A question for Program Director: "Follow Up" a good idea?

[Cantaclaro]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Is it a good idea to write a brief follow up email to PDs after sending the applications through ERAS, expressing my special interest in the program and highlighting the most competitive element of my profile? I have low Step scores but I have great Lors from very high ranking faculty members and very good USCE. I am afraid that because of my scores, my application is simply filtered out and never PDs review the rest of my application since it goes directly to the rejection pile. Could a brief email to the PD rescue me from that pile or are PDs annoyed by such emails and simply ignore them?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I'm not sure I can speak for "all PD's". Personally, I ignore such emails. I get tons of emails every day about interest in applying for my program. Most of them give me their whole application by email, and ask me if it's "worth" their applying via ERAS. I'm sure, mixed in there, are the "i've applied via ERAS and want to tell you how wonderful you are" type of emails. Honestly, these emails can sound pretty desperate. If you have a sincere desire to go to a specific program for a specific reason, you can try to send an email. I might target the PA rather than the PD.

But, I get the luxury of being pretty picky of whom I interview. Other programs that may be more dependent on IMG's might take such emails much more seriously.

 

[ResidentMD]

I'm not sure I can speak for "all PD's". Personally, I ignore such emails. I get tons of emails every day about interest in applying for my program. Most of them give me their whole application by email, and ask me if it's "worth" their applying via ERAS. I'm sure, mixed in there, are the "i've applied via ERAS and want to tell you how wonderful you are" type of emails. Honestly, these emails can sound pretty desperate. If you have a sincere desire to go to a specific program for a specific reason, you can try to send an email. I might target the PA rather than the PD.

But, I get the luxury of being pretty picky of whom I interview. Other programs that may be more dependent on IMG's might take such emails much more seriously.

Out of genuine curiosity - really? Does a PA have that much say to bring one-two applications from the file to your notice? (Well, the more I think my question out loud, it makes it obvious - but was just wondering the rationale behind it).

At the same time, does the PA have the right to reject an applicant she really doesnt want? (e.g. one who incessantly emails/calls 😉

 

[Khaos]

At our program the PA has a huge say in it and can easily reject an applicant. When people say be nice to everyone you meet, they aren't kidding. She usually doesn't make an applicant go up on the list but she has dropped them from the list by just saying they were arrogant to her and treated her badly.

 

[gutonc]

At our program the PA has a huge say in it and can easily reject an applicant. When people say be nice to everyone you meet, they aren't kidding. She usually doesn't make an applicant go up on the list but she has dropped them from the list by just saying they were arrogant to her and treated her badly.

QFT

The PA/PC probably can't make your app but s/he can certainly break it into tiny little pieces such that the PD never even sees it except as stuff coming out of the shredder. PDs are NOT sitting there dl'ing and printing out your apps, their assistants and coordinators are. they are not malicious ("I think I'll only print out the apps of people with a P in their middle name") but there's no point in aggravating them. Treat the PA/PC as if they're the Dept Chair (because at this point, they're way more important to you than the Chair is) and things will go well. Treat them otherwise and you deserve what you get.

This can not be emphasized enough...be nice to everyone you meet during the application process and on the interview trail. You never know who has the ear of the people who matter.

Besides, you'll have plenty of chances to pi$$ people off once you've matched.