2018-2019 APPIC Internship Interview Thread

[slaney]

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Yes, ours are also due tomorrow. They also ask us not to notify applicants about ranking/not ranking after the end of January-ish so as to not send you all into any more of a tailspin than you're already in (my site chooses not to notify because it doesn't change your ranking and just causes anxiety).

A couple of final thoughts from me: I interviewed a handful of you and would be happy to have any of you and your friendly connected forumfam ways on my team next year. It's been really nice following this thread and watching you all connect. Know that whatever happens come match day, it's pretty clear that you are all in this field for a reason and if you treat your clients with half the compassion and support you've shown here then you are clearly thoughtful and empowered clinicians. I wish you all the best of luck.

Thanks for taking the time to share such a kind message with us all! 🙂 I am so grateful for what this space has come to be and mean for many of us on here, and I appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge that. Sincerely hoping that some of us end up at your site!!

Also...y'all, "forumfam" has caught on. We're just movers and shakers in all kinds of ways over here 😎😎😎

 

[perhaps11]

I think they can if they want as long as they don't tell you where you're ranked? I'm going to say, don't worry about it, I didn't get anything either (this is for us both-because it might mean it's because no one's ranking me but I'll pretend that's not the case).

I've actually heard that it's more common for sites to reach out post-interview to applicants who they are no longer considering to indicate just that. So, maybe no news is good news?? For the sake of my own sanity, that's how I'm choosing to spin it anyway...

 

[ToneTone]

I've actually heard that it's more common for sites to reach out post-interview to applicants who they are no longer considering to indicate just that. So, maybe no news is good news?? For the sake of my own sanity, that's how I'm choosing to spin it anyway...

That’s definitely how I think of it.

 

[HappyPhDHopeful]

I've actually heard that it's more common for sites to reach out post-interview to applicants who they are no longer considering to indicate just that. So, maybe no news is good news?? For the sake of my own sanity, that's how I'm choosing to spin it anyway...

Me too. I'm really happy that this rejection notification is relatively rare: It doesn't affect the match to allow an applicant to rank a site that did not rank that applicant back, and so it seems unnecessarily cruel.

Picture it: You're at interview day at your wand site. It's lunchtime, and you take a moment to check your email because you're waiting to hear from so and so about this and that. And there it is: UNEXPECTED REJECTION EMAIL!!! (*dun-dun-DUN!!!*). It's written kindly, but you know what it means: We met you and decided that we'd rather risk going to phase 2 than to get stuck with you for a year. No rank for you!!!

Ten seconds later, as your head is spinning with doubts about yourself and your abilities (including your ability to successfully interview), lunch is over and they are calling you for your individual interview. And you have to somehow push the rejection aside (if you can) so you don't blow this next interview. At your wand site. AT YOUR WAND SITE!!!!

 

[WisNeuro]

Me too. I'm really happy that this rejection notification is relatively rare: It doesn't affect the match to allow an applicant to rank a site that did not rank that applicant back, and so it seems unnecessarily cruel.
QUOTE]

While it definitely does suck, sites do not do it to be cruel. Many applicants spend time lots of time researching things (e.g., housing, culture, etc) at sites that they believe that they match at. Some sites may merely want the applicants to have all of the information available when considering their own rankings and looking into possible future living locations. My site does not notify applicants on rank, or not ranked status, but I can understand some of the rationale for those that do. Some applicants would rather not have the news, some would. Hard to strike a balance where everyone is happy in this process.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I can certainly see how a non-rank email would be upsetting. But I can also see (although perhaps not during/immediately before another interview) how it could be informative for the applicant. For example, if an applicant is deciding whether or not to include a different site on their list at all, knowing that one of their other sites will not be ranking them could impact that decision. And from a site's perspective, they may feel a responsibility to be honest and forthright with interviewees regarding this specific situation, even though the news is unpleasant (and because so much of the process seems uncertain).

 

[HappyPhDHopeful]

I can certainly see how a non-rank email would be upsetting. But I can also see (although perhaps not during/immediately before another interview) how it could be informative for the applicant. For example, if an applicant is deciding whether or not to include a different site on their list at all, knowing that one of their other sites will not be ranking them could impact that decision. And from a site's perspective, they may feel a responsibility to be honest and forthright with interviewees regarding this specific situation, even though the news is unpleasant (and because so much of the process seems uncertain).

And I can also see it potentially having a negative impact on ranking decisions if the applicant begins to doubt his or her abilities to perform well at a certain type of site. It would be a good question to add to the APPIC stats next year - did you receive a no-rank notification and what kind of impact did it have on your ranking pos, neg, or neutral - or something like that.

Also, sometimes it's the only feedback an applicant ever gets from their sites. Then they wonder if the other sites have decided not to rank them as well - what a long wait till match day! I was lucky in that I received two positive messages from sites, so I feel confident I will match somewhere. Plus all of my sites are wonderful (including the rejection site) so I'll be happy wherever I land 😍

I also want to add, for the sake of clarity, that I don't think the site notified us with the intention of being cruel. This specific site actually felt very supportive during interview day. But, intentions aside, it felt cruel, as many rejections do. Maybe if they had waited until after interview season, if I had received the email at home and could have had time and space to process it, it would have just felt yucky 😉

Finally - I'm not suggesting that sites should stop this or anything, I'm just saying I am personally relieved that only one of my sites does this because it was a painful process for me. N of 1 with no control group.

 

[PsychGradAd]

And I can also see it potentially having a negative impact on ranking decisions if the applicant begins to doubt his or her abilities to perform well at a certain type of site. It would be a good question to add to the APPIC stats next year - did you receive a no-rank notification and what kind of impact did it have on your ranking pos, neg, or neutral - or something like that.

Also, sometimes it's the only feedback an applicant ever gets from their sites. Then they wonder if the other sites have decided not to rank them as well - what a long wait till match day! I was lucky in that I received two positive messages from sites, so I feel confident I will match somewhere. Plus all of my sites are wonderful (including the rejection site) so I'll be happy wherever I land 😍

I also want to add, for the sake of clarity, that I don't think the site notified us with the intention of being cruel. This specific site actually felt very supportive during interview day. But, intentions aside, it felt cruel, as many rejections do. Maybe if they had waited until after interview season, if I had received the email at home and could have had time and space to process it, it would have just felt yucky 😉

Finally - I'm not suggesting that sites should stop this or anything, I'm just saying I am personally relieved that only one of my sites does this because it was a painful process for me. N of 1 with no control group.

In support of your post, and making your n=1 an n=2, I am absolutely suggesting sites stop telling applicants they won't be ranked by them. I think that we should rank the sites we interview at with the understanding that we may not be ranked by every site (and, in turn, that we may choose to not rank every site). It is so undermining and cruel to tell an applicant who spent time preparing for an interview (not to mention $ if travel is involved) that they are not being ranked. The only reason I could see this being appropriate is if the applicant did something wildly inappropriate during the interview and the site wants to provide that feedback.

Again, I am not saying every site should rank every applicant (or vice versa), but why tell an applicant they are not being ranked? This is already a stressful, vulnerable process. I think it would be really unprofessional if an applicant were to essentially tell a site "I didn't like what I saw, so I won't be ranking you." I'm not sure why it's not considered rude the other way around.

 

[WisNeuro]

Again, I am not saying every site should rank every applicant (or vice versa), but why tell an applicant they are not being ranked? This is already a stressful, vulnerable process. I think it would be really unprofessional if an applicant were to essentially tell a site "I didn't like what I saw, so I won't be ranking you." I'm not sure why it's not considered rude the other way around.

To play devil's advocate here. The effect on the site of learning the information doesn't change much the same way it may change an applicant's planning. A site is not going to do anything differently if it matches in the top 5 of their ranks, or if it matches in the top 20 of their ranks. An applicant, on the other hand, changes their preparations greatly depending on possible locations. I would really not look at this as sites intentionally being cruel, they are acting with good intentions. Creating a false malevolent narrative does no good to anyone involved in this process. If you are unhappy with the information , by all means, let APPIC know in their feedback, but you will find many people on both sides of the issue.

As a side note, my site does not notify applicants of ranking status. But, I personally, would want to know the information. It's how things work in the postdoc and job world later on, and definitely helps in planning next steps.

 

[ICantStopHittingRefresh]

Me too. I'm really happy that this rejection notification is relatively rare: It doesn't affect the match to allow an applicant to rank a site that did not rank that applicant back, and so it seems unnecessarily cruel.

Picture it: You're at interview day at your wand site. It's lunchtime, and you take a moment to check your email because you're waiting to hear from so and so about this and that. And there it is: UNEXPECTED REJECTION EMAIL!!! (*dun-dun-DUN!!!*). It's written kindly, but you know what it means: We met you and decided that we'd rather risk going to phase 2 than to get stuck with you for a year. No rank for you!!!

Ten seconds later, as your head is spinning with doubts about yourself and your abilities (including your ability to successfully interview), lunch is over and they are calling you for your individual interview. And you have to somehow push the rejection aside (if you can) so you don't blow this next interview. At your wand site. AT YOUR WAND SITE!!!!

The voice I heard in my head reading this story was SUPER dramatic with ever-increasing intensity, complete with screaming "AT YOUR WAND SITE!!!!" at the very end.

Well-done, fine storyteller. Well-done.

 

[Icculus8]

As anxiety-provoking as the rank-order process can be, continue to keep in mind that 1) internship only lasts a year, and 2) going forward, no one will ever know, ask, or generally even care what number on your list your internship site was. While I've discussed my experiences while on internship with others, I can honestly say that in the years since (and even immediately after matching), no one has ever asked where on my list the site fell.

Best of luck, everyone.

This definitely helps to hear. I have seen a lot of those in practice mention that internship location isn't usually a topic of conversation, but I'm wondering if there is any impact of internship site for applying for and receiving academic faculty jobs. Not in so much as the name is all that matters, but it seems as though the opportunities vary across sites which may or may not better set up for that path.

I've hit the phase where most rankings are completed, but I am trying to figure out which of three sites to list an in which order. The clinical training seems mostly equivalent, and all offer strong research opportunities. One offers stronger, more specialized clinical training in my area with good research training, another has more specific research opportunities in my area, with more general clinical rotations. And all seem to have good post-doctoral opportunities. I would be happy to end up at any, but neither jumps out as the clear winner, and am trying to figure out if one or the other has any features that could better set up the type of career I am interested in, as they each offer different perks.

 

[HappyPhDHopeful]

The voice I heard in my head reading this story was SUPER dramatic with ever-increasing intensity, complete with screaming "AT YOUR WAND SITE!!!!" at the very end.

Well-done, fine storyteller. Well-done.

 

[LizLemonIsMySpiritAnimal]

Although the days seem to be going by quickly, each day feels so long in the moment. February 23rd where are you?! I'm so thankful to have the forumfam to reassure me that my anxiety and frustration throughout this process is super normal. My friends and family are getting really tired of hearing the word match.. yet they still ask when I'm going to "get my offers" even though I've told them the date and that I don't get offers, I get an assignment probably over 100 times. Thankfully my partner is unwaveringly patient and supportive. I appreciate all the support and humor we've shared on this forum!

Sidenote.... will we update each other on match status come 2/23? Is that weird to do? I feel invested in you guys matching hahaha I want to know!

 

[OpalinePhoenix]

And I can also see it potentially having a negative impact on ranking decisions if the applicant begins to doubt his or her abilities to perform well at a certain type of site. It would be a good question to add to the APPIC stats next year - did you receive a no-rank notification and what kind of impact did it have on your ranking pos, neg, or neutral - or something like that.

Also, sometimes it's the only feedback an applicant ever gets from their sites. Then they wonder if the other sites have decided not to rank them as well - what a long wait till match day! I was lucky in that I received two positive messages from sites, so I feel confident I will match somewhere. Plus all of my sites are wonderful (including the rejection site) so I'll be happy wherever I land 😍

I also want to add, for the sake of clarity, that I don't think the site notified us with the intention of being cruel. This specific site actually felt very supportive during interview day. But, intentions aside, it felt cruel, as many rejections do. Maybe if they had waited until after interview season, if I had received the email at home and could have had time and space to process it, it would have just felt yucky 😉

Finally - I'm not suggesting that sites should stop this or anything, I'm just saying I am personally relieved that only one of my sites does this because it was a painful process for me. N of 1 with no control group.

In support of your post, and making your n=1 an n=2, I am absolutely suggesting sites stop telling applicants they won't be ranked by them. I think that we should rank the sites we interview at with the understanding that we may not be ranked by every site (and, in turn, that we may choose to not rank every site). It is so undermining and cruel to tell an applicant who spent time preparing for an interview (not to mention $ if travel is involved) that they are not being ranked. The only reason I could see this being appropriate is if the applicant did something wildly inappropriate during the interview and the site wants to provide that feedback.

Again, I am not saying every site should rank every applicant (or vice versa), but why tell an applicant they are not being ranked? This is already a stressful, vulnerable process. I think it would be really unprofessional if an applicant were to essentially tell a site "I didn't like what I saw, so I won't be ranking you." I'm not sure why it's not considered rude the other way around.

To play devil's advocate here. The effect on the site of learning the information doesn't change much the same way it may change an applicant's planning. A site is not going to do anything differently if it matches in the top 5 of their ranks, or if it matches in the top 20 of their ranks. An applicant, on the other hand, changes their preparations greatly depending on possible locations. I would really not look at this as sites intentionally being cruel, they are acting with good intentions. Creating a false malevolent narrative does no good to anyone involved in this process. If you are unhappy with the information , by all means, let APPIC know in their feedback, but you will find many people on both sides of the issue.

As a side note, my site does not notify applicants of ranking status. But, I personally, would want to know the information. It's how things work in the postdoc and job world later on, and definitely helps in planning next steps.

I agree that it's probably SUPER person-dependent. I would 100% rather get the feedback than just wonder. I didn't get any post hoc rejections, so maybe I would have felt differently if so...but I do think if I had, it would have helped my ranking decisions and expectations going into the Match. I imagine that was awful during an interview day, though. I agree that it might be nice to wait until like...the first week of February or something, sometime when people are done interviewing. I guess I can see wanting to get that info out there before rankings open up? But then again, we can change them indefinitely, so it doesn't matter. I do wish there was more personalizing of those rejections, though. I 100% get why there aren't with the general application stage, but at this stage when there are only a few people, I think I'd prefer to know what part of the fit they felt was lacking. I also bet others feel differently or would be more neurotic about that, whereas not knowing sparks my neuroses. Seems hard to balance. However, I don't know if most of my sites inform about not ranking, so I have chosen to assume that they all do, and not having heard was good news, which makes me feel a little more secure.

That all said...y'all, I'm so sorry it sucked, and especially the timing, @HappyPhDHopeful. Glad you got some positive ones as well to remind you that you're awesome and the rule out criteria and perceived fit are so varying!

 

[OpalinePhoenix]

Although the days seem to be going by quickly, each day feels so long in the moment. February 23rd where are you?! I'm so thankful to have the forumfam to reassure me that my anxiety and frustration throughout this process is super normal. My friends and family are getting really tired of hearing the word match.. yet they still ask when I'm going to "get my offers" even though I've told them the date and that I don't get offers, I get an assignment probably over 100 times. Thankfully my partner is unwaveringly patient and supportive. I appreciate all the support and humor we've shared on this forum!

Sidenote.... will we update each other on match status come 2/23? Is that weird to do? I feel invested in you guys matching hahaha I want to know!

I also super want to know!

 

[HappyPhDHopeful]

I agree that it's probably SUPER person-dependent. I would 100% rather get the feedback than just wonder. I didn't get any post hoc rejections, so maybe I would have felt differently if so...but I do think if I had, it would have helped my ranking decisions and expectations going into the Match. I imagine that was awful during an interview day, though. I agree that it might be nice to wait until like...the first week of February or something, sometime when people are done interviewing. I guess I can see wanting to get that info out there before rankings open up? But then again, we can change them indefinitely, so it doesn't matter. I do wish there was more personalizing of those rejections, though. I 100% get why there aren't with the general application stage, but at this stage when there are only a few people, I think I'd prefer to know what part of the fit they felt was lacking. I also bet others feel differently or would be more neurotic about that, whereas not knowing sparks my neuroses. Seems hard to balance. However, I don't know if most of my sites inform about not ranking, so I have chosen to assume that they all do, and not having heard was good news, which makes me feel a little more secure.

That all said...y'all, I'm so sorry it sucked, and especially the timing, @HappyPhDHopeful. Glad you got some positive ones as well to remind you that you're awesome and the rule out criteria and perceived fit are so varying!

It's an imperfect process overall. We're just making our way through it the best way we can, as are the sites. Thanks for the #forumlove!!

 

[ReallyFutureDrLove]

I actually got an email that a site was ranking me today. About peed my pants when I saw it.

Girl, you do you, no judgment here 🤣

My #wandsite emailed me a few weeks ago saying I was ranked and reminding me their match number. Since it was the only site that did it (after saying they wouldn't reach out at all) I am praying I match there. Like I said with all this despair the universe has given me, the least it can do is give me my top choice to train at for a year!!!! I set an alarm to look at my list once more at 11:58 tonight to make sure nothing crazy happens. We are SO CLOSE.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

This definitely helps to hear. I have seen a lot of those in practice mention that internship location isn't usually a topic of conversation, but I'm wondering if there is any impact of internship site for applying for and receiving academic faculty jobs. Not in so much as the name is all that matters, but it seems as though the opportunities vary across sites which may or may not better set up for that path.

I've hit the phase where most rankings are completed, but I am trying to figure out which of three sites to list an in which order. The clinical training seems mostly equivalent, and all offer strong research opportunities. One offers stronger, more specialized clinical training in my area with good research training, another has more specific research opportunities in my area, with more general clinical rotations. And all seem to have good post-doctoral opportunities. I would be happy to end up at any, but neither jumps out as the clear winner, and am trying to figure out if one or the other has any features that could better set up the type of career I am interested in, as they each offer different perks.

To clarify, where I attended internship has come up in conversation, but where on my list I ranked the site never has. As with grad school, the "name brand" of an internship site can matter to an extent, but not always as significantly as people might think.

The more academically-oriented folks on this board may be able to respond to your post better than me. My knee-jerk thought is that if the site with more specific research opportunities would potentially result in further collaborations and a continuation of that work down the road, it might be worth giving them the nod. Otherwise, the site offering more specialized clinical training may be a better bet. I know there are research-heavy sites out there, but even with those, as it's only a one-year time period, the opportunity to actually produce much is somewhat limited. More than anything, it's probably a matter of building networks for future projects.

 

[PsychGradAd]

To play devil's advocate here. The effect on the site of learning the information doesn't change much the same way it may change an applicant's planning. A site is not going to do anything differently if it matches in the top 5 of their ranks, or if it matches in the top 20 of their ranks. An applicant, on the other hand, changes their preparations greatly depending on possible locations. I would really not look at this as sites intentionally being cruel, they are acting with good intentions. Creating a false malevolent narrative does no good to anyone involved in this process. If you are unhappy with the information , by all means, let APPIC know in their feedback, but you will find many people on both sides of the issue.

As a side note, my site does not notify applicants of ranking status. But, I personally, would want to know the information. It's how things work in the postdoc and job world later on, and definitely helps in planning next steps.

I agree that it's probably SUPER person-dependent. I would 100% rather get the feedback than just wonder. I didn't get any post hoc rejections, so maybe I would have felt differently if so...but I do think if I had, it would have helped my ranking decisions and expectations going into the Match. I imagine that was awful during an interview day, though. I agree that it might be nice to wait until like...the first week of February or something, sometime when people are done interviewing. I guess I can see wanting to get that info out there before rankings open up? But then again, we can change them indefinitely, so it doesn't matter. I do wish there was more personalizing of those rejections, though. I 100% get why there aren't with the general application stage, but at this stage when there are only a few people, I think I'd prefer to know what part of the fit they felt was lacking. I also bet others feel differently or would be more neurotic about that, whereas not knowing sparks my neuroses. Seems hard to balance. However, I don't know if most of my sites inform about not ranking, so I have chosen to assume that they all do, and not having heard was good news, which makes me feel a little more secure.

That all said...y'all, I'm so sorry it sucked, and especially the timing, @HappyPhDHopeful. Glad you got some positive ones as well to remind you that you're awesome and the rule out criteria and perceived fit are so varying!

I appreciate the alternative perspectives. Sounds like this is a rather polarizing issue, with some people saying "ohh no, absolutely not!" and others totally down with hearing the bad news because it may help them plan differently. Totally an imperfect system. So nice we can have an open conversation about it. I have the sense that we're all looking to improve the system (even if we disagree about how to do it) and that sentiment is heartwarming! #forumfam

 

[Internship_Journey]

On a lighter note, feel free to add to this list of questions that people ask who CLEARLY don’t understand how this process works:

1. “When do you start to hear back from internship sites?”

2. “Do you graduate before the internship?”

3. “Wait, I thought you were already doing an internship.”

4. “I’m sure you’ll get plenty of offers.”

5. “What do you mean, algorithm?”

 

[PattyPositivity]

Does anyone know how it works in terms of the email we will receive on the 23rd from NMS? Will it say in the email subject line if we matched or not? AGH! Help

 

[ReallyFutureDrLove]

A mentor gave me this a while back. It seems really fitting for my personal situation now. It might bring some of you comfort as well.

 

[OpalinePhoenix]

A mentor gave me this a while back. It seems really fitting for my personal situation now. It might bring some of you comfort as well.

This is lovely; thank you.

 

[affectiveH3art]

On a lighter note, feel free to add to this list of questions that people ask who CLEARLY don’t understand how this process works:

1. “When do you start to hear back from internship sites?”

2. “Do you graduate before the internship?”

3. “Wait, I thought you were already doing an internship.”

4. “I’m sure you’ll get plenty of offers.”

5. “What do you mean, algorithm?”

Right after my third interview "So did they offer you the job?"
"So how are you working in a hospital?" "Aren't you a therapist or something"
"I hope you get it!"
"That's great you get a vacation out of this! You are getting reimbursed right? It's not all on your dime, because that would be pretty stupid huh?
"So if you pick them as #1, they have to pick you as #1 right?"
"Why would you want to move to XYZ? It is sooo expensive there."
"Oh you must be getting paid the big bucks now"
"Are you taking your children?" then following that comment "If not, where are you putting them" WWWHHHHHAAAAAAT!!!!
"When do you start a real job?"
"So you used to work in Neuroscience, then at the university and now looking to work in a hospital? That seems really confusing. I mean didn't you already work in a hospital?"


Folks.... I have so many more LOL

 

[Mega.N]

On a lighter note, feel free to add to this list of questions that people ask who CLEARLY don’t understand how this process works:

1. “When do you start to hear back from internship sites?”

2. “Do you graduate before the internship?”

3. “Wait, I thought you were already doing an internship.”

4. “I’m sure you’ll get plenty of offers.”

5. “What do you mean, algorithm?”

OMG YES!!! I am so over everyone asking me "So have you heard anything yet?" I've been trying to use a speed dating analogy for the algorithm question, people seem to get that one. Super tiring.

 

[LateOnArrival_PhD]

On a lighter note, feel free to add to this list of questions that people ask who CLEARLY don’t understand how this process works:

1. “When do you start to hear back from internship sites?”

2. “Do you graduate before the internship?”

3. “Wait, I thought you were already doing an internship.”

4. “I’m sure you’ll get plenty of offers.”

5. “What do you mean, algorithm?”

Yessss if I could like this 100 times, I would. Idk how many times I've explained the match process and that I don't get multiple "offers" to choose from

A few insulting ones to add, from well-meaning friends with "real person jobs" in other fields (only b/c they further reinforce the ridiculousness, awfulness, and injustice of this process, and I guess of getting a doctorate in general) -

6. ...but these sites all fly you out for the interviews, right?

7. No? But they at least put you up in a hotel??

8. You'll be making HOW much next year? In [xyz city with high cost of living]? Really??

*sigh* obviously none of us are here for the money buuuut...

 

[onwardsandup]

8. You'll be making HOW much next year? In [xyz city with high cost of living]? Really??

Totally relatable! I had a friend say to me "I am NOT letting you take a job that only pays you XYZ" and I had to explain that that is just how things are for our internship year and that I would ALSO like to be paid more

 

[FlygirlPhD]

Does anyone know how it works in terms of the email we will receive on the 23rd from NMS? Will it say in the email subject line if we matched or not? AGH! Help

I think it just says "APPIC Match Result (Applicant #####)" in the subject line. You have to open the email to see if/ where you matched.

 

[Hawkeye11]

I think it just says "APPIC Match Result (Applicant #####)" in the subject line. You have to open the email to see if/ where you matched.

Welp, that's it. I guess I'll never know whether I matched. There's no way I'm capable of opening such an email.

 

[slaney]

Does anyone know how it works in terms of the email we will receive on the 23rd from NMS? Will it say in the email subject line if we matched or not? AGH! Help

I stayed with a friend who's on internship now while interviewing and had her show me her email from last year. I can't remember what the subject line said, but the body was basically like "congrats! you have matched at: site. Love, Greg" (not really the Greg bit, but I like to think that he sends his regards with each email.)

On a lighter note, feel free to add to this list of questions that people ask who CLEARLY don’t understand how this process works:

1. “When do you start to hear back from internship sites?”

2. “Do you graduate before the internship?”

3. “Wait, I thought you were already doing an internship.”

4. “I’m sure you’ll get plenty of offers.”

5. “What do you mean, algorithm?”

Right after my third interview "So did they offer you the job?"
"So how are you working in a hospital?" "Aren't you a therapist or something"
"I hope you get it!"
"That's great you get a vacation out of this! You are getting reimbursed right? It's not all on your dime, because that would be pretty stupid huh?
"So if you pick them as #1, they have to pick you as #1 right?"
"Why would you want to move to XYZ? It is sooo expensive there."
"Oh you must be getting paid the big bucks now"
"Are you taking your children?" then following that comment "If not, where are you putting them" WWWHHHHHAAAAAAT!!!!
"When do you start a real job?"
"So you used to work in Neuroscience, then at the university and now looking to work in a hospital? That seems really confusing. I mean didn't you already work in a hospital?"


Folks.... I have so many more LOL

Yessss if I could like this 100 times, I would. Idk how many times I've explained the match process and that I don't get multiple "offers" to choose from

A few insulting ones to add, from well-meaning friends with "real person jobs" in other fields (only b/c they further reinforce the ridiculousness, awfulness, and injustice of this process, and I guess of getting a doctorate in general) -

6. ...but these sites all fly you out for the interviews, right?

7. No? But they at least put you up in a hotel??

8. You'll be making HOW much next year? In [xyz city with high cost of living]? Really??

*sigh* obviously none of us are here for the money buuuut...

I've explained the algorithm thing to my poor Dad about 60 times. And each time he's like "...so you don't actually get to choose..?" And then I have to debate whether we go back through the rankings and algorithm explanation because it will ultimately lead us back to "...so you don't ACTUALLY get to choose where you'll end up"

Oh, also: "Wait, you're not a doctor yet?" Or, "Waaaaait...you won't even BE a doctor while you're on internship?? You won't be a doctor until AFTER?!"

Yeah, I can't effing believe it either, y'all, why do you think I plan to drink ALL DAY on Match Day?

 

[ToneTone]

I stayed with a friend who's on internship now while interviewing and had her show me her email from last year. I can't remember what the subject line said, but the body was basically like "congrats! you have matched at: site. Love, Greg" (not really the Greg bit, but I like to think that he sends his regards with each email.)



I've explained the algorithm thing to my poor Dad about 60 times. And each time he's like "...so you don't actually get to choose..?" And then I have to debate whether we go back through the rankings and algorithm explanation because it will ultimately lead us back to "...so you don't ACTUALLY get to choose where you'll end up"

Oh, also: "Wait, you're not a doctor yet?" Or, "Waaaaait...you won't even BE a doctor while you're on internship?? You won't be a doctor until AFTER?!"

Yeah, I can't effing believe it either, y'all, why do you think I plan to drink ALL DAY on Match Day?

LOL my boyfriend ended up explaining the algorithm to me (as a software engineer). He just wanted to know why it took so long between rank submissions and actual match day as he was confident the results could be done faster than over 2 weeks.

I haven't started explaining to most loved ones yet what the rest of a path to being a psychologist looks like...

 

[Hawkeye11]

LOL my boyfriend ended up explaining the algorithm to me (as a software engineer). He just wanted to know why it took so long between rank submissions and actual match day as he was confident the results could be done faster than over 2 weeks.

I haven't started explaining to most loved ones yet what the rest of a path to being a psychologist looks like...

That is my question. WTH, Greg? With current technology, I'd be shocked if it took even 2 hrs. And then, ok, let's account for results needing to be quadruple checked manually. Fine, you can have a whole week, but that's it!

 

[slaney]

Sidenote.... will we update each other on match status come 2/23? Is that weird to do? I feel invested in you guys matching hahaha I want to know!

YES! I also feel invested in all of you all and would love to hear how things shake out on Match Day! 🙂

That is my question. WTH, Greg? With current technology, I'd be shocked if it took even 2 hrs. And then, ok, let's account for results needing to be quadruple checked manually. Fine, you can have a whole week, but that's it!

PREACH. Like, Greg, I get that this is your Super Bowl and all...but why we gotta drag this out? Help me understand, friend.

 

[Mega.N]

LOL my boyfriend ended up explaining the algorithm to me (as a software engineer). He just wanted to know why it took so long between rank submissions and actual match day as he was confident the results could be done faster than over 2 weeks.

I haven't started explaining to most loved ones yet what the rest of a path to being a psychologist looks like...

My husband asked the same question! He's a software engineer too, and he can't understand why they're making us wait for so long after the algorithm runs.

 

[Hawkeye11]

YES! I also feel invested in all of you all and would love to hear how things shake out on Match Day! 🙂

PREACH. Like, Greg, I get that this is your Super Bowl and all...but why we gotta drag this out? Help me understand, friend.

I don't know why it cracks me up so hard that we call Greg by name like he's our bud, but it does. It really does.

 

[Internship_Journey]

I don't know why it cracks me up so hard that we call Greg by name like he's our bud, but it does. It really does.

I'm really surprised we haven't heard anything from Greg today reminding us that the ranking deadline is tonight. Greg - don't ghost us!

 

[Internship_Journey]

I'm really surprised we haven't heard anything from Greg today reminding us that the ranking deadline is tonight. Greg - don't ghost us!

Also, do you think Greg is on this thread?

 

[slaney]

Also, do you think Greg is on this thread?

I'm not gonna lie, I imagine Greg to basically be Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World

 

[ReallyFutureDrLove]

I love you all. I just have to say this.

 

[Sherlocked221]

I'm really surprised we haven't heard anything from Greg today reminding us that the ranking deadline is tonight. Greg - don't ghost us!

If he's reading this then he knows how neurotic we all are and is thinking we don't need a reminder because lets be real...ain't nobody forgetting to submit their rank list.

 

[Internship_Journey]

 

[FlygirlPhD]

YES! I also feel invested in all of you all and would love to hear how things shake out on Match Day! 🙂

PREACH. Like, Greg, I get that this is your Super Bowl and all...but why we gotta drag this out? Help me understand, friend.

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Greg's Super Bowl. LOL this killed me! I love it! I really do wonder if he reads this forum and gets as much of a kick out of it as we do!

 

[Internship_Journey]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Greg's Super Bowl. LOL this killed me! I love it! I really do wonder if he reads this forum and gets as much of a kick out of it as we do!

If you're reading this Greg, we love you Big G!

 

[slaney]

If you're reading this Greg, we love you Big G!

 

[OpalinePhoenix]

LOL my boyfriend ended up explaining the algorithm to me (as a software engineer). He just wanted to know why it took so long between rank submissions and actual match day as he was confident the results could be done faster than over 2 weeks.

I haven't started explaining to most loved ones yet what the rest of a path to being a psychologist looks like...

That is my question. WTH, Greg? With current technology, I'd be shocked if it took even 2 hrs. And then, ok, let's account for results needing to be quadruple checked manually. Fine, you can have a whole week, but that's it!

YES! I also feel invested in all of you all and would love to hear how things shake out on Match Day! 🙂

PREACH. Like, Greg, I get that this is your Super Bowl and all...but why we gotta drag this out? Help me understand, friend.

I, too, have been bitching about this nonstop, but I learned the answer! A friend in my program went to UT Austin undergrad, and that is where they have the huge computer that runs this thing. It apparently, first off, takes the better part of a day or two to run, and he said that every year, a grad student's project is trying to speed it up, basically. He also said that a big part of why it takes so long is that although they will NOT accept late applicant rank lists, they will accept late site rank lists, and there are at least a few that mess it up every year, and then they have to go back and rerun the whole thing. So the lag time is more to allow for that. I don't want to open up another huge "sites vs. applicants" can o' worms, and I'm frankly glad that they make sure all the sites get in, but there you have it. This actually made me feel better that it's not just another implement in the applicant torture chamber.

 

[PsychGradAd]

I, too, have been bitching about this nonstop, but I learned the answer! A friend in my program went to UT Austin undergrad, and that is where they have the huge computer that runs this thing. It apparently, first off, takes the better part of a day or two to run, and he said that every year, a grad student's project is trying to speed it up, basically. He also said that a big part of why it takes so long is that although they will NOT accept late applicant rank lists, they will accept late site rank lists, and there are at least a few that mess it up every year, and then they have to go back and rerun the whole thing. So the lag time is more to allow for that. I don't want to open up another huge "sites vs. applicants" can o' worms, and I'm frankly glad that they make sure all the sites get in, but there you have it. This actually made me feel better that it's not just another implement in the applicant torture chamber.

(I tried to insert "The More You Know" gif then image twice but am clueless.)

That's super helpful as I too have been complaining about this!

 

[slaney]

I, too, have been bitching about this nonstop, but I learned the answer! A friend in my program went to UT Austin undergrad, and that is where they have the huge computer that runs this thing. It apparently, first off, takes the better part of a day or two to run, and he said that every year, a grad student's project is trying to speed it up, basically. He also said that a big part of why it takes so long is that although they will NOT accept late applicant rank lists, they will accept late site rank lists, and there are at least a few that mess it up every year, and then they have to go back and rerun the whole thing. So the lag time is more to allow for that. I don't want to open up another huge "sites vs. applicants" can o' worms, and I'm frankly glad that they make sure all the sites get in, but there you have it. This actually made me feel better that it's not just another implement in the applicant torture chamber.

So like I get this, and it does make me feel better to know....but like also

 

[jung_money]

I stayed with a friend who's on internship now while interviewing and had her show me her email from last year. I can't remember what the subject line said, but the body was basically like "congrats! you have matched at: site. Love, Greg" (not really the Greg bit, but I like to think that he sends his regards with each email.)



I've explained the algorithm thing to my poor Dad about 60 times. And each time he's like "...so you don't actually get to choose..?" And then I have to debate whether we go back through the rankings and algorithm explanation because it will ultimately lead us back to "...so you don't ACTUALLY get to choose where you'll end up"

Oh, also: "Wait, you're not a doctor yet?" Or, "Waaaaait...you won't even BE a doctor while you're on internship?? You won't be a doctor until AFTER?!"

Yeah, I can't effing believe it either, y'all, why do you think I plan to drink ALL DAY on Match Day?

The best... my aunt asking (after I have been out of state for YEARS): ..."You're getting a doctorate?"
Me: "Uh, yes. What did you think I've been doing?"
Her: "Getting a masters?"
Me: "....I already had a masters."
Her: "Ya, I thought it was kind of weird..."

OH. MY. GOSH.

 

[ReallyFutureDrLove]

Everyone is hilarious in here tonight I needed this.

 

[ReallyFutureDrLove]

I can’t even, I almost peed myself!