2005 Match/Int Question

[normalforce]

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If you really, really like a program, and know that it will be your #1 choice, what are some acceptable ways to let them know of your interest. Can you send a Christmas card, write another letter to the PD, call and talk to the PD via phone? Or, is it best to just send the one thank letter after interviewing and then wait and see (so as not to bother people). Thanks for any advice.

Cheers,

NF

 

[Finally M3]

If you really, really like a program, and know that it will be your #1 choice, what are some acceptable ways to let them know of your interest. Can you send a Christmas card, write another letter to the PD, call and talk to the PD via phone? Or, is it best to just send the one thank letter after interviewing and then wait and see (so as not to bother people). Thanks for any advice.

Cheers,

NF

If you got to know any of the residents, you can slip them an email on the down low. The above are also good ways to demonstrate your interest in a program.

Hope all your rotations and interviews are going well, normalforce!

 

[axm397]

I think the match is like dating - you don't want to over do the pursuing thing - but you don't want to be nonchalant and miss your chance either. I think a holiday card (be careful - some PDs dont celebrate christmas) would be a good touch if it's been a while since your thank you card after your interview. I wrote to my PD twice - once right after the interview (a standard thank you card with additional emphasis on how much I loved the program), and then one right before they write their rank list - (late January? early feb? can't remember...) that after I completed all of my interviews and had the chance to review my choices more carefully, that his program still appears to be the strongest and most suited for my personality. I also wrote some small blurb about what I thought I could contribute to the program. I never wrote "first choice" or "rank #1" since that may be considered illegal by some PDs who are strict followers of "the rules of the match".

There were some PDs who flat out told me to write him/her a letter after my interviews to let them know - so I guess it depends on your read of the PD at your favorite program.

IF you have good contacts in PM&R at your school (which I did NOT) - you can try asking him/her to touch base with that PD. (I've heard this done in other fields but not PM&R so not sure how effective this would be)

 

[axm397]

Hey NF, I'm not in your class of applicants - so PM me, if you want - and I'll tell you who/where these PDs were to help you get a better feel...

 

[drusso]

A very sincere thank you letter to the program director highlighting your interests and what you perceived as the strengths of the program is always appropriate. Similarly, you can always send a follow-up letter at the conclusion of your interviews saying something like, "after visiting multiple programs and weighing all their strengths and weaknesses, I'm convinced that "program X" is the best fit for me." Programs usually meet to decide how to rank applicants about a month before they need to submit their rank lists. Find out what this date is from the NRMP website. Around that time, you can send another letter highlighting your interest in the program. Keep a hard copy paper trail because these communications usually get put in applicants folders---emails can get lost in the shuffle.

Avoid using phrases like, "I'm ranking your program #1" or "You're my top choice." Just politely indicate your interest and enthusiasm for the program and your message will be received loud and clear.

 

[normalforce]

Thank you for the feedback guys. I sincerely appreciate your time.

NF

 

[DJPJ69Camaro]

Is it me or does anyone else find it unfair to do these things. It makes it hard for everyone because we all have to do these "gestures." Wasn't the match created to prevent this stuff? I realize in the real world, you can't prevent this stuff. But I think we should all make a moral decision not to pander to this behavior. Please peopl, my hand hurts from writing all these cards.

Thank you for the feedback guys. I sincerely appreciate your time.

NF

 

[axm397]

Is it me or does anyone else find it unfair to do these things. It makes it hard for everyone because we all have to do these "gestures." Wasn't the match created to prevent this stuff? I realize in the real world, you can't prevent this stuff. But I think we should all make a moral decision not to pander to this behavior. Please peopl, my hand hurts from writing all these cards.

LOL

I think we should also send big wads of money in the cards too.