Do second looks make a difference!!!

[drbubbyb]

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I would love for input on past matches, whether you have felt that a second look may have helped you match or for those in which it didn't?

Current interviewee's, have you guys gone? I have a program I would love to go for a second look, just to show my strong interest but don't have much time, think I should write a letter?

 

[Jitterbug79]

I think second looks are extremely helpful if you are genuinely torn between two or three programs. Alot of times when you go back on a non-interview day people don't have their game faces on and are alot more the way they are on a daily basis so it might be easier to see differences in programs. But, I think it also says alot if you know what you want and are decisive and don't need a second look. So unless you are torn, I don't think you should pay for another trip to try go back out there just to try for bonus points, esp if you made a good impression the first time around.

 

[metastatic dz]

I think second looks are extremely helpful if you are genuinely torn between two or three programs. Alot of times when you go back on a non-interview day people don't have their game faces on and are alot more the way they are on a daily basis so it might be easier to see differences in programs. But, I think it also says alot if you know what you want and are decisive and don't need a second look. So unless you are torn, I don't think you should pay for another trip to try go back out there just to try for bonus points, esp if you made a good impression the first time around.

wait...its coming.

 

[metastatic dz]

I think second looks are extremely helpful if you are genuinely torn between two or three programs. Alot of times when you go back on a non-interview day people don't have their game faces on and are alot more the way they are on a daily basis so it might be easier to see differences in programs. But, I think it also says alot if you know what you want and are decisive and don't need a second look. So unless you are torn, I don't think you should pay for another trip to try go back out there just to try for bonus points, esp if you made a good impression the first time around.

i say ditto, unless YOU have doubts about the program, don't do it. Every program I've interviewed at stated clearly that second looks are for the applicant and will not affect in any way how the applicant is ranked. In fact, some even said that the PD doesn't even need to know you've come up to visit.

 

[pleasematchme06]

The only thing confusing is I feel that they have to say that it won't affect your ranking, otherwise it would be like a mandatory thing that the applicants would feel that they HAD to go back in order to match with them. That would be an unreasonable expectation to have everyone come back.

But on the other hand, I sometimes think that it could make a difference in how they ranked you, because you could make a good impression, or be sneaky and track down the PD to meet with them again....and really emphasize how you want to be there, and then they would be impressed that you made the treck back to see them again.....hmmmm 😕

I really wanted to go back to my number one choice but ultimately felt like it would be too ass-kissyish, ya know??

PLUS, they emphasized in an email that it was really only necessary if you were trying to make up your mind about the program (but do they HAVE to say that??). So I replied and said no, I do not have doubts about this program, you are number one in my heart 😀 . And that was that, leave well enough alone, it did not seem necessary. Plus they have enough going on do they really even want us to come back?

So that was my thought process, hope it helps!
🙂

 

[DRDARIA]

I really don't think it's at all necessary. You've let the program know you're interested in them. I honestly had not planned to do any second looks, but now I'm seriously considering looking at a program that I might rank number one or two, but only because I interviewed with them early, and want to see if I remember accurately. I don't care if the PD knows I'm there or not. The visit would be solely to benefit me in my decision making.

However, I'm just a 4th year medical student, and so I can't say with any authority whatsoever what any given program might consider. 😉

Good luck to you!

 

[tither100]

Second looks do matter at the program I'm at. They make a small difference, actually. My PD told me that since the 50-100 people you put on a rank list essentially are indistinguishable from each other, any extra show of interest will help the applicant. Of course, if someone is at the bottom of the list, the second look will do very little to elevate them.

I really don't think it's at all necessary. You've let the program know you're interested in them. I honestly had not planned to do any second looks, but now I'm seriously considering looking at a program that I might rank number one or two, but only because I interviewed with them early, and want to see if I remember accurately. I don't care if the PD knows I'm there or not. The visit would be solely to benefit me in my decision making.

However, I'm just a 4th year medical student, and so I can't say with any authority whatsoever what any given program might consider. 😉

Good luck to you!

 

[pdintheusa]

I agree that they are not necessary - and we tell applicants that because we don't want to encourage extra expenses to already cash-strapped folks.

I think that they are definitely a good idea if you can't decide between 2 programs - I also think that it often helps applicants to see a day when the 'Dog and Pony Show' is not ongoing. We are happy to host them, but encourage folks to do it only when they feel like they need to see more or have unanswered questions.

That being said, most really enjoy getting to round with teams, hang out with residents, and our proportion of folks that we've matched does include a fair number who have done second looks - although that does not influence our ranking at our program.

 

[inositide]

lol @ "dog and pony show".