempt to put 10-15 interviews on your calendar, all strategy goes out the window and you may just have to take them when you can get them.