Contacted Number One...Now what?

[chespirido]

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Unsolicited, I decided to email the PD at my top choice and tell him that his program is unequivocally going to be ranked at number one on my list.

I did this about a week ago and have not heard back.

Should I have just kept my neurotic mouth shut? Did I shoot myself in the foot? Obviously I sound desperate now, but the email was very calm and cool. My interview was standard...I didn't kill it, but didn't blow it either. My stats are perfectly in line with the program's residents historically and I have 0 red flags.

I've been getting the feeling that you do the programs a favor by letting them know where they stand, but should I expect a response after having sent such an email? I feel like I just told the girl I love how I felt and have been left hanging.
Is there a way to interpret the silence?

 

[FuzzyBK]

The program director doesn't care where you rank them. He'll make his rank list with the residents in the order he thinks will be best for his program. Not in order of their desire to be there.

 

[beardpapa]

I have been thinking about this tactic a lot lately now that the interview season is coming to a close. I know that residency programs don't want to go too far down on their rank list (to show how awesome they are). But from a psychological perspective, do you think you give something up by being "too easy?" As in, if a program knows applicant x is in the bag (because of a "you're my #1 email"), would they (possibly even subconsciously) consider ranking applicant y higher who they have heard nothing from because they feel applicant y is not looking desperate and may seem more competitive? Just food for thought. Haha didn't intend to cause more anxiety.

And what are everyone's thoughts on WHEN to contact?
- within the week of your interview
- after a program's last interview
- closer to ROL deadline

 

[givesmegas]

I have been thinking about this tactic a lot lately now that the interview season is coming to a close. I know that residency programs don't want to go too far down on their rank list (to show how awesome they are). But from a psychological perspective, do you think you give something up by being "too easy?" As in, if a program knows applicant x is in the bag (because of a "you're my #1 email"), would they (possibly even subconsciously) consider ranking applicant y higher who they have heard nothing from because they feel applicant y is not looking desperate and may seem more competitive? Just food for thought. Haha didn't intend to cause more anxiety.

And what are everyone's thoughts on WHEN to contact?
- within the week of your interview
- after a program's last interview
- closer to ROL deadline

Haha all these mind games. It doesn't help that the majority of us are neurotic.

When do programs submit their list? It's before our 2/22 deadline is it not?

 

[AnesthesiaAC]

I think after their last interview would be fair game. I say this having recently received a letter in the mail from a program I interviewed at early in the season and it was dated the day of their last interview date. Programs presumably begin finalizing their rank lists when all interviews are complete. Just speculating though. If you wait until around rank lists are due it may be too late (assuming it would have made a difference anyway)

 

[asmith1121]

Unsolicited, I decided to email the PD at my top choice and tell him that his program is unequivocally going to be ranked at number one on my list.

I did this about a week ago and have not heard back.

Should I have just kept my neurotic mouth shut? Did I shoot myself in the foot? Obviously I sound desperate now, but the email was very calm and cool. My interview was standard...I didn't kill it, but didn't blow it either. My stats are perfectly in line with the program's residents historically and I have 0 red flags.

I've been getting the feeling that you do the programs a favor by letting them know where they stand, but should I expect a response after having sent such an email? I feel like I just told the girl I love how I felt and have been left hanging.
Is there a way to interpret the silence?

If it makes you feel better, I did the same thing. And now I'm overanalyzing the response email.

I'm glad I did though, at least I know I did everything possible to show interest. And it doesn't look desperate. A resident at the dinner, told me it was really important to let them know, so I did. It looks better for them if they get people they wanted. Unless the program is super super competitive- like Stanford, I think it's ok to tell them. Even at Sinai, they tell people to rank them number 1 if they're interested.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

I have been thinking about this tactic a lot lately now that the interview season is coming to a close. I know that residency programs don't want to go too far down on their rank list (to show how awesome they are). But from a psychological perspective, do you think you give something up by being "too easy?" As in, if a program knows applicant x is in the bag (because of a "you're my #1 email"), would they (possibly even subconsciously) consider ranking applicant y higher who they have heard nothing from because they feel applicant y is not looking desperate and may seem more competitive? Just food for thought. Haha didn't intend to cause more anxiety.

And what are everyone's thoughts on WHEN to contact?
- within the week of your interview
- after a program's last interview
- closer to ROL deadline

Honestly, I think you're way overthinking this. Unless the PD is crazy, he/she is going to want to bring in residents that want to be there.

OP, you've either helped your case a little bit with the PD, or at worst, you've done yourself no harm. Don't sweat the lack of response.

 

[Idiopathic]

seriously, the best it could do is remind them of you, the worst it could do is remind them of you.

 

[bcat85]

seriously, the best it could do is remind them of you, the worst it could do is remind them of you.

👍

 

[cchoukal]

Honestly, I think you're way overthinking this. Unless the PD is crazy, he/she is going to want to bring in residents that want to be there.

OP, you've either helped your case a little bit with the PD, or at worst, you've done yourself no harm. Don't sweat the lack of response.

Even during interview season, PDs have a lot of stuff on their plate and are probably not obsessing over all the ways to manipulate the rank list. Most don't even read their own email, so it's hard to know if the PD even got your message.

 

[fakin' the funk]

The program director doesn't care where you rank them. He'll make his rank list with the residents in the order he thinks will be best for his program. Not in order of their desire to be there.

I disagree.

I know this is how the Match is supposed to work...but in practice, people are not this cold and calculating. You can't ignore the human element and those interview-time warm, fuzzy feelings. Those translate into residents who are happy with their match and likely, in turn, residents who are "best for the program."

 

[beardpapa]

I disagree.

I know this is how the Match is supposed to work...but in practice, people are not this cold and calculating. You can't ignore the human element and those interview-time warm, fuzzy feelings. Those translate into residents who are happy with their match and likely, in turn, residents who are "best for the program."

I know of at least one program that explicitly says that telling the PD of one's sincere interests in the program will make a difference. I know this sounds anecdotal but it was during my own interview from the actual interviewer who is on the residency admissions committee. I also have been explicitly told that it makes no difference at all and I should not even bother sending any notice. I am inclined to believe that programs put different weight on it.

 

[desflurane]

I was on the admissions committee of my old program before I jumped ship into pvt practice Its a neurotic time and I get that but you are WAY over thinking how much effort goes into the process. I might just be speaking for my old program but we really didn't put much emphasis on these things. The email you sent most likely went to the dept secretary who either deleted it or filed it with the other identical letters. Unless the email stood out and contributed to your candidacy it was likely never read by the PD

Applicants play the we love you game as do PDs. Difference is most PDs have heard all the lines before and have been burned many times.

We just wanted smart, likable, hard-working team players. Attractive women definitely had an advantage. Sorry but its true. The PD was a dirty old man. 😱

 

[xtd123]

Difference is most PDs have heard all the lines before and have been burned many times.

Des, what was your program's thinking on second looks? Equally eye-roll worthy?

 

[Gern Blansten]

Attractive women definitely had an advantage. Sorry but its true. The PD was a dirty old man. 😱

This reminds me of an old SNL parody film on sexual harassment in the workplace. The basic message of the film was:
The best way to avoid being charged with sexual harassment was to be very attractive.
It was one of their better things they have done in many years and was made to look like an old film from the 60's.

 

[Gern Blansten]

I know of at least one program that explicitly says that telling the PD of one's sincere interests in the program will make a difference. I know this sounds anecdotal but it was during my own interview from the actual interviewer who is on the residency admissions committee. I also have been explicitly told that it makes no difference at all and I should not even bother sending any notice. I am inclined to believe that programs put different weight on it.

I agree. I think it really depends on the program. If there is a personal connection through a response, I think it is hard to ignore the human factor that will elevate that candidate and cause people to elevate their status. We see it all of the time in the interview process. Someone will comment afterwards that they really didn't think they were going to like a candidate, but they ended up being one of their favorites. Likewise, we see candidates that look great on paper and everyone hated them.

I think second looks have potential to help or hurt (if they see your true personality that you were able to successfully hide during the interview). They are certainly not necessary, but do convey an interest that is sincere, since most don't do second looks at programs they are not serious about (mostly for financial and time constraints).

I think it is important to remember that each program is different in how they do things. You just have to use your best judgment. A thank you card or an email expressing interest will never hurt and is good manners. Not sending one is not a deal breaker, but also seems to convey lack of interest for those who actually do read their mail and their emails.

 

[chespirido]

Thanks guys for all the fantastic responses. Alas, I am not an attractive female, I am but a stunningly gorgeous male.

From what I'm gathering, I shouldn't take much stock in the fact that I have not received word one in response to my email.

So I have a second question to pose:
My numbers one and two are high for very different reasons. A large factor in what put number 1 at the top was the general gestalt of the program and the enthusiasm shown by the PD and the residents. In a sense, I feel snubbed. Now, my number 2 has actually been showing some interest regarding post-interview contact. Would I be correct in taking the forums advice and sticking with my guns even though number 1 has sort of shrugged off my reaching out?

 

[Cathyran]

Thanks guys for all the fantastic responses. Alas, I am not an attractive female, I am but a stunningly gorgeous male.

From what I'm gathering, I shouldn't take much stock in the fact that I have not received word one in response to my email.

So I have a second question to pose:
My numbers one and two are high for very different reasons. A large factor in what put number 1 at the top was the general gestalt of the program and the enthusiasm shown by the PD and the residents. In a sense, I feel snubbed. Now, my number 2 has actually been showing some interest regarding post-interview contact. Would I be correct in taking the forums advice and sticking with my guns even though number 1 has sort of shrugged off my reaching out?

I think that once you say "you're my number 1," they must be your number 1. Stick to your guns.

 

[Lightwand]

Several years ago when I was doing this, I got a very generic, lukewarm response from my #1 and a very enthusiastic response from my second choice. I left my list the way it was, and ended up matching at my #1.

Leave it the way it is. Some programs and PDs just don't play those games. And that doesn't mean they didn't like you. Your interview day was 6-8 hours, plus a dinner the night before. Don't let an enthusiastic e-mail or two from another program sway you from the impression you made on the interview day.

 

[DrMunkey]

Just as another anecdotal note, some PDs will not show any post-interview response at all. I know ours for a fact doesn't even respond to these kinds of emails because she wants a very straight-laced reputation and not to even run the risk of possibly violating any nbme rules even one iota. So she is extreme about no post-interview love at all. I've explicitly had this conversation with her. So take that for what it's worth too, there are likely other PDs out there like her.

 

[Gern Blansten]

I think that once you say "you're my number 1," they must be your number 1. Stick to your guns.

People change their minds all the time. Just make sure you do it for the right reason. It will not hurt you at all to rank the program you really want as your number one, even if you think that your number two program has shown more interest. If you end up at your number two, just tell them they were your number one choice.

 

[Docindamaking]

Thanks guys for all the fantastic responses. Alas, I am not an attractive female, I am but a stunningly gorgeous male.

From what I'm gathering, I shouldn't take much stock in the fact that I have not received word one in response to my email.

So I have a second question to pose:
My numbers one and two are high for very different reasons. A large factor in what put number 1 at the top was the general gestalt of the program and the enthusiasm shown by the PD and the residents. In a sense, I feel snubbed. Now, my number 2 has actually been showing some interest regarding post-interview contact. Would I be correct in taking the forums advice and sticking with my guns even though number 1 has sort of shrugged off my reaching out?

To piggy off your question? What is the best way to communicate with the #2 and #3. I would be happy with any program on my list but I want the top 3 to know they are the ones one top. I know you say "you're my #1" to the #1 but do you say "you're in my top 3" to the other 2??

 

[DScully]

To piggy off your question? What is the best way to communicate with the #2 and #3. I would be happy with any program on my list but I want the top 3 to know they are the ones one top. I know you say "you're my #1" to the #1 but do you say "you're in my top 3" to the other 2??

I would not. It is like saying, "I like you but I don't love you." How do you think it is going to sound for the other person whom you are trying to impress?

 

[DScully]

Thanks guys for all the fantastic responses. Alas, I am not an attractive female, I am but a stunningly gorgeous male.

From what I'm gathering, I shouldn't take much stock in the fact that I have not received word one in response to my email.

So I have a second question to pose:
My numbers one and two are high for very different reasons. A large factor in what put number 1 at the top was the general gestalt of the program and the enthusiasm shown by the PD and the residents. In a sense, I feel snubbed. Now, my number 2 has actually been showing some interest regarding post-interview contact. Would I be correct in taking the forums advice and sticking with my guns even though number 1 has sort of shrugged off my reaching out?

Don't let their responses change your mind. Whether or not you get a reply doesn't mean much. I didn't hear a thing from my #1 but ended up matching there. Go with your gut feelings.

 

[Docindamaking]

I would not. It is like saying, "I like you but I don't love you." How do you think it is going to sound for the other person whom you are trying to impress?

Very true, but do you think that an email like that has a negative impact?