Can you ask for an interview after you've already declined?

[amdap]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I declined an interview in California because my interview schedule had become too full . . . well, over the break, I have reconsidered where I might want to go and have cancelled other less-appealing places . . . would it be inconsiderate/inappropriate to call the California program back and ask if I could be reconsidered for an interview?

Do you think this happens often? Would I be viewed negatively right off-the-bat by this program?

Thanks.

 

[Idiopathic]

The alternative to being potentially viewed negatively is not being viewed at all. Call them up, at the worst you are exactly where you are now.

 

[madcadaver]

I withdrew my application from a couple programs at which I was invited to interview, and was told "if you change your mind let us know." So I would say give them a call and see what they say. You have nothing to lose.
MadC

 

[panch]

I [third] that.

give them a call, and drop the PD an email. as i assume you are regular match, you still have over a month of interviews left.

i was early match and regular match last year. i had two rather important neurology interveiws coming up after winter break. i was utterly sick of interviewing though, so a few days before christmas, i called up and cancelled the one on the east coast (that being my _third_ trip out that way). i tossed and turned that night and called up the next morning and uncancelled that one and cancelled the one in LA (boston vs LA, i'll duck the flames by saying that i am not made for southern cali). it ended up being my second choice and the neuro program that i matched at.

long story short. call them and let them know that you reconsidered and would like to pursue their programs. if they called you once, they're likely still interested.

 

[drvlad2004]

I actually initially turned down an interview, in New Orleans, since it started at PGY1 and brings some dilemmas for me as a DO student. I was initially looking for programs that started at PGY2 so that I complete an AOA internship and have no problems practicing in those 5 states that require it. I was told that if I ever changed my mind, feel free to call them. I did change my mind because the program is very good and well worth interviewing. I called the residency director and I easily got an interview scheduled for end of January. She was more than happy to give me an interview date and e-mailed me saying thank you for reconsidering their program.

Therefore, I think it is worth calling the program back. I doubt that the program will view you negatively b/c of your previous decision to decline an interview. You have nothing to lose.

 

[amdap]

Thanks for all your replies!