At some programs, the program director went out of his/her way to say that second looks have no influence on their decision to rank you. I guess I didn't realize that it should make a difference at all! At the programs where the program director made no such claim, do you get an edge by going for a second look? I know the second look is supposed to be for the applicant to decide about the program... but I am realizing more and more that this is all just a game!!:confused:

I think they help, they sure don't hurt. But I had this one interview where at the end of the day the PD told us she was glad we came and if we were serious about the program be sure and contact them for a second look.

Really? Serious about the program? I just traveled hundreds of miles, paid a crap load for a hotel, and you don't think I'm serious? That pissed me off!

If you can afford it and have the time, then do it.

It doesn't really matter. If you are at the bottom of their rank list, going on a second look isn't going to miraculously move you to the top. You can consider going if you want more information about the program. It does show that you are more interested in the program but there are other ways of letting them know that you are interested as well.

boF

I wouldn't go on a second look to increase your chances. I think they are incredibly valuable to see how programs function NOT on interview days. I 2nd looked at the program I'm at and sat in on general medicine and MICU rounds. They were awesome and solidified my decision. So, it was very helpful for me, but I have no idea if it helped me match.

From what I understand, 2nd look is for YOU to take a 2nd look at the program (and not for the program to take a 2nd look at you) and to decide between programs that are very similar/close to your expectations and you would want to differentiate them. Otherwise, I don't think, as someone else also pointed out, that it will necesarily increase your chances of getting in and there are other cheaper ways of letting the program know of your preference.

Good luck :luck:

So i am wanting to know of these way(s) to let a program know of your preference or interest.......? I know that there are rules and regulations and I have not had the time to read about the do and donts. Thus, I have no idea (aside from thank you notes) how to let them know you prefer/have interest in their program. Care to enlighten us? thanks

So i am wanting to know of these way(s) to let a program know of your preference or interest.......? I know that there are rules and regulations and I have not had the time to read about the do and donts. Thus, I have no idea (aside from thank you notes) how to let them know you prefer/have interest in their program. Care to enlighten us? thanks

I think the rule says that you can't ask a program where you will be ranked on their list (and vice versa), but you can let the program know that you are going to rank them #1 (well there will be gunners who will let their top 5 places know that they are ranking all of them as #1 .... so play nice and tell the program you actually rank #1 that you are ranking them #1). Also, you can have your adviser (or some who knows you well/wrote you LOR) call/email on your behalf that this candidate is really serious regarding the program and will be an excellent candidate and is actually going to rank you #1 .... this further affirms what you wrote in your email.

I could be way off, but this seems like an honest way to let the programs know ... but i think it will work for only your top choice. If there are any other ways, please share.

I think the rule says that you can't ask a program where you will be ranked on their list (and vice versa), but you can let the program know that you are going to rank them #1 (well there will be gunners who will let their top 5 places know that they are ranking all of them as #1 .... so play nice and tell the program you actually rank #1 that you are ranking them #1). Also, you can have your adviser (or some who knows you well/wrote you LOR) call/email on your behalf that this candidate is really serious regarding the program and will be an excellent candidate and is actually going to rank you #1 .... this further affirms what you wrote in your email.

I could be way off, but this seems like an honest way to let the programs know ... but i think it will work for only your top choice. If there are any other ways, please share.

I told my number one program that they were number 1. That's not against the rules. Like CanIMakeIt stated though, make sure that you only tell one program that, and then rank them 1. It's not cool to do otherwise.

maybe a new thread addressing this topic is in order?- i am sure i am going to have to read the guidelines at some point but, lets be honest, it is far easier to first get some good advice and/or 20/20 hindsight....

maybe a new thread addressing this topic is in order?- i am sure i am going to have to read the guidelines at some point but, lets be honest, it is far easier to first get some good advice and/or 20/20 hindsight....

This is directly from the e-mail that the NRMP sent out a couple weeks ago:

"NOTE ALSO THAT ALTHOUGH APPLICANTS AND PROGRAM DIRECTORS MAY VOLUNTEER HOW THEY PLAN TO RANK EACH OTHER, IT IS A VIOLATION TO ASK FOR THAT INFORMATION."