Declining intervews and scrambling later

[doc_strange2001]

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Hello all,
I was pondering this and wanted to see if anyone could help me out....I have 11 interviews so far, all around the country..most dont provide travel and housing expenses..so since i am on a budget and only have a month to do all these interviews I am thinking of beginning to decline some if i get anyomore..especially the ones I applied to as "safetys". Now my question is If i end up not matching anywhere (knock on wood) then would those programs that I declined an interview from still consider me if I try to scramble there?? would it hurt my chances with them?? Also, if you interview at a program but they dont rank you, then the program ends up not filling and you end up not matching..could you still scramble into that program or should you just assume they dont want you?? Can anyone drop some knowledge 😕

 

[gasman2003]

Originally posted by doc_strange2001
Hello all,
I was pondering this and wanted to see if anyone could help me out....I have 11 interviews so far, all around the country..most dont provide travel and housing expenses..so since i am on a budget and only have a month to do all these interviews I am thinking of beginning to decline some if i get anyomore..especially the ones I applied to as "safetys". Now my question is If i end up not matching anywhere (knock on wood) then would those programs that I declined an interview from still consider me if I try to scramble there?? would it hurt my chances with them?? Also, if you interview at a program but they dont rank you, then the program ends up not filling and you end up not matching..could you still scramble into that program or should you just assume they dont want you?? Can anyone drop some knowledge 😕

First, I did 9 interviews and 9-12 seems about the average. Put 2-3 "reaching for the stars" programs in there, then some programs you have a good shot at, and then 2-3 safety programs. Don't put all high-profile programs in there no matter how highly qualified you are.

Second, if you decline an interview I think you can still get in at that program especially if you are polite about it. Blame it on geography, timing, cost, etc.

Third, if you interview there, you rank them, and you don't match there or anywhere else.... I think I would call that program last during the Scramble. The worst answer you are going to get is no, but I think it would be highly unlikely for you to scramble in if they didn't rank you at all.

Hope that helps and best of luck.
Patrick Hogan, DO
Anesthesiology intern

 

[cop2doc]

My understanding is that over 90% of applicants match into one of the top 3 (or 4) selections. This means that if you have a dozen programs you interview at and rank, you are all but certain to match into a program on your list.

I also agree with the previous poster, probably o.k. to decline interviews if you are comfortable with your current situation, but do so gracioulsy and without burning bridges.

Good luck!