2008 pathology applicants

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I've been trolling a while and haven't posted much, so I'll add some quick interview experiences:

Creighton—small program, acceptable number of surgicals, Omaha’s a nice town, I’m sure you’d come out with decent training but not necessarily my #1 choice.

U of NE—small program but more cases than Creighton; didactics were much more organized; strong heme, nice benefits…ditto what Murray (err…ygdrasil) said—hope the band is doing well! they have a new PD and an interim chair, so not sure how much things will change, but the PD seems to be energetic.

Loyola—mid-size program, the residents and faculty are great; benefits are not the best, especially if you’re trying not to live in a cardboard box…Chicago is expensive, but fun. They’re getting new ORs so are moving their frozen / gross labs to the new building…not sure how it will transition. they’re also forming a dermpath fellowship (per the faculty) in the next year or so. residents seem to work hard but are happy. semi-sub specialty sign out.

UF in Gainesville—larger program, close to 50k surgicals I think…You do everything at Shands and the VA (across the street). The residents are fantastic—a younger crowd, lots of fellowship opportunity; absolutely fantastic faculty. The facilities aren’t the best (the autopsy suite is scary…), but the PAs help out a ton as far as teaching goes—they have a very teaching-oriented PA staff. If you’re not used to hot weather and college towns, it might be hard. sub specialty signout.

Indiana—One of the best programs I’ve seen in the Midwest. They have a brand spanking new central lab that covers ~5 hospitals and is connected by a rail so you don’t have to drive all over God’s green earth (except to the VA and another hospital, which are a ~10 min walk from the end of the rail). everything is brought to you (minus frozens obviously). roughly 60k surgicals / yr, lots of fellowships and working on more; the residents seem VERY happy, aren’t over worked but have a large volume so they see everything (and there’s a new oncology center being built). Indy seems like a nice place, relatively cheap, clean and safe. Great program—first one I’ve seen with a centralized lab. great bene’s—probably the highest book fund I’ve seen. 3 day sign out—gross day 1, signout day 2, frozens day 3 (so you’re at the hospital that day, vs the central lab days 1 and 2).

I’ll add U of MN, Mayo and Evanston after I knock those out.
Hope everyone’s interviews are going well.
 
Anyone tired of being asked about yourselves yet? I don't know about yall but I need a little pep rally. Flying in at 3 AM to be at work at 7AM because I'm using up all my sick days for interviews is kinda wearing me out. Whoohoo Thanksgiving.
 
personally, i'm far more tired of an interviewer starting with "so, what questions do you have for me?" that's when i think, "oh ****, how am I going to make the next 30 minutes pass smoothly."

i now have an entire week between interviews, thanks to our turkey day break... i'll give thanks for that on thursday. this is definately a tiring process, and i'm only about halfway through it.
 
mlw03 said:
personally, i'm far more tired of an interviewer starting with "so, what questions do you have for me?" that's when i think, "oh ****, how am I going to make the next 30 minutes pass smoothly."

i now have an entire week between interviews, thanks to our turkey day break... i'll give thanks for that on thursday. this is definately a tiring process, and i'm only about halfway through it.
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I agree, that is the worse part, and it drives me crazy. Especially when it is the last interviewer that pulls that, because I've asked every conceivable question possible already to the other gajillion interviewers.

I'm burnt out already and I've only done 4, still got 9 more to go. 😱 I am looking forward to my next interview next week though, because it's a place I'm really interested in.
 
mlw03 said:
personally, i'm far more tired of an interviewer starting with "so, what questions do you have for me?" that's when i think, "oh ****, how am I going to make the next 30 minutes pass smoothly."
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I use this as a que to ask... "so what do you think are the strengths of this program?" or something along those lines. Its more for a filler of the dead silence while I frantically search for another intellectual question to pull out of my bum.

I totally agree with you on that one when the 'dooms day' question is the first thing out. Talking about the weather is another favorite of mine.
 
Do you know what I have found interesting? In some institutions the faculty have read my file and are completely different than those that haven't. with faculty that have read my file, they know why I'm going into path; they know my work ethic from my LORs, and these conversations are much more relaxed. They don't spend time asking me my strengths and weaknesses, my interests/hobbies, ect, because they already know me. I really enjoy these interviews. However,on the other hand, I have noticed that faculty that haven't opened my file put me on the defensive right from the beginning... "what makes you feel good enough to be at our institution?" "What are your backup plans?" ect. A few of these faculty were already filling out my evaluation form before the interview was even over and they hadn't even opened my file!! The first time I had this happen to me, I totally fell face first into the trap. Back up plan?!?! I don't need no stinkin' backup plan!!

So needless to say. Being a people person is definately necessary for interviews. And plan on walking the interviewer through your application if need be before they put the pen to the paper.

I hope no one else has had this experience, if you have, please do share.
 
i've been unable to really tell who's read my application already and who hasn't. personally, i feel like an interviewer should at least read the personal statement before the interview so that some of these obvious questions can be avoided, and the time can be spent getting to know each other at a deeper level.
 
mlw03 said:
i've been unable to really tell who's read my application already and who hasn't. personally, i feel like an interviewer should at least read the personal statement before the interview so that some of these obvious questions can be avoided, and the time can be spent getting to know each other at a deeper level.
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I've had a few interviewers own up to needing to review my app and feverishly flip through it while we were talking. I hate getting asked what questions I have in the afternoon because I've already asked everyone so many questions. I try to keep a few questions ready but I still feel wierd about it at that point.

I have completed 5/15 and I'm already having trouble keeping things straight in my head. I took detailed notes after my interviews but when I try to recall certain specifics or who had the prettier clinical chemistry lab, etc, I'm starting to have trouble.

BH
 
raspberry009 said:
Do you know what I have found interesting? In some institutions the faculty have read my file and are completely different than those that haven't. with faculty that have read my file, they know why I'm going into path; they know my work ethic from my LORs, and these conversations are much more relaxed. They don't spend time asking me my strengths and weaknesses, my interests/hobbies, ect, because they already know me. I really enjoy these interviews. However,on the other hand, I have noticed that faculty that haven't opened my file put me on the defensive right from the beginning... "what makes you feel good enough to be at our institution?" "What are your backup plans?" ect. A few of these faculty were already filling out my evaluation form before the interview was even over and they hadn't even opened my file!! The first time I had this happen to me, I totally fell face first into the trap. Back up plan?!?! I don't need no stinkin' backup plan!!

So needless to say. Being a people person is definately necessary for interviews. And plan on walking the interviewer through your application if need be before they put the pen to the paper.

I hope no one else has had this experience, if you have, please do share.
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Imagine the look of the interviewer's face if in response to the question "What are your backup plans?" was the following:

This program is my backup plan. Im hoping to match somewhere else. :laugh:
 
sohsie said:
Imagine the look of the interviewer's face if in response to the question "What are your backup plans?" was the following:

This program is my backup plan. Im hoping to match somewhere else. :laugh:
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Just on a funny note: I was asked that question at my home institution. I'm supposed to rotate with the guy next month... HAH!! It's going to be very .... ..... "interesting." (Speaking of which I have to ask him that I have to miss my first two days of the rotation for UCSF and Stanford - thanks for reminding me.)
 
I know it is already interview season, but if anyone has questions about NY programs (in particular NYU, Im a PGY3) or just general advice from someone who is a few years ahead.......shoot.
 
Hi,newresident, can you tell me more about this program,
thanks
 
I posted some introductory details in another thread (they are attached below), if you have more specific questions, dont hesitate to ask

THE PROGRAM:

Advantages:

1) Excellent training--> criteria--> our program performs very well every year on the RISE (in-service) exam, didactic lectures every day, anatomic and clinical rounds, etc (if you want more details.....ask)

2) Excellent lifestyle--> First years--> carry most of service, on-call about once to twice a month, rarely go in on weekday, about 33% (or less) on weekend. tons of anatomic pathology education, really hone your skills
second years--> continue to carry the service, but only for 5 months, then electives, on call about 1/mos (go in less). Third year--> CP!!! our program is top heavy, you put in your time covering the anatomic service in your first two years and then you are really a "senior resident". Begin CP curriculum. Constant contact with anatomic side to maintain education and skills, but only one month of anatomic responsibilities. on call 1/mos. BEST LIFESTYLE!!! Finally fourth year--> only CP call, two months anatomic responsibility, advanced CP rotations, BOARDS (and we are very prepared!!)

3) Salary--> Last I checked we are the highest paid in NYC!! PGY3s--> 62K

4) Location--> 20s-30s on first ave, Safe area

Of course, to be fair, I cannot praise our program without criticism:

Disadvantages:

1) HOUSING. Although the Deans and House Staff Offices have recently addressed this issue and reallocation of apartments will occur soon, it will not benefit me (maybe next years residents). NYU provides subsidised housing for approximately 10-15% of housestaff, with preference to PGY1s (of course), if you are not one of the fortunate, they do provides assistance in housing with NO BROKER FEE apartments, and acting as a guarantor for your lease. I have never done the math, but maybe our salary covers the difference?!?!? Bottomline, the housing situation is certainly a disadvantage, hopefully will be corrected soon, but I dont know when!


FINAL SUGGESTION:

As opposed to your previous training, which reputation of the University or School was important, as applicants to residency, you now should take your lifestlye into consideration. How will I live? Where are my friends and family? Significant other? Start a family? You will be in that locale for the next four years.....plan accordingly. The fact of the matter is, beyond medical school, reputation of the training facility doesn't mean as much. Learn as much as possible, be proactive in your career, and network......and any job will be yours!!

I hope this was helpful.
 
new resident, thank you very much if you were talking about SUNY Downstate, its very helpful.
Do you know if they are IMG friendly or not?
What are the cutting off USMLE scores?
thanks:laugh:
 
behappyforever said:
new resident, thank you very much if you were talking about SUNY Downstate, its very helpful.
Do you know if they are IMG friendly or not?
What are the cutting off USMLE scores?
thanks:laugh:
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my previous post was about NYU (New York University)
 
A couple of thoughts from the trail:

1) It seems like some programs are really concerned with, "Why do you want to come to this program/location?" Even going so far as to say, "There are many good programs in X city where you come from."

This is not that strange, as I guess they want to know if you are serious about the place, but hearing it from literally every interviewer is kind of distressing.

For one, shouldn't the program be good enough reason to go to that city? Excessively asking about your ties to the area seems to make me think the program is not that great and that they would like to know if you are serious about moving to that area, which brings me to:

2) Why do the programs care so much about whether you are going to rank them highly or not? Do they not understand how the match works? It seems like everybody wants to have 4 spots, rank 4 candidates, and match 4 people. They tell us to rank every program you would rather go to than scramble, why don't they just do the same?

I have been told, "Send us a card if you are interesting in coming here, so we know," and "Let us know if you don't plan on ranking us, so we won't rank you." How much work does it take to just put me on your list? Then, if I don't rank you, oh well, you get the next guy on the list. Is it a pride issue that they don't want to have to go to #20 on the list to fill? If 10 people tell you they're not ranking you and you rank the other 10, it's exactly the same as going to #20 on the list. Is there some negative consequence that I don't know about for ranking a lot of people?
 
Sean2tall said:
A couple of thoughts from the trail:

1) It seems like some programs are really concerned with, "Why do you want to come to this program/location?" Even going so far as to say, "There are many good programs in X city where you come from."

This is not that strange, as I guess they want to know if you are serious about the place, but hearing it from literally every interviewer is kind of distressing.

For one, shouldn't the program be good enough reason to go to that city? Excessively asking about your ties to the area seems to make me think the program is not that great and that they would like to know if you are serious about moving to that area, which brings me to:

2) Why do the programs care so much about whether you are going to rank them highly or not? Do they not understand how the match works? It seems like everybody wants to have 4 spots, rank 4 candidates, and match 4 people. They tell us to rank every program you would rather go to than scramble, why don't they just do the same?

I have been told, "Send us a card if you are interesting in coming here, so we know," and "Let us know if you don't plan on ranking us, so we won't rank you." How much work does it take to just put me on your list? Then, if I don't rank you, oh well, you get the next guy on the list. Is it a pride issue that they don't want to have to go to #20 on the list to fill? If 10 people tell you they're not ranking you and you rank the other 10, it's exactly the same as going to #20 on the list. Is there some negative consequence that I don't know about for ranking a lot of people?
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i think you hit the nail on the head with that comment - i think some programs get off on being able to say, "we only had to go to #7 to fill our 5 spots in the match" and as you, and many others, have pointed out, that's silly. it's like the PDs get together every so often and have these little pissing contests.
 
mlw03 said:
i think you hit the nail on the head with that comment - i think some programs get off on being able to say, "we only had to go to #7 to fill our 5 spots in the match" and as you, and many others, have pointed out, that's silly. it's like the PDs get together every so often and have these little pissing contests.
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I agree that there is a weird pride issue going on... however I think there is another explanation. In small programs like Path residencies, programs really want to take residents who really want to be there, and the relatively small number of applicants and slots allow programs to get those residents based on communications. It allows programs to differentiate between candidates that are also similar.

For example, Let's say that program A thinks person X is a top-tier applicant and ranks them #21, as they were in a class filled with other top-tier applicants impossible to distinguish based on criteria used by the school. Person X really wants to go to A, but doesn't relate as much. Meanwhile, another great applicant, Y, is ranked #20, but would much prefer to go to program B. Program B is not as warm about applicant Y, and doesn't rank them to match. Program A fills at #20, and applicant X is left out, and Y is included, even though Y would rather be elsewhere and X and A would have been happy together.
If Applicant X tells A that they would rank them #1, then A may likely rank them ahead of Y, ensuring both parties are happy.

I'm not sure if that really makes sense... discuss
 
Sean2tall said:
A couple of thoughts from the trail:

1) It seems like some programs are really concerned with, "Why do you want to come to this program/location?" Even going so far as to say, "There are many good programs in X city where you come from."

This is not that strange, as I guess they want to know if you are serious about the place, but hearing it from literally every interviewer is kind of distressing.
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Huh, I've never heard this. Probably because I come from the Wilderness.
 
what you're saying makes sense, and perhaps that's the motivation in some cases. in fact, i would hope so, because it's a much more legit reason to ask about interest in your program than is ego. i certainly agree that attitude matters, and having a resident who wants to be there is important. perhaps i was overly cynical. excellent point, gbwillner.

gbwillner said:
I agree that there is a weird pride issue going on... however I think there is another explanation. In small programs like Path residencies, programs really want to take residents who really want to be there, and the relatively small number of applicants and slots allow programs to get those residents based on communications. It allows programs to differentiate between candidates that are also similar.

For example, Let's say that program A thinks person X is a top-tier applicant and ranks them #21, as they were in a class filled with other top-tier applicants impossible to distinguish based on criteria used by the school. Person X really wants to go to A, but doesn't relate as much. Meanwhile, another great applicant, Y, is ranked #20, but would much prefer to go to program B. Program B is not as warm about applicant Y, and doesn't rank them to match. Program A fills at #20, and applicant X is left out, and Y is included, even though Y would rather be elsewhere and X and A would have been happy together.
If Applicant X tells A that they would rank them #1, then A may likely rank them ahead of Y, ensuring both parties are happy.

I'm not sure if that really makes sense... discuss
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gbwillner said:
I agree that there is a weird pride issue going on... however I think there is another explanation. In small programs like Path residencies, programs really want to take residents who really want to be there, and the relatively small number of applicants and slots allow programs to get those residents based on communications. It allows programs to differentiate between candidates that are also similar.

For example, Let's say that program A thinks person X is a top-tier applicant and ranks them #21, as they were in a class filled with other top-tier applicants impossible to distinguish based on criteria used by the school. Person X really wants to go to A, but doesn't relate as much. Meanwhile, another great applicant, Y, is ranked #20, but would much prefer to go to program B. Program B is not as warm about applicant Y, and doesn't rank them to match. Program A fills at #20, and applicant X is left out, and Y is included, even though Y would rather be elsewhere and X and A would have been happy together.
If Applicant X tells A that they would rank them #1, then A may likely rank them ahead of Y, ensuring both parties are happy.

I'm not sure if that really makes sense... discuss
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I also have the same question. will the PD tell you exactly where you will be ranked in their program? I mean the exact ranking number like You will be ranked #7 in our program? or they just tell you" we will rank you high." It will be a huge difference between this two. Ranked high is not safe. #20 still high if they interviewed 80 people but not high enough if they only need to fill 5 slots.

Does anybody matched last year knows which answer the PD will tell you before the ranking date? " you will be ranked #X" or "we will rank you high"?😕
 
They usually don't tell you anything. If they do tell you, they tell you 1) You are ranked to match (which usually means if they have 7 spots, you are somewhere in the first 7) or 2) You are ranked high enough to match (which usually means if they went to #22 on their list last year to fill, you are somewhere in the first 22). Oftentimes they just say, "You will be ranked highly."

I would say though that the majority of the time they say nothing except "you're a strong candidate" if anything.
 
yaah said:
They usually don't tell you anything. If they do tell you, they tell you 1) You are ranked to match (which usually means if they have 7 spots, you are somewhere in the first 7) or 2) You are ranked high enough to match (which usually means if they went to #22 on their list last year to fill, you are somewhere in the first 22). Oftentimes they just say, "You will be ranked highly."

I would say though that the majority of the time they say nothing except "you're a strong candidate" if anything.
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Thanks yaah, that helped a lot. Now I should know where I stand for when I hear something from the programs. Thanks.
 
oxygen said:
Thanks yaah, that helped a lot. Now I should know where I stand for when I hear something from the programs. Thanks.
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have you started yearing stuff from programs already? i figured that wouldn't happen until mid to late Jan, if at all.
 
yaah said:
They usually don't tell you anything. If they do tell you, they tell you 1) You are ranked to match (which usually means if they have 7 spots, you are somewhere in the first 7) or 2) You are ranked high enough to match (which usually means if they went to #22 on their list last year to fill, you are somewhere in the first 22). Oftentimes they just say, "You will be ranked highly."

I would say though that the majority of the time they say nothing except "you're a strong candidate" if anything.
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So, there were a couple of programs who said they'll "be in touch" after the New Year. Should I expect a phone call or email? Also, if they ask me how I'm going to rank them but I don't plan on ranking them highly, what would be the best way of letting them know without awkwardness in the conversation?

On the other hand, every program where I've interviewed has told me to "keep in touch." Regarding the programs I plan on ranking highly (in top 3), should I let them know my plans and how specific should I be?
 
oxygen said:
I also have the same question. will the PD tell you exactly where you will be ranked in their program? I mean the exact ranking number like You will be ranked #7 in our program? or they just tell you" we will rank you high." It will be a huge difference between this two. Ranked high is not safe. #20 still high if they interviewed 80 people but not high enough if they only need to fill 5 slots.

Does anybody matched last year knows which answer the PD will tell you before the ranking date? " you will be ranked #X" or "we will rank you high"?😕
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I know of one PD who was telling applicants their exact rank position before the deadline last year, but I think that is pretty unusual. Most places will tell you if you are ranked to match or not ranked at all - anything else is fairly meaningless (i.e. the universally recognized polite non-answer "ranked highly".

Remember that except in very unusual circumstances such as the couples match, there is no "strategy" to your actual rank list - you don't gain any advantage by removing programs from the top of your list that you don't think ranked you highly. So knowing how highly ranked you are at your favorite programs might give you piece of mind, but it shouldn't really affect your rank decisions.

Finally, many (but not all) programs WILL cold-call the applicants at the top of their list in the last few weeks before the match. If you receive such a call from other than your #1 program, just take it as a very good sign and do NOT feel any obligation to say more than "I'm ranking you highly". If your #1 program calls you, go ahead and share the love 😀.
 
I've received several unsolicited friendly post-interview emails--but nothing very definitive at this point.
Agree with gsch and others regarding programs either suggesting that I remain in contact if interested in the program or stating that they'll be in contact later in the season.
 
ataktos said:
I've received several unsolicited friendly post-interview emails--but nothing very definitive at this point.
Agree with gsch and others regarding programs either suggesting that I remain in contact if interested in the program or stating that they'll be in contact later in the season.
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I think "keep in touch" is mostly a polite way of saying 'you should probably send us a thank-you note if you're at all interested.' Most programs have meetings every month or so where they review recent applicants, and once they stick you in a tier on their rank list, you aren't likely to move much on the basis of how much you do or don't email them in February.

The only exception is if you tell a program you are ranking them first. However you CAN get yourself in trouble if you imply to a PD that you are ranking them 1st, and then come match day it becomes obvious that you didn't. Path is a small world, and some of these guys can hold grudges...
 
mlw03 said:
have you started yearing stuff from programs already? i figured that wouldn't happen until mid to late Jan, if at all.
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No, but pd did say something like they will contact again sometime in Jan.
 
Hi, Purpura:

Can you talk about sth about Mayo? How did they organize everything? Group meeting or one to one IV? Did you meet someone in research? Any challenge Qs?

You already attended a lot IV and very well prepared, I believe. Mine is in Jan, your feedback is highly appreciated.

Mark
 
Thank you..

Hope you got my messages...

All interviews are one-on-one, except for the program presentation in the beggining.

No challenging quesitons, at least, not for me...

There are some topics discussing Mayo. Try to search them.

Good luck, feel free to contact me anytime :luck:
 
Thanks, Purpura:

I read your post and email. it is very helpful, I send you another email.

Good luck and happy holiday
 
Just popping by to wish a Happy Holidays to all the Path 2008ers.

I'm officially done with my interviews, so its nice to be able to relax for the holiday!
 
Tiki said:
Just popping by to wish a Happy Holidays to all the Path 2008ers.

I'm officially done with my interviews, so its nice to be able to relax for the holiday!
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thanks for the well-wishes to all, tiki... aren't we a swell group? i actually mean that - most every applicant i've met over the last few months has been really friendly. even people who in theory are competition. it's nice to be entering a field with these types of folks. i too am done with interviews and am looking forward to some well-deserved sitting around, watching movies, reading, and dining on whatever excellent dish i decide to make that day!

to my Christian colleagues, Merry Christmas. i figure this is my last Christmas off for the rest of my adult life, as i'll be volunteering to take Christmas call all 4 years during residency and into practice. so i plan to enjoy Christmas the way American Jews have for years - watching movies and eating Chinese food. 👍
 
I'm done with interviews now and back to work. It's not going to be an easy decision, I'm afraid. Have to weigh name vs. gut vs. research vs. program structure, and go over all my notes with a fine toothed comb and fill in the gaps.

Hope everyone's holidays were good. Could've used another couple of weeks off myself...

BH
 
thanks for bumping this thread up. i'm with you man - not an easy decision. i have at least 5 or 6 programs i'd be very happy to end up at. weighing all those factors is not easy. for me, the city also will factor in significantly, as i've spent the last 4 years in a city i don't like and i'm really looking forward to going somewhere i'm excited about living.

kinda weird how we all just ran around crazy busy for the last 2 months or so, now most of us are done, or are quite close, and we'll just be waiting around until march 20th. i'm still waiting for a decent reason rank lists can't be due the last week of jan and match day come the second week of feb.
 
I agree; it would be nice to know before March where we're going to be in July.
...I'm having a hard time deciding, too. It's been more stressful trying to creat a rank list than it was taking step 1 or 2.
 
Yep, furthermore I was looking forward to getting back and talking to some mentors / getting some guidence from trusted faculty, and all that's pretty much done is muddled my overall picture...

BH
 
got an email from my school's student affairs people today: Rank Lists are due on 2/27 (Wed) at 9pm (I'm assuming that's eastern time zone). as has been mentioned in the past: we should NOT wait until the last few hours, probably not even the last few days. if the website crashes, your computer crashes, dog eats your computer, whatever, the NRMP doesn't make exceptions and whatever is in their system at that point is what will be used for the Match. personally, my goal is to be satisfied with my list and submitted by no later than 2/20.
 
I have no clue what I'm going to rank number one. Honestly, there are four programs I really liked. All of them have thier good and bad attributes, so deciding which one goes number one is making me quite stressed. The good thing is I would be happy to end up at any of the four, so at least I won't be disappointed if I don't get my first choice.
 
I have a top 2-3, with one that I definitely got the best vibe off of, but then have to weigh all the competing attributes, go back to my notes, consider my changing perception over time. It's kind of a mess.

I think I'd be happy a lot of the places I interviewed, and they're all strong programs overall, so... good problems to have I suppose.

BH
 
just thought i'd bump this up since the Match website opened today. anyone actually certify a list yet? i'm not gonna do it for at least another week - i feel pretty confident in my top 3, but after that i'm far less sure of the order.
 
I wish I was anywhere near certifying a list. I kind of have a potential #1 rank in mind out of state, but then a local place that I interviewed at early and liked has started recruiting me pretty heavily. Then there are about 3 other places that I interviewed at and would be happy to match at, but not sure if any of them should outrank my out-of-state or local #1's...

Long story short, I'm confused but I'm not. I'm ranking most all of the programs I interviewed at, as I wouldn't mind matching at any of them. At the same time, there are a few places that I just felt good about, so they wind up rising to the top. I was going back and forth on second visits, but now that my local #1 has invited me back, I feel like I have to revisit at least out-of-state #1 to make sure I don't get swayed by just the second visit at one place.

I'm starting to get the phone calls from programs, too. Up until now it was just the occasional email.

BH
 
docbiohazard, kind of sounds like my situation a few years ago. Had a fairly certain #1 in mind, then a local program called and told me they wanted me and I would fit in well there and gee whiz, I kind of had a nice butt too. Well, maybe the last part was imagined.

But I found that simply going to the NRMP and actually certifying my list was a good way of clarifying thinking. Made me realize that seeing a program at the top of my list meant that was where I would most likely end up. And was I happy about that? And when I put a program third, did I do that for valid reasons or did I actually like #4 better? You can always recertify at any time up until the deadline.
 
What are peoples' opinions about sending letters to your top 2 or 3...perhaps telling your #1 you're going to rank them #1, how strong you felt their program was, etc...

Other than Christmas cards and a few post-interview letters, I haven't received any offers for 2nd looks or subtle "keep us in mind" reminders...is that common or does it just depend on the program? Or maybe I just suck as a candidate...
 
So yaah, I take it you weren't swayed by the local invitation?

Schrute, I've been trying to decide myself. I'm a tad behind on thank you notes so I thought catching up on those might let me give some feedback to programs. I think I'm going to be very upfront with my top choice and then tell others rounding out the top 4 or so that I'm "ranking them highly"... if I get called up by any of the programs I'm really not interested in, not sure what I'll say.

I wouldn't worry about not hearing from anyone. Other than the sort of Xmas greetings you mentioned, I haven't heard much from anyone except the one local program and then an out of state place called this week. That's it. I imagine once programs are done interviewing is when the pressure really comes on...

BH
 
I've only heard from one program post interview.

I am stressing out. I still have no clue how I'm going to figure out my top four. There is one program that I like best, but I'm scared of the location. The program I liked second best is in a cool location that I'd love to live in, but it is also the furthest from family. And then there are two other programs that I really liked, so I have no clue where I'll throw those in.
 
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