Declining/Cancelling Interviews

[Farbar]

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I know it is early for this type of question but I like to be well informed. What is the proper etiquette for declining as well as cancelling interviews. This is, of course, with the hopes I will recieve so many offers that I must.

Thanks

 

[doctawife]

With the caveat that I applied to pedi EM fellowship programs (although three years ago I canceled a bunch of pedi residency program interviews - after getting my top several interviews), here's my advice:

Just call as soon as you can to cancel. The earlier the better, both for you and the program. If you made plans to stay with a resident or med student, call them as early as you can. In my experience, the hosting resi-student is more upset than the program. Be polite. Don't explain, just call and cancel. Simple is good.

Good luck!

 

[The White Coat Investor]

I know it is early for this type of question but I like to be well informed. What is the proper etiquette for declining as well as cancelling interviews. This is, of course, with the hopes I will recieve so many offers that I must.

Thanks

Decline as early as is convenient for you. It is the right thing to do. Also, schedule your interview as soon as you're invited. Some programs invite more people than they have interview slots, expecting cancellations.

 

[BKN]

Decline as early as is convenient for you. It is the right thing to do. Also, schedule your interview as soon as you're invited. Some programs invite more people than they have interview slots, expecting cancellations.

Second this. I don't offer more interviews than I have slots. So early is better for those on the wait list. If you decline promptly, the slot doesn't go to waste.

I believe many other programs do it the same way.

 

[NinerNiner999]

And, if you know someone waiting for an interview spot at a program, let them know so maybe they can take your date (unless the program has someone ranked higher than them for that spot)...

 

[EctopicFetus]

Second this. I don't offer more interviews than I have slots. So early is better for those on the wait list. If you decline promptly, the slot doesn't go to waste.

I believe many other programs do it the same way.

I used a form letter for all programs I declined. A quick email works great.