Anyone Write to a program and not get a response?

[bigapple34]

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So... My first and second choice program keep flip flopping back and forth, one day, one program is number 1 and the next the other one is. Anyway, i finally broke down and wrote the program that i believe is a better fit and told them (the PD) that they were my first choice and that i would be back for a second look etc. That was almost a week ago, and i have heard nothing from them. Is it common practice for them to just ignore you? I am worried!

 

[chrisisinnocent]

I've also gotten ignored by two programs (they keep flip floppin around in my top 3). Not sure what to make of it but I decided not to lose sleep over it and see what happens.

 

[OBGirlie]

I've also gotten ignored by two programs (they keep flip floppin around in my top 3). Not sure what to make of it but I decided not to lose sleep over it and see what happens.

I had one program tell me that it was some sort of violation to discuss top choices and arrange second looks prior to a programs completion of their interviewing season. . .so they may not respond to you for a few more weeks.

 

[nykka3]

not all programs will respond back. all you can do is your part if you choose which is to send a letter of interest. some programs might save your correspondences in your file and consider them when ranking...at least that is what i have heard. most programs want residents that are interested in going there. i just wouldn't overdo it with multiple letters. i hear different views about whether to state to a program that they are your #1 though. it is probably best to be subtle but still show high interest.

 

[chrisisinnocent]

not all programs will respond back. all you can do is your part if you choose which is to send a letter of interest. some programs might save your correspondences in your file and consider them when ranking...at least that is what i have heard. most programs want residents that are interested in going there. i just wouldn't overdo it with multiple letters. i hear different views about whether to state to a program that they are your #1 though. it is probably best to be subtle but still show high interest.

All I have said is that I plan on ranking them very highly. I would hate to tell them they are my #1 and match somewhere else. I don't want to mislead anyone and these are places I may apply to for fellowship down the line so I have no intention of burning any bridges. Also there is a lot of time left between now and February so I don't want to say something only to change my mind (unlikely but could happen).

 

[bigapple34]

Yeah... I told them I would "rank them highly" as well, not necessarily that they were number 1. However, I am 90% sure that they are.... I just find it unnerving that you write to them and they do not respond at all. I think it's kinda rude. The least they could do would be a response that says "thanks for the email" 😡 Anyway, I am going to try to relax and let the process work the way it is supposed to... going to my happy place now. LOL. 😉

 

[Global Disrobal]

A couple of points (from my experience at least):

1. You're doing the absolute right thing by sending in your letters of interest or even just "thank you" cards as this refreshes you in the program's mind

2. DON'T be discouraged if you don't hear anything back. Its a matter of not appearing to violate the match rules or sometimes just a pure logistical issue with the program. At our program we all take the e-mails or cards/letters and give them to the coordinator and she puts in the applicant file. When the rank session rolls around, its a common question that we all ask: "did they write anything back to us?" It doesn't count against you that you didn't, but sure as helps alot when you did...

3. Lastly, personally when I recieve thank you e-mails I respond back right away... with written letters, I sometimes do and don't and its merely a reflection my schedule & remembering to do it (shameful, I know)

Regardless, good luck with da match & have a great holiday break!😀

 

[tiredmom]

Global Disrobe is right-
I didn't hear back from my program director when I sent him an email last year. He doesn't want to be in the gray zone about violating match rules. It's easy for an applicant to say "You're my number one choice." It's harder for a program to say something nice to someone without it sounding like a promise - which they can't do. His policy is no response after the interview so as to not come close to violating rules. While it's scary because we are all obsessive in this process and are used to getting feedback - I ultimately appreciated it because I know he follows the rules.

Good luck! And just an unsolicited word of advice - go with your gut on your choices. Don't let feedback from a program change how you rank places. I panicked around this time last year - waffling because I hadn't heard anything from my top choice but did from some of my close follow-up choices. I'm truly glad that I didn't change my rank list - I love my program and feel like it's the perfect fit for me.