Contacting Top Programs

[Skialta]

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I am planning on contacting my top 3-4 programs to let them know that I am ranking them high on my list. I plan to let my number one program know they are number one, but further down the list do I tell them they are number 2 or 4 etc, or should I just say you are in my top four programs?

 

[msl2007]

I ahve heard that telling a program that they are in your top 4 is like telling them that they are 4th, and no one wants to hear that. You could try "I really enjoyed my visit and hope that I will join you next year!"- honest, but you don't have to do a number. Although that might sound too vague.

Also, only tell one program that they are number 1, since programs talk.

I know this was disucessed somewhere- maybe under ERAS and the match, under general residency? You could check there for non-surgery specific ideas.


I plan to tell my top program, when I figure that out!

 

[DNASplicer]

I don't know, I have a different take on it. I WANT them to know they are seriously being considered. I am telling my 3rd choice they are in my top three.

This is a game, they know that. My number 3 is only 3 b/c of location... otherwise it would be no.1.

In my book you can't go wrong with honesty.

 

[dynx]

In my book you can't go wrong with honesty.

you're a riot.

Dear #3,

First off, please forgive me for refering to you as number 3 but it makes it easier for me to keep all these programs straight. I wanted to let you know that your program really made a fairly good impression on me. So much so in fact, that I have decided to rank you after only two other programs. Your institution has outstanding research opportunities, great faculty and a group of residents that I felt I fit in well with. Sadly, so did everyone else, and so, I have ranked two programs higher than you because they are closer to my home and it's a little warmer there, you understand how it is. While I won't be crushed if I match at your institution, I will be notably unenthused when you hear from me on March 15th. If I do match at your institution, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you recieved the finest reject from two outstanding programs. You may then spend hours contemplating what it was about me that kept me from matching there, but don't worry, over the next five years Im sure you'll figure it out. And so, number 3, I hope I never hear from you again, but if I do...that would be okay, I guess.

Sincerely,
number 34 (soon to be not ranked)

btw, the free time on this gas rotation is awsome.