Can a phone call change my ranking spot?

[doctr1]

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following this thread:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/i-need-a-miracle-but-it-is-happening.1178054/#post-17303565

I did my second interview at a really good program and liked it a lot! I also felt the interview went very well. I know that the program finished their interview season this week so probably will start putting their rank list by next week. If I asked my research mentor (a pediatrician) to call or email the PD of that program and advocate/explain why I would be a good fit and how much I liked the program, do you think it would have any effect on my rank order from the program perspective? Or it won't change anything?

 

[Stitch]

It definitely won't hurt. Knowing that you are truly interested may work in your favor. But you have to mean it. You had better rank them #1. If your mentor makes the call, and then you decide to rank elsewhere it could burn some bridges and make your mentor look bad.

 

[lat3ralus65]

I'm sure at some programs it can help. The PD at my home program told us that they don't factor it in - they figure, they're going to match people from high up on their list, and they're going to fill all their spots, so they want the best possible applicants, rather than less-qualified ones who "want to be there."

 

[Psych747]

I'm sure at some programs it can help. The PD at my home program told us that they don't factor it in - they figure, they're going to match people from high up on their list, and they're going to fill all their spots, so they want the best possible applicants, rather than less-qualified ones who "want to be there."

I applied to psychiatry but had similar interest. I interviewed at a top psych program. I was interviewed by 5 faculty, and PD accommodated the 6th as I was interested in research in that particular area. I went for the second look visit where I met PD again and he answered by questions, then I spent time attending didactics and shadowing an attending/residents. I stayed in touch both after interview and 2nd look, and clearly told PD they are my #1 via email and even sent a card.

I do not know if I have ANY chance, but PD clearly knows they are my #1, and I fit in well based on what programs have to offer. I am not sure if program will factor my interview experience/interest/second visit or make rank list solely based on my scores/school etc.