2nd Looks

[marlin3]

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After a few interviews, I feel like I have at times spoken to a bunch of used car salesmen. Seems that often all residents are happy and every PD seems to think "I am a perfect fit for ...." So when is it good to take a second look? What does it tell the program? For those that are considereing second looks what specifically are you looking for?


Thanks good luck to all.

 

[Skip Intro]

I feel like I have at times spoken to a bunch of used car salesmen. Seems that often all residents are happy and every PD seems to think "I am a perfect fit for ...."

No! Say it isn't so! You mean, they actually say this to everyone! And here all this time I thought I was special.



This whole process is like deciding who you're going to marry after one date. Actually, this residency lasts a lot longer than some marriages even. So, I think second looks are good. Not all programs are amenable to them, though.

I get the sense that it pretty much comes down to that first impression, and your overall app. If you're a strong candidate from a good school with good scores, you're going to get ranked high at every program you interview at, regardless if you do a second look or not. In other words, I don't think it really matters that much in the grand scheme of things (i.e., if the program has 10 spots to fill and you aren't a Harvard grad with 270+ on both Steps who had letters from the Pope and the Surgeon General, you may move up a spot or two if you were one of the ones where a "battle royale" was occurring).

My impression: can't hurt, may not help... but, if you have the time/money/inclination, why not? Fortunately for us, all of this gets sorted out in the Match and we pretty much end up where we were supposed to be anyway.

-Skip

 

[chillindrdude]

i plan on doing a second look at the top 4 or 5 spots of my rank list

 

[Idon'tknow??]

What exactly do you do when you go for a 2nd look? Do you have another interview or just sit and talk to the program director or chair? Do you spend a day in the OR?

 

[spacetygrss]

My understanding was that second-looks were basically set up to see "a day in the life" of a resident at the program. You don't normally meet with PD's.

Is this correct?

 

[BassDominator]

My understanding was that second-looks were basically set up to see "a day in the life" of a resident at the program. You don't normally meet with PD's.

Is this correct?

I only went on second looks at my top two choices, mostly to help me make the decision but also to get some extra face time with the program director.

 

[palabra]

I have heard so many conflicting ideas on the second look that I am confused. Some programs like them, others don't care at all, etc. By this I am referring to using the second look to express further interest in a program that I already know that I would like to be at for 3-4 years.

Any ideas on which programs like it and which don't care?


P.S. Rock on Texas. Did you see the Rose Bowl? Sweet.