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[wallebergsyndrome]

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I just have one last question in my first pre interview dinner it was written that I can wear jeans. and in the others there was no mention of any specific attire so if I wore shirt tucked in with jeans and with converse shoes is it bad? Im asking coz my next pre iv dinner states that I have to wear business casual

 

[NotAProgDirector]

That being said, make it a real email. If you REALLY want to go to the program, send them a hand written letter. IMO it holds a lot more sincerity and weight. I get enough,
"Dear Program Director:
blah blah blah, your program at <name> has a lot of qualities. blah blah"

I (we) can see right through it. Particularly when I can tell that they cut and paste the program's name off ERAS or NRMP

My favorite is when the font is different, so it's super obvious it was cut-and-pasted from somewhere else.

That is an extremely common occurrence and no, it’s not viewed as unprofessional. It’s your last chance before rank list to get your name in the minds of the rank committeee, so especially if you interviewed early in the season, it can be helpful as a reminder.

In my program (and I expect in many other programs), we review all candidates at the end of the day, or the end of the week. It's all written down. No one gets forgotten.

Presumably the purpose of such a message is to tell the program that you're interested. We want the best candidates, which are some combination of academic achievement, personality, and interest in the program. A "superstar" who's miserable because they didn't really want to be here isn't great.

Unfortunately, I get so many emails like this that I essentially ignore all of them. I've gotten plenty of "I'm ranking you #1" emails and then that person matches elsewhere (but would have matched with me if it had been true). But I'm jaded, others may be swayed by these emails. If you're professional about it, it can't do any harm.

 

[PDTY]

My favorite is when the font is different, so it's super obvious it was cut-and-pasted from somewhere else.
Unfortunately, I get so many emails like this that I essentially ignore all of them. I've gotten plenty of "I'm ranking you #1" emails and then that person matches elsewhere (but would have matched with me if it had been true).

I love the awkwardly spaced sentence with the font change (the only time Outlook has any benefit!)

I will also harken that most emails toward Jan and Feb aren't of much impact. We get tons of these, tons of "I applied and please re-evaluate my app for an interview," and my favorite are the "I didn't apply through ERAS, but here is my CV." Despite our website explicitly stating the requirements (ie ERAS), and the applicant not having any of the requirements.

Hand written would be a sign to me that the person is serious, as I can't see someone writing 10+ letters for every program they applied to. And if they did write that many, then they have their own issues to deal with. Only write a letter to your favorite program, please. You're not setting yourself up for any extra success by doing more.

 

[IMPD]

I advise students to be decent human beings and only email ONE program with the "You're my #1" email.

I understand the gamesmenship of the whole process (not to mention the one-and-done) makes it extremely tempting to write everyone that email.

In any event, I also ignore these emails due to repeated heart break. I agree that there is a non-zero chance it could help, though.

 

[richa11]

I am an AMG. My step 2 CS won't come by the time rank list is due. Is that going to affect me very much? I already have submitted by step 1 and step 2 CK.

 

[IMPD]

I am an AMG. My step 2 CS won't come by the time rank list is due. Is that going to affect me very much? I already have submitted by step 1 and step 2 CK.

No. No one cares about CS.

 

[richa11]

If I was on the wait list then got off the list and got the interview, does that mean my chances of getting ranked high is already lower than someone who was never on the waiting list to begin with. I know interview impression is very important though. So does that mean I still have a chance if it is one of my top choices.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

If I was on the wait list then got off the list and got the interview, does that mean my chances of getting ranked high is already lower than someone who was never on the waiting list to begin with. I know interview impression is very important though. So does that mean I still have a chance if it is one of my top choices.

Being on the waitlist = 0 chance
Invited for an interview = something more than a 0 chance

There's no way to know if you're going to end up at the bottom of the rank list, or if they will like you so much you'll end up near the top. Do your best at the interview, rank them highly on your rank list, and see what happens.

 

[mcl]

If I was on the wait list then got off the list and got the interview, does that mean my chances of getting ranked high is already lower than someone who was never on the waiting list to begin with. I know interview impression is very important though. So does that mean I still have a chance if it is one of my top choices.

A note of encouragement--at my program the interviewers have no idea whether or not an applicant they see was wait listed, and over the years we have matched with MANY who were on the wait list at one point. Please don't let this be a factor in your thought process as you prepare for your interview day.

 

[richa11]

A note of encouragement--at my program the interviewers have no idea whether or not an applicant they see was wait listed, and over the years we have matched with MANY who were on the wait list at one point. Please don't let this be a factor in your thought process as you prepare for your interview day.

Thank you so much for the encouragement.

 

[Celexa]

No. No one cares about CS.

I can only speak to psych but more and more programs are explicitly stating that they will not rank candidates who have not passed CS. Maybe 1/3 of the programs I interviewed at this year said this outright.

 

[PDTY]

A note of encouragement--at my program the interviewers have no idea whether or not an applicant they see was wait listed, and over the years we have matched with MANY who were on the wait list at one point. Please don't let this be a factor in your thought process as you prepare for your interview day.

Although I know who was on the waitlist, I never hold that against them. There are only so many invites we can send out, and wait list is not the same as "second string" in my program. I would suspect most programs feel the same way.

 

[molecularmimicry]

How much does the interview matter in terms of figuring into the rank list programs make? Is it true that candidates are already preranked before the interview and are moved up or down the list depending on interview performance? Or does the interview matter more than that?
I imagine this varies widely but am curious what it's like at your respective programs. Thanks!

 

[IMPD]

I can only speak to psych but more and more programs are explicitly stating that they will not rank candidates who have not passed CS. Maybe 1/3 of the programs I interviewed at this year said this outright.

True. IM is probably different. I see people come out reserarch years and Fail their first attempt at CS or people who are a bit quirky fail it because they overthink the exam. Certainly you have to pass it to get on with your life, but it is the truly exceptional person who fails it more than once.

 

[mcl]

How much does the interview matter in terms of figuring into the rank list programs make? Is it true that candidates are already preranked before the interview and are moved up or down the list depending on interview performance? Or does the interview matter more than that?
I imagine this varies widely but am curious what it's like at your respective programs. Thanks!

The interview counts for a lot at my program, although there are certainly other factors that might put one applicant ahead of another on the rank list. We have never tried to pre-rank the applicants, but we do rank-as-we-go after each interview day.

 

[PDTY]

How much does the interview matter in terms of figuring into the rank list programs make? Is it true that candidates are already preranked before the interview and are moved up or down the list depending on interview performance? Or does the interview matter more than that?

It'd be dumb for a program to (pre)rank people based on a static document, regardless of school, board score, awards, etc.
99th% USMLE person who is a completely arrogant or unprofessional know-it-all? No thanks, I have my own problems to deal with, I don't need someone else's. If a PD wants to hope that an ERAS document predetermines how someone will fit in? Sure...

The interview is every program's litmus test of "can we work with this person?" In my program, I'd be wasting my time if I had a pre-interview rank list.

 

[fasteddie911]

How much does the interview matter in terms of figuring into the rank list programs make? Is it true that candidates are already preranked before the interview and are moved up or down the list depending on interview performance? Or does the interview matter more than that?
I imagine this varies widely but am curious what it's like at your respective programs. Thanks!

At my smaller program, interview counts for a ton. People who look good on paper can go unranked and others with awesome personalities and vibe can shoot to the top. Generally, we only invite people we think we'd want at our program, whether you're a late invite or "bottom" of the interview list is irrelevant. The interview is time to get to know you and see if you'd be a good fit for the program on a professional and personal level.

 

[richa11]

True. IM is probably different. I see people come out reserarch years and Fail their first attempt at CS or people who are a bit quirky fail it because they overthink the exam. Certainly you have to pass it to get on with your life, but it is the truly exceptional person who fails it more than once.

I think IM is different. I haven't had any program ask me about CS yet. As long as you pass before residency, it seems like its fine. That is also what my program director said as well at my school.

 

[Shazam243]

Do programs normally send out unsolicited (ie. initiated by the program) "we like you" emails closer to the rank submission day? Heard from someone that they received a few of them (though not sure if they were initiated by that person or not). And I do understand that this varies depending on specialty and program.

 

[AdmiralChz]

Do programs normally send out unsolicited (ie. initiated by the program) "we like you" emails closer to the rank submission day? Heard from someone that they received a few of them (though not sure if they were initiated by that person or not). And I do understand that this varies depending on specialty and program.

As you probably suspect, there isn’t any standardization here. Some send out letters to their top 10, some might go to top 30, and many don’t send anything at all. You’ll here many stories of people getting these letters and still not matching there, so nothing is fool-proof in this system. Many (most?) programs still have interview days to go so I wouldn’t expect to see something like this until they’ve had a time to build their rank list... but again, no telling.

 

[PDTY]

Nrmp discourages communication with applicants after the interview. It isn’t a hard rule afaik, but not hearing from a program shoukd not a bad sign.

 

[richa11]

If you know someone who is a resident in a program you are interested in then asking them to recommend you to the program director, is that something that would help or at least not hurt your chances?

 

[richa11]

When is it a good idea to tell a program that you are their number 1? January? February? Also, should you say that to the PD even if they didn't interview you?

 

[gleevec1945]

When is it a good idea to tell a program that you are their number 1? January? February? Also, should you say that to the PD even if they didn't interview you?

I am curious about the latter point as well. I was interviewed by the APD at my #1 choice, although I have heard he is about equally influential in the selection process. I feel weird sending the same email to both of him and the PD, wondering if I should send one email and address it to both of them?

 

[mvenus929]

If you know someone who is a resident in a program you are interested in then asking them to recommend you to the program director, is that something that would help or at least not hurt your chances?

Our PC and PD encourage residents to tell them what they think of applicants. We also get more direct input on which of our own students we'd like to keep. So, in my program, if the resident actually likes you, it'll help. If they don't like you, it will hurt you. It's also possible that your friend has already made their opinion known to the program, unless they were not aware you were applying.

 

[cluelesscollarbone]

I am just starting medical school but I feel I don't have a good understanding of the residency application process and just want to educate myself so I can make the most of my time during school.

Far off, but I suspect I will end up wanting to do a peds residency somewhere in a big east coast city, particularly New York, Boston or Philadelphia. I am curious what it takes to be competitive to match in a place like this other than strong USMLE scores, grades in clinicals and LORs. Do extracurriculars matter much? If so, what types? Do experiences summer before medical school count for the application/how far back in time can you go? Thanks so much for any insight!

 

[rokshana]

I am just starting medical school but I feel I don't have a good understanding of the residency application process and just want to educate myself so I can make the most of my time during school.

Far off, but I suspect I will end up wanting to do a peds residency somewhere in a big east coast city, particularly New York, Boston or Philadelphia. I am curious what it takes to be competitive to match in a place like this other than strong USMLE scores, grades in clinicals and LORs. Do extracurriculars matter much? If so, what types? Do experiences summer before medical school count for the application/how far back in time can you go? Thanks so much for any insight!

congrats on getting accepted to med school.

enjoy the remaining time for now...you achieved the biggest goal...getting accepted to med school...you will have at least 7 years to be immersed in medicine...relish the fact that you know what you are doing the next 4+ years. Have fun, travel, hang out with your family and friends, read the non medical books you want to read...don't worry about what you need to do in med school to get the residency that you think you want (it will change over the course of the years in med school...trust me).

 

[cluelesscollarbone]

congrats on getting accepted to med school.

enjoy the remaining time for now...you achieved the biggest goal...getting accepted to med school...you will have at least 7 years to be immersed in medicine...relish the fact that you know what you are doing the next 4+ years. Have fun, travel, hang out with your family and friends, read the non medical books you want to read...don't worry about what you need to do in med school to get the residency that you think you want (it will change over the course of the years in med school...trust me).

Thank you so much for your genuine advice! I am definitely planning to relax and enjoy this time before I start school, but not having a full understanding of the road ahead and the residency app process is nerve-racking so I am just trying to educate myself on it so I will be prepared. I also understand many people go into med school thinking they are interested in one thing and then change their mind completely. For many years I have been passionate about pediatric medicine and have had a lot of experiences volunteering/working in peds. However, I have only had a few clinical experiences outside of peds so I of course will keep an open mind in med school. As I stated in my first post, I suspect I will want to do a peds residency in a big northeast city as this is where my interests have always been.

I haven't been able to find general info on what types of extracurriculars other than publications are helpful for residency apps. I know at this stage ECs are much less important than USMLE scores, clinical grades, and LORs, but I assume a resume is still somewhat important. I am hoping someone can give me some clarity on what types of extracurriculars give applicants an edge, particularly for peds residency, and how far back in time you can go in terms of what is appropriate to put on a resume. I know it may seem like I am getting too ahead of myself, but I am a big planner and just like to start thinking early about what I need to do in the future. I would really appreciate some helpful advice!

 

[gutonc]

Thank you so much for your genuine advice! I am definitely planning to relax and enjoy this time before I start school, but not having a full understanding of the road ahead and the residency app process is nerve-racking so I am just trying to educate myself on it so I will be prepared. I also understand many people go into med school thinking they are interested in one thing and then change their mind completely. For many years I have been passionate about pediatric medicine and have had a lot of experiences volunteering/working in peds. However, I have only had a few clinical experiences outside of peds so I of course will keep an open mind in med school. As I stated in my first post, I suspect I will want to do a peds residency in a big northeast city as this is where my interests have always been.

I haven't been able to find general info on what types of extracurriculars other than publications are helpful for residency apps. I know at this stage ECs are much less important than USMLE scores, clinical grades, and LORs, but I assume a resume is still somewhat important. I am hoping someone can give me some clarity on what types of extracurriculars give applicants an edge, particularly for peds residency, and how far back in time you can go in terms of what is appropriate to put on a resume. I know it may seem like I am getting too ahead of myself, but I am a big planner and just like to start thinking early about what I need to do in the future. I would really appreciate some helpful advice!

A pulse is about the only EC you need for a peds residency.

 

[mcl]

Thank you so much for your genuine advice! I am definitely planning to relax and enjoy this time before I start school, but not having a full understanding of the road ahead and the residency app process is nerve-racking so I am just trying to educate myself on it so I will be prepared. I also understand many people go into med school thinking they are interested in one thing and then change their mind completely. For many years I have been passionate about pediatric medicine and have had a lot of experiences volunteering/working in peds. However, I have only had a few clinical experiences outside of peds so I of course will keep an open mind in med school. As I stated in my first post, I suspect I will want to do a peds residency in a big northeast city as this is where my interests have always been.

I haven't been able to find general info on what types of extracurriculars other than publications are helpful for residency apps. I know at this stage ECs are much less important than USMLE scores, clinical grades, and LORs, but I assume a resume is still somewhat important. I am hoping someone can give me some clarity on what types of extracurriculars give applicants an edge, particularly for peds residency, and how far back in time you can go in terms of what is appropriate to put on a resume. I know it may seem like I am getting too ahead of myself, but I am a big planner and just like to start thinking early about what I need to do in the future. I would really appreciate some helpful advice!

When I review applications, I look at ECs as a window on who you are as an applicant. Some people get involved with student government, some people get involved with tutoring or peer mentoring, some people get involved with global health outreach, some people find a local cause or charity. Don't think of it as a checklist or a series of boxes to tick for your CV. Participate in areas that have meaning to you as your academic schedule allows. Academics are the priority.

 

[rokshana]

Thank you so much for your genuine advice! I am definitely planning to relax and enjoy this time before I start school, but not having a full understanding of the road ahead and the residency app process is nerve-racking so I am just trying to educate myself on it so I will be prepared. I also understand many people go into med school thinking they are interested in one thing and then change their mind completely. For many years I have been passionate about pediatric medicine and have had a lot of experiences volunteering/working in peds. However, I have only had a few clinical experiences outside of peds so I of course will keep an open mind in med school. As I stated in my first post, I suspect I will want to do a peds residency in a big northeast city as this is where my interests have always been.

I haven't been able to find general info on what types of extracurriculars other than publications are helpful for residency apps. I know at this stage ECs are much less important than USMLE scores, clinical grades, and LORs, but I assume a resume is still somewhat important. I am hoping someone can give me some clarity on what types of extracurriculars give applicants an edge, particularly for peds residency, and how far back in time you can go in terms of what is appropriate to put on a resume. I know it may seem like I am getting too ahead of myself, but I am a big planner and just like to start thinking early about what I need to do in the future. I would really appreciate some helpful advice!

there is a good book by Iserson called the Iserson's Guide For (or To)Residency...its really for those in their 3rd/4th year, but maybe it could help you get a better idea...read it in Hawaii sipping some tropical drink.

 

[tellme_areyoufree]

I am just starting medical school but I feel I don't have a good understanding of the residency application process and just want to educate myself so I can make the most of my time during school.

Far off, but I suspect I will end up wanting to do a peds residency somewhere in a big east coast city, particularly New York, Boston or Philadelphia. I am curious what it takes to be competitive to match in a place like this other than strong USMLE scores, grades in clinicals and LORs. Do extracurriculars matter much? If so, what types? Do experiences summer before medical school count for the application/how far back in time can you go? Thanks so much for any insight!

Advice of an m4 currently going through this process re ECs. Don't do things just to do them or just for your CV. Do things you love and you'll do them well. As an example ... Really feel passionate about health/fitness and fighting childhood obesity? Awesome, find something related to that. Volunteer, work with a faculty member who cares about it, start some kind of kids exercise program, whatever. Anything. Your passion for it will lead you to do more, and that's what seems to make a good EC (at every level). You'll find it easier to talk about those issues passionately, too - which is good for interviews.

A lot of my interview discussions have involved my professional life before medical school, and absolutely you should own your accomplishments before med school. As long as they're really accomplishments ... Being president of your college water polo team, maybe not.

Just my perspective anyway, from someone who has felt very good during interview season... And I was very active in extracurricular stuff (+publishing etc) ... Although I guess we'll see on match day

 

[cluelesscollarbone]

Advice of an m4 currently going through this process re ECs. Don't do things just to do them or just for your CV. Do things you love and you'll do them well. As an example ... Really feel passionate about health/fitness and fighting childhood obesity? Awesome, find something related to that. Volunteer, work with a faculty member who cares about it, start some kind of kids exercise program, whatever. Anything. Your passion for it will lead you to do more, and that's what seems to make a good EC (at every level). You'll find it easier to talk about those issues passionately, too - which is good for interviews.

A lot of my interview discussions have involved my professional life before medical school, and absolutely you should own your accomplishments before med school. As long as they're really accomplishments ... Being president of your college water polo team, maybe not.

Just my perspective anyway, from someone who has felt very good during interview season... And I was very active in extracurricular stuff (+publishing etc) ... Although I guess we'll see on match day

Thank you this is great advice. Good luck with match!!

 

[cluelesscollarbone]

there is a good book by Iserson called the Iserson's Guide For (or To)Residency...its really for those in their 3rd/4th year, but maybe it could help you get a better idea...read it in Hawaii sipping some tropical drink.

I will look into this book, thanks! I wish I could read it in Hawaii...I'm freezing here in New York 🙁

 

[cluelesscollarbone]

When I review applications, I look at ECs as a window on who you are as an applicant. Some people get involved with student government, some people get involved with tutoring or peer mentoring, some people get involved with global health outreach, some people find a local cause or charity. Don't think of it as a checklist or a series of boxes to tick for your CV. Participate in areas that have meaning to you as your academic schedule allows. Academics are the priority.

Thanks so much for the insight!

 

[apr27]

I haven't really done the thank you note/post interview communication game. It's been to my dismay. How would "thank you's" look at this point in the game or should I just stop worrying about it? Anyone else like this?

 

[ThoracicGuy]

I haven't really done the thank you note/post interview communication game. It's been to my dismay. How would "thank you's" look at this point in the game or should I just stop worrying about it? Anyone else like this?

Unless the program invites communication, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[GNRMD]

Hello everyone, I need some advice on updating the programs about my step 3 score. If it's a low score but a pass, is it gonna affect my rank in the programs rank order? Or do you people think that I should update the programs regardless of my score? Thank you so much. Hope everyone's interview season is going well!

 

[SlyWalker]

So far I have only seen people wearing suits for the interview.
Will it look odd if I wear a navy blue jacket with a gray pants for my next interview?

 

[PDTY]

So far I have only seen people wearing suits for the interview.
Will it look odd if I wear a navy blue jacket with a gray pants for my next interview?

Possibly but probably not.

Traditional business code is charcoal gray or (dark) navy suit. Since most men, and particularly doctors, don't know the correct way to dress AT ALL, you may either stand out in a good way due to your contrast, or draw a raised eyebrow if you run into someone who cares. I wouldn't bank on the latter unless you interview with someone like me (stodgy).

The less contrast you have, the more formal it looks. Dark gray (not charcoal, so just a shade lighter) would be the best choice if you're going to do this.

In parts of America, blazers are appropriate business dress. But, they are essentially a type of sportcoat and are best worn socially or for business casual.

Don't wear a navy blue suit coat. Make it a blazer / sports coat if you're going to do it. Wear a tie.

 

[rokshana]

So far I have only seen people wearing suits for the interview.
Will it look odd if I wear a navy blue jacket with a gray pants for my next interview?

yes...but isn't that what you would be going for? To stand out..though frankly not sure why you feel the need to do this.

 

[Apollyon]

So far I have only seen people wearing suits for the interview.
Will it look odd if I wear a navy blue jacket with a gray pants for my next interview?

I'm not being negative, but, this is one of those cases where, if you have to ask, your answer is "no".

If you are asking, I feel that you can't carry it off. I'm a guy that can do that - I wear pink, or red, and it "pops", but I don't have it held against me, because that is me.

The idea is sound, but this is where the idea (from opera) arises - poco, ma non troppo - a little, but not too much. Standing out can work. Standing out because you want to make others uncomfortable, no bueno. Finding that line is finesse. (And, when I say "make others uncomfortable", I mean "bucking the trend" too much - it's unlikely to condone actual emotional discomfort.)

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Not sure if I could find an answer here or create a thread in the neuro forum.

Some of the neurology programs I'm ranking are advanced with linked preliminary year. I was instructed that when I submit my rank list to include the prelim position under the corresponding advanced neurology program. My question is, do I need to also apply for the linked prelim position on ERAS? I would love not having to pay more money to ERAS.

Thanks

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Not sure if I could find an answer here or create a thread in the neuro forum.

Some of the neurology programs I'm ranking are advanced with linked preliminary year. I was instructed that when I submit my rank list to include the prelim position under the corresponding advanced neurology program. My question is, do I need to also apply for the linked prelim position on ERAS? I would love not having to pay more money to ERAS.

Thanks

You should check with the prelim program. They may get all of the info they need from your Neuro app. They may not. I'm surprised they didn't make this clear during your interview. Did you interview with the prelim program? Not all programs will require an interview, but some will.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

You should check with the prelim program. They may get all of the info they need from your Neuro app. They may not. I'm surprised they didn't make this clear during your interview. Did you interview with the prelim program? Not all programs will require an interview, but some will.

No I didn’t. They only told us to link the neuro-prelim to the advanced neuro during ranking. I guess I’ll ahead and cough up the extra few bucks and save myself the likelihood of things go wrong during the match.

 

[Shazam243]

I've been receiving some post-interview communication from programs. Some from programs that I really like, and I feel pressured to email back. I was wondering if any one has heard anything about programs ever changing their rank lists based off of post-interview responses, more so if applicants are ranked lower than they originally were if they did not respond to programs telling them they were number one. Of course, this is discouraged by NMRP, and this would not influence how I respond to programs, but more so to either qualm or confirm concerns. Also, when programs email out these kind of "love letters", are they expecting an email back? I feel really pressured to respond but and very reluctant to respond because I feel bad responding to emails and just saying that I really liked the program. Hope this all makes some sense.

 

[Senorita18]

Hello everyone. I am a non US IMG and stumbled upon this thread while looking for some information regarding interviews. I interviewed at a program where I had rotated for about 2months as a visiting student. My LORs were all from the program as well and I have made good relations with certain faculty and residents, who would tell me time and again that they would love to see me in their program when I rotated there. My interview went well, however I have average step scores and do not have an impressive CV. Do I really have a chance at this program?

2. Also how can one decide if they like a candidate after interviewing them for only 10min. Each interview literally lasted for only 5-10min and it was more of a conversation. Does this mean that in the end only top scorers are ranked? I think I was the only one with lower scores, others all had scores in 240s and 250s.

@mcl @Freddie @aProgDirector

I would really appreciate any answers to help calm my nerves. Good luck to all of you

 

[mcl]

I've been receiving some post-interview communication from programs. Some from programs that I really like, and I feel pressured to email back. I was wondering if any one has heard anything about programs ever changing their rank lists based off of post-interview responses, more so if applicants are ranked lower than they originally were if they did not respond to programs telling them they were number one. Of course, this is discouraged by NMRP, and this would not influence how I respond to programs, but more so to either qualm or confirm concerns. Also, when programs email out these kind of "love letters", are they expecting an email back? I feel really pressured to respond but and very reluctant to respond because I feel bad responding to emails and just saying that I really liked the program. Hope this all makes some sense.

You are not under ANY obligation to respond to a program's email. That said, it's impossible to know whether a program would allow a less-enthusiastic response (or non-response) to affect their ROL. They certainly could if "enthusiasm for the program" was an important criteria to them. But it's a risky tactic for the programs, too, as they could "turn off" a great candidate who moves the program lower on their ROL because they don't respond well to feeling pressured.

 

[mcl]

Hello everyone. I am a non US IMG and stumbled upon this thread while looking for some information regarding interviews. I interviewed at a program where I had rotated for about 2months as a visiting student. My LORs were all from the program as well and I have made good relations with certain faculty and residents, who would tell me time and again that they would love to see me in their program when I rotated there. My interview went well, however I have average step scores and do not have an impressive CV. Do I really have a chance at this program?

2. Also how can one decide if they like a candidate after interviewing them for only 10min. Each interview literally lasted for only 5-10min and it was more of a conversation. Does this mean that in the end only top scorers are ranked? I think I was the only one with lower scores, others all had scores in 240s and 250s.

@mcl @Freddie @aProgDirector

I would really appreciate any answers to help calm my nerves. Good luck to all of you

If you had an interview, you have a chance. There is absolutely no way for an applicant to guess a program's process for making their ROL, and it's not in anyone's best interest to try. Focus on your ROL and rank programs in the order of your desire to train there. That's the only way for the Match to work. If you place a program you liked less higher on your ROL because you think you have a better chance to match there, you'll never know whether or not you could have matched at your favorite program.

 

[mvenus929]

Hello everyone. I am a non US IMG and stumbled upon this thread while looking for some information regarding interviews. I interviewed at a program where I had rotated for about 2months as a visiting student. My LORs were all from the program as well and I have made good relations with certain faculty and residents, who would tell me time and again that they would love to see me in their program when I rotated there. My interview went well, however I have average step scores and do not have an impressive CV. Do I really have a chance at this program?

Yes. How much of a chance depends on how you were actually perceived during those two months.

2. Also how can one decide if they like a candidate after interviewing them for only 10min. Each interview literally lasted for only 5-10min and it was more of a conversation. Does this mean that in the end only top scorers are ranked? I think I was the only one with lower scores, others all had scores in 240s and 250s.

This will vary a bit based on specialty and field, but no, top scorers are not the only ones ranked. And yes, someone can decide if they like you based on 10 minutes of an interview, especially given that they have already formed opinions about you most of the time when they reviewed your application.