Contacting programs to try to get an interview

[Corduroy345]

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There are 2 Cali programs that I haven't heard from that I REALLY want interviews at. So I figure at this late stage in the game it can't hurt to call or e-mail and indicate my strong interest in the programs. (I really want to go there because my SO is in Cali and I am from NY.)

So to those of you brave people who have contacted programs, what do you think is the best way to go about it? Send an e-mail to the PD indicating my interest in the program, and possibly even tell them that my SO is there so they know I'm serious? Call the PD directly, and indicate my interest, or inquire as to the "status of my application?" Call the residency co-ordinator? I would especially love to hear from anyone who's done it successfully!

 

[mmag]

I called 3 programs I hadn't heard back from, specifically the program coordinator whose contact is usually found on Freida. "Hi, I'm MMag and I'm an applicant to your program. I'm finalizing my travel plans but I have yet to hear from your program. Can you tell me the status of my application?" The program coordinator is usually nice enough to tell you that oh we are still in the process of reviewing apps and are a little behind or oh there's just one last reviewer who hasn't signed off and I'll talk to him. Got a UCLA invite the same day I called.

There are 2 Cali programs that I haven't heard from that I REALLY want interviews at. So I figure at this late stage in the game it can't hurt to call or e-mail and indicate my strong interest in the programs. (I really want to go there because my SO is in Cali and I am from NY.)

So to those of you brave people who have contacted programs, what do you think is the best way to go about it? Send an e-mail to the PD indicating my interest in the program, and possibly even tell them that my SO is there so they know I'm serious? Call the PD directly, and indicate my interest, or inquire as to the "status of my application?" Call the residency co-ordinator? I would especially love to hear from anyone who's done it successfully!

 

[DrN2O]

I only have experience with prelim programs in CA. I had a feeling that most prelim/TY only interview local people. So I mentioned my connection with the area and my scheduled interviews with anesthesia programs in the area (i.e. I am committed to move). I have gotten 2 interviews and 2 rejections out of 7 within the week of my email inquiry. I prefer email over phone, feels less pushy. Good luck.

 

[japhy]

so there are several places that i am very interested in hearing from. so i emailed all of them. the nice thing is all of them got essentially right back to me. 2 interviews and 1 waitlist! nothing to complain about... san diego in january? i can't wait!

oh, and i went ahead and emailed the programs, outlining what and why i was interested.

 

[mmag]

Did you email the program director or the program coordinator?

so there are several places that i am very interested in hearing from. so i emailed all of them. the nice thing is all of them got essentially right back to me. 2 interviews and 1 waitlist! nothing to complain about... san diego in january? i can't wait!

oh, and i went ahead and emailed the programs, outlining what and why i was interested.

 

[Curare]

Did you email the program director or the program coordinator?

I had four schools I contacted. Three of them I contacted the PC and the other was the PD. I received an interview invitation from them within a week. Two of them within 1 hour. I do have excellent board scores.

When I talked to them each said they had over twice as many applications as last year. Most said they had between 700-1000 applications for 6-20 spots. They said that there is no way they could review that many applications.

 

[amyl]

When I talked to them each said they had over twice as many applications as last year. Most said they had between 700-1000 applications for 6-20 spots. They said that there is no way they could review that many applications.

I have heard this too...numbers are WAY up from last year. this year is more competitive for sure.

 

[anesguy1012]

I have heard this too...numbers are WAY up from last year. this year is more competitive for sure.

I think this is somewhat of a myth, regardless of what you're hearing. The numbers of applications are up as a result of other more competitive specialties. To clarify, I have heard many radiology residents talk about how anesthesiology was their backup last year and that they interviewed at anesthesiology programs. Supposedly, this year, many radiology applicants are doing the same. With the continuously improving ERAS system, it's easier for applicants to apply to more specialties as "backups," hence the increase in applications. I think this is fooling many program directors, and some of these directors are expectedly shooting for the most competitive applicants. I believe there will be more scrambling going on this year for those who did not match as a result of the increased number of applications.

Also, not to mention with the increased number of D.O. (and to a lesser extent, M.D.) graduates, there is a larger pool anyways.

 

[lane]

i sent out an e-mail last night to a program and just received an invitation this morning. the program coordinator said they had a ton of applications and by contacting them it prompted the PD to pull my file specifically and look it over.

i guess the squeeky wheel really does get the grease 😀

 

[Dr Serenity]

Never mind. Sorry.

 

[Neigh2008]

I contacted a program by email over a week ago and have not gotten a response yet. I am very interested in this particular program and have been waiting on the edge of my seat for an email. How long should I wait? Should I try to contact them again. Maybe by phone this time. Or just let it go. Thanks!🙂

 

[Calilove]

I think you should keep trying. But, try to practice sensible persistence. Be careful not to become a nuisance.
Email/Phone call one day... then wait a couple of days for a response.... if no response repeat the above the next week.
I call this patient, yet sensible persistence.
Some call this Chinese Water Torture!!!

 

[Curare]

Some call this Chinese Water Torture!!!

Is that like water boarding??



All it takes is one to match!!

 

[173291]

Along the lines of this thread, I would highly recommend calling programs to express your interest and check the status of your application. I was offered two interviews after calling. Interestingly, I called a program today and they informed me that they thought I had withdrawn myself from their application pool. This is a program that I would rank very highly, and thus would never withdraw myself from. Anyway, it can only help you to know where you stand and what is going on in regards to your applicatioin.

Hope that helps🙂.