Contact with residency programs after interviews

[TortuousVein]

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Just wondering what's "the norm" here. If I e-mail the top programs on my rank list to let them know where they stand, then I would guess they'd 1) e-mail me back and say they think I'd be a great match there or 2) ignore my e-mail if they aren't planning on ranking me highly. But should I always expect to have to contact my top programs first? Is it typical to get e-mails from all (or most) of the programs that are ranking you to match at some point in Jan/Feb, even if you didn't contact them other than a thank-you note?

 

[Gern Blansten]

It varies. Some like email and some don't. Some respond quickly and have good lines of communication between PD and applicant. Some don't. Some (like me) will respond if you send an email, but will not send one first. Some will send a letter after the interview season is over and some send no correspondence. Don't let any of that affect your own list. Rank the program on the basis of if it is a good fit for you, not based on where they "say" they will rank you. In the end, it will not affect the outcome and you will get the program of your choosing that also ranked you high enough to be matched.