I know it varies from program to program, but in general, how low/far down does a upper tier school go down its list to match for its residents (assuming it accepts between 6-7 residents)?
I know it varies from program to program, but in general, how low/far down does a upper tier school go down its list to match for its residents (assuming it accepts between 6-7 residents)?
Is this whole programs-calling-candidates thing a common phenomenon? I haven't heard of anyone in my class getting calls, let alone getting them myself.
My program on the west coast receives 600-800 applications, interviews about 80 for 7 spots and never has to go below 30, and rarely even 20.
That's an interesting point. A classmate of mine got a call a few weeks ago she described as going like this (location changed for privacy purposes):
PD: "I just wanted to call you to let you know that we're very interested in you, and if you choose to rank us #1, we would expect to see you here next year."
Student: "Well thank you. I really liked your program a lot, and you'll definitely be very high on my list."
PD: "So . . . does that mean we can expect you to be moving to Miami soon?"
Student: ". . . Yes. Yes it does."
PD: "Great, then we'll see you next year!"
She was a little confused about the call, and wasn't sure if the PD was fishing for a firm committment to rank them #1. Fortunately for her, this was her first choice program. The whole thing lent credence in my mind to the idea that the programs might "pad" their choices this way to ensure that they don't have to rank too far down the list.
The whole programs bragging about not having to go far down on their ROL begs the question of why a particular program feels it's necessary to do so -- is it because they can't stand on their own reputation alone? I have never heard of any true powerhouse programs bragging about this...