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- Mar 17, 2006
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Now that I finally matched, I figured that I'd share some advice and opinions on the whole interiew process. Keep in mind that these are my personal opinions, so feel free to agree, disagree or ignore.
1. Apply to 30 places if you are moderately competitive. It is hard to really know where you want to apply before the interviews really get going. I can almost promise that some places you had high hopes for will disappoint you and some places that you once considered backups will move to the top of your list. In my opinion, it's better to over-apply and turn down interviews than it is to wish you would have applied to certain programs after its too late.
2. Apply to some of the big name programs even if you don't think you have a shot. You will most likely be suprised at some of the places that call for interviews.
3. Understand that the interview selection process is incredibly random. Your best friend who is AOA, related to Dr. Miller and has 250's might get rejected at a program that you got an interview at... even if you application isn't half as strong.
4. Keep an eye on the "official interviews 2008" thread. Watch for the first people to post about getting interviews at certain programs you applied to. If you don't get an interview invite within a week or two... CALL! Call to check on the status of your application and make sure they received everything. I received 4 interview offers directly over the phone by doing this. And at two programs I found out that my application was lost!! I'm not saying that you should call EVERY program, but probably your initial top 10 if you haven't heard from them. Be very polite and show interest in the program without kissing ass. It is an art...
5. Use that "art" on the program coordinators. They have much more power than you would think!
6. At the interview, know that you are ALWAYS being evaluated. I don't care what the residents say about having no say in the process. Be social but don't get so comfortable that you are dropping the F bomb 3 times per sentence after having 6 glasses of wine. Yes, I saw that happen at least twice.
7. Have a good time at the interview dinner, but don't get ****faced. You paid a lot of money to travel to the interview, so don't blow it before the actual interview takes place.
8. At the interview, do NOT talk about how awesome certain OTHER programs are in front of other faculty or coordinator. I saw that happen several times. In fact, on one interview in the south, I learned from an applicant that "people in NYC come from a better gene pool and are just born smarter than the rest of the country. " WOW. 😱
9. Be yourself at the interview. Have answers for the standard questions. Be prepared to talk more about your hobbies/interests than actually anesthesia. The interviews are extremely laid back.
10. If at all possible, avoid Newark's airport. I spent countless hrs of my life in this airport due to BS like "air traffic control." Not a happy place to be stranded.
Good luck with the applications. Everyone feel free to add any tips you picked up along the way for next years class.
1. Apply to 30 places if you are moderately competitive. It is hard to really know where you want to apply before the interviews really get going. I can almost promise that some places you had high hopes for will disappoint you and some places that you once considered backups will move to the top of your list. In my opinion, it's better to over-apply and turn down interviews than it is to wish you would have applied to certain programs after its too late.
2. Apply to some of the big name programs even if you don't think you have a shot. You will most likely be suprised at some of the places that call for interviews.
3. Understand that the interview selection process is incredibly random. Your best friend who is AOA, related to Dr. Miller and has 250's might get rejected at a program that you got an interview at... even if you application isn't half as strong.
4. Keep an eye on the "official interviews 2008" thread. Watch for the first people to post about getting interviews at certain programs you applied to. If you don't get an interview invite within a week or two... CALL! Call to check on the status of your application and make sure they received everything. I received 4 interview offers directly over the phone by doing this. And at two programs I found out that my application was lost!! I'm not saying that you should call EVERY program, but probably your initial top 10 if you haven't heard from them. Be very polite and show interest in the program without kissing ass. It is an art...
5. Use that "art" on the program coordinators. They have much more power than you would think!
6. At the interview, know that you are ALWAYS being evaluated. I don't care what the residents say about having no say in the process. Be social but don't get so comfortable that you are dropping the F bomb 3 times per sentence after having 6 glasses of wine. Yes, I saw that happen at least twice.
7. Have a good time at the interview dinner, but don't get ****faced. You paid a lot of money to travel to the interview, so don't blow it before the actual interview takes place.
8. At the interview, do NOT talk about how awesome certain OTHER programs are in front of other faculty or coordinator. I saw that happen several times. In fact, on one interview in the south, I learned from an applicant that "people in NYC come from a better gene pool and are just born smarter than the rest of the country. " WOW. 😱
9. Be yourself at the interview. Have answers for the standard questions. Be prepared to talk more about your hobbies/interests than actually anesthesia. The interviews are extremely laid back.
10. If at all possible, avoid Newark's airport. I spent countless hrs of my life in this airport due to BS like "air traffic control." Not a happy place to be stranded.
Good luck with the applications. Everyone feel free to add any tips you picked up along the way for next years class.
