Do calls matter?

[cardsboy08]

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I was wondering if somebody making phone calls to your top choices matters? Nobody at my program makes calls on behalf of the residents but I think if I asked then somebody would, but don't want to do it if it's of no help.

Also, is there a special "timing" for the phone call to be aware of (before the interview, right before match)?

 

[ProgCoordinator]

If someone were to call on your behalf, I recommend it after your interviews. One reason being that you've had a better chance to narrow down which truly are your top choices. Good luck.

 

[dadr]

My adviser said he would make just one call on my behalf, after interviews once the top choices have been identified. The reasoning is that it may devalue the sincerity/impact of his calls in the future if numerous calls are made and the applicant doesn't end up choosing the program. I don't know the effectiveness of someone making a call in order to get you an interview, as their letter of recommendation should hoefully be strong enough to do so.

 

[ProgCoordinator]

People make calls all the time in order to secure their candidate/candidates an interview. They send e-mails, make calls, stop in the hall, send follow-up LORs. Of course, they also do the same after interviews. There are some who reach out and touch us annually, too. We take their input into consideration (make notes for the file, put the correspondences in the file, discuss), but we don't necessarily change our minds. These moves really only make a noticeable difference if we are on the fence about a candidate.