Asking LOR writer to push for you on the rank list?

[21341234]

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Hi y'all, the match is coming, I wonder if you guys can shed some light on what I have been pondering. Would it be okay for me to ask a LOR writer to contact the PD of my #1 choice to increase/consolidate my position on the rank list ? Here are the details to my concern, assuming this attending will say yes.

I did a 4 week away rotation at this program back in Fall 2019, I believe it went well, residents liked me, worked with PD a few times, even some residents told me they have said good things to the PD about me. The interview was good, I told the PD and associate PDs about this will be my #1 choice. One of my LOR is written by an attending who recently graduated from this program, and I believe this person was well-liked. Having said all that, I am still feeling uneasy about the match (just like everyone else), would t be overkill to contact the LOR writer, give some updates about the process and ask gently if he can push for me ? (assuming this is not a match violation ). I have been considering the pros and cons of this move, idk what to do.

Unless I am way off, I believe I should be ranked decently high on the list, If this attending contacts the PD, will this move backfire in any shape of form ? There is a high chance that the PD already has completed the rank list, idk the details about when they certify the list like the candidates, and will this move even make any difference ? I feel like this option is worth a try since not every applicant knows an attending from their #1 choice.

All thoughts are welcome, thank you.

 

[acapnial]

Hi y'all, the match is coming, I wonder if you guys can shed some light on what I have been pondering. Would it be okay for me to ask a LOR writer to contact the PD of my #1 choice to increase/consolidate my position on the rank list ? Here are the details to my concern, assuming this attending will say yes.

I did a 4 week away rotation at this program back in Fall 2019, I believe it went well, residents liked me, worked with PD a few times, even some residents told me they have said good things to the PD about me. The interview was good, I told the PD and associate PDs about this will be my #1 choice. One of my LOR is written by an attending who recently graduated from this program, and I believe this person was well-liked. Having said all that, I am still feeling uneasy about the match (just like everyone else), would t be overkill to contact the LOR writer, give some updates about the process and ask gently if he can push for me ? (assuming this is not a match violation ). I have been considering the pros and cons of this move, idk what to do.

Unless I am way off, I believe I should be ranked decently high on the list, If this attending contacts the PD, will this move backfire in any shape of form ? There is a high chance that the PD already has completed the rank list, idk the details about when they certify the list like the candidates, and will this move even make any difference ? I feel like this option is worth a try since not every applicant knows an attending from their #1 choice.

All thoughts are welcome, thank you.

Yes it would be overkill

 

[GoSpursGo]

Didn't he already do that by, ya know, writing you an LOR?

I mean, him reaching out is probably unlikely to hurt, because I imagine your LOR writer won't start their message by saying, "Hey, 21341234 asked me to call you..." But it sounds like you worked extensively with this PD and program, so he probably already has a pretty well-formed opinion of you that likely won't be changed by someone repeating themselves on your behalf.

If you're going to lose sleep over the coming weeks because you feel like you need to "do everything," then I guess sure go for it. But you're doing it more to imagine that you have some control over this process than because it's going to change anything.

 

[Dr.LeoSpaceman]

While this can help, it's generally something done by 1) someone more significant (to you) than just an LOR writer and 2) one who is more senior.

In other words, if you have a research mentor with whom you have a multi-year relationship and that person is a "known quantity" in the field, it can be helpful. Otherwise it probably doesn't mean much.

If your LOR writer is trusted by the PD at the program you're interested in, and you're "in the mix", (s)he has probably already gotten a call. If not, then it means 1) You are already ranked in a place where a bump doesn't matter (high or low) 2) additional input from the LOR writer isn't going to carry weight (for whatever reason).

 

[21341234]

Thank you all, I won't ask the LOR writer again. But I have a similar question, would a letter of intent be just as frivolous ?

 

[GoSpursGo]

would a letter of intent be just as frivolous ?

Yes. There are a million threads about this exact question, most people say it makes no difference. You will find a handful of people who say that it can bump you up 1 or 2 spots, so on that basis just about everyone sends one. Again, mostly to make themselves feel better rather than because it actually does anything the majority of the time.

In this case, you have ALREADY SAID they're you're number 1 to seemingly everyone at the program, so you're just repeating yourself. So again, you're unlikely to hurt yourself, but you're mostly just treating your own anxiety over "doing everything possible."

 

[physicsnerd42]

Thank you all, I won't ask the LOR writer again. But I have a similar question, would a letter of intent be just as frivolous ?

Probably. LOIs are useless at my (and most) programs. They already know that you want to be there. Just submit your rank list. Honestly, by this point most programs have probably already determined their final rank lists.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN

 

[mvenus929]

You're gonna be like my co-chief in 4 years. Looking back on all the emails and messages you sent saying how much you loved the program, and reading the responses in a completely different light.

If you don't match at this program, it's not because you didn't have your LOR writer contact the PD or you didn't send an LOI.

 

[Ironheme]

I agree with the above - don't reach out to your LoR. Seems too much. LOI is fine (unless they specifically say don't contact us). It can bump you up at a couple places I know of.