Contacting Programs about Application - Is it time to start?

[Gaskell]

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I've noticed that it seems that interview invites are late this year, and given that it's the first year SF match has used the electronic distribution system, and I've heard horror stories about how the applications get to programs in bits and pieces, I'm wondering if we should be contacting the programs to make sure they have them?

I don't want to do this, as I would have to contact a lot of programs, who may find it annoying, but I'm getting worried. I heard that the third week of october was when interview offers started seriously coming in, and I didn't hear a thing all week.

 

[KBerg21]

I'm also really curious about whether or not we should start contacting programs with the questionable reliability of SF Match.

Also, there are some programs to which I applied where separate previous posters have noted receiving both invites and rejections, eg UCSF, SUNY-Downstate, BU, and others. I have heard nothing from any of those programs. What does this mean? Have they not received my application? Do programs send out all interview invites at once or are they sent in waves? Are rejection notices sent out simultaneously with interview invites?

The fact that I have heard nothing makes me think that either people are erroneously posting interview invites, SF Match mishandled my application, or the programs have not gotten around to sending out invites/rejections to all applicants who have applied there.

 

[Olddog1]

I'm also really curious about whether or not we should start contacting programs with the questionable reliability of SF Match.

Also, there are some programs to which I applied where separate previous posters have noted receiving both invites and rejections, eg UCSF, SUNY-Downstate, BU, and others. I have heard nothing from any of those programs. What does this mean? Have they not received my application? Do programs send out all interview invites at once or are they sent in waves? Are rejection notices sent out simultaneously with interview invites?

The fact that I have heard nothing makes me think that either people are erroneously posting interview invites, SF Match mishandled my application, or the programs have not gotten around to sending out invites/rejections to all applicants who have applied there.

Also remember some programs only send out invites and if you don't here that means (obviously) a rejection. The problem is if the program never gets your app due to the SF Match service. If you are really concerned calling wouldn't hurt, it would take the residency coordinator a minute to tell you yes, no or SF match never sent the info.

 

[speyeder]

I'm also really curious about whether or not we should start contacting programs with the questionable reliability of SF Match.

Also, there are some programs to which I applied where separate previous posters have noted receiving both invites and rejections, eg UCSF, SUNY-Downstate, BU, and others. I have heard nothing from any of those programs. What does this mean? Have they not received my application? Do programs send out all interview invites at once or are they sent in waves? Are rejection notices sent out simultaneously with interview invites?

The fact that I have heard nothing makes me think that either people are erroneously posting interview invites, SF Match mishandled my application, or the programs have not gotten around to sending out invites/rejections to all applicants who have applied there.

I doubt that anyone here is posting false interview invites. Programs vary in the way they review applications. Some send invitations in waves and some send them out all at once. Same goes for rejections. Some programs never inform you either way. When I applied I just assumed I was rejected if I didn't heard anything by mid-December. For those programs which have sent out both invitations and rejections, not hearing anything could mean that your application is being held for further review in case people start cancelling. Receiving last-minute invitations is not uncommon. The bottom line is, while it's nerve-racking not knowing your disposition, try not to jump to conclusions just yet. Programs are probably aware that apps are delayed this year and will probably do their best to review them ASAP.

 

[sisyphus22]

i went ahead and called all the programs i hadn't heard from (about 20 total)...some didn't answer the phone, but the rest who did told me my application was fine and i also found out when i'm likely to hear from them (mostly after next week). this took all of fifteen minutes - if you're concerned about your application, just go ahead and call them up.

 

[DiveMD]

Or e-mail them. It worked for me...

 

[shalom2u]

I called a few programs today...all had my app. I feel better. One said in addition to apps coming late from SF Match, there seemed to be significantly more applicants than previous years.

 

[FrankMD]

I emailed them too...

and got 2 rejections out of it...from UC Davis and U of Virginia...

 

[xaelia]

Anyone heard from the following programs yet?
UCLA, UCSD, UCI, Stanford, Colorado, Bascom, Emory, MEEI, Michigan, WUStL, UNC, Duke, Wills, UPenn, NYU, NEEI, Cornell, Storm Eye, Georgetown/Wash, Utah, Vanderbilt

I've just received the confirmation of application complete e-mails from Michigian, WUStL, Colorado and UCSD (and maybe Emory? can't remember).

 

[jbloggs]

of those, i called MEEI and Michigan and Georgetown today.
MEEI - interview invites going out tomorrow by e-mail 10/27
UMich - they have already sent out some invites by phone and will continue doing so.
Georgetown - interview invites to go out "end of the month". not sure which method.

Hope that helps.

 

[Sams]

Bascom- mid November
Wills- mid November

 

[4424]

mid november?? wow. i guess anything before xmas is what we should be expecting 🙂

 

[DiveMD]

E-mail from NYU:

Please note that your application for the Department of Ophthalmology Residency Program at New York University School of Medicine has reached our offices. We will notify candidates for interviews mid-November, and interview dates will be December 1st & 2nd. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call or email me.

Thank you once again for your interest in our program

Denise Ortiz
Residency Coordinator
NYU/Dept. of Ophthalmology
462 First Avenue, NBV 5N18
New York, NY 10016
Tel#-212/263-3263
Fax#-212/263-8749

 

[xaelia]

Mid-November? Are they smoking crack? Thanks for making a stressful process that extra little bit annoying....

 

[Mustafa]

Called a couple...

Wills - Emailing invites Nov 7, rejections later that week.
U Penn/Scheie - Tomorrow (10/27) and early next week for invites.

 

[DiveMD]

Called a couple...

Wills - Emailing invites Nov 7, rejections later that week.
U Penn/Scheie - Tomorrow (10/27) and early next week for invites.

Thanks Mustafa👍

 

[Dr. Dodger Dog]

I heard Stanford is handing out interviews. Just a rumor tho... can anyone confirm?😕

 

[DiveMD]

Called George Washington U and:
Interview dates: Dec 2 & Dec 9 (Saturdays).
Invites are not out yet.
>500 apps.

 

[greenwitch]

yes stanford is giving out interviews. received a phone call on Monday (10/23, batch 1) from Charlotte Rendon. interview dates are 12/1, 12/8, 12/15

 

[sparticus]

Considering that there are still a lot of programs who have not sent out invites, and that the release of the much anticipated Dean's letter is approaching, the next few days may be the last opportunity for a backup plan via ERAS? This is based on the what I was told about ERAS, that a lot of ERAS programs send the bulk of their invites after they recieve the letter.