Do thank you notes matter for the match?

[redalert]

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I started out writing thank you emails earlier in the season but recently I've been skipping them altogether as interviews ramped up. I have heard conflicting opinions about thank you notes and am wondering what you guys think. Thanks and happy holidays!

 

[SeisK]

The only opinion I have ever heard from PD’s is that they are largely indifferent to it.

 

[RadiologyPD]

This

 

[qxrt]

I'd think it doesn't matter for most people, but I had one radiology department chair at one of the major coastal academic centers say that thank you emails were basically expected. I guess this may make some of you paranoid, but there are people like that put there.

 

[redalert]

I'd think it doesn't matter for most people, but I had one radiology department chair at one of the major coastal academic centers say that thank you emails were basically expected. I guess this may make some of you paranoid, but there are people like that put there.

Now I can't stop thinking about how many thank you notes I didn't write... seriously we spent so much money and time on interviews and I would hate to be screwed because I didn't write a thank you email

 

[NDcienporciento100]

I started out writing thank you emails earlier in the season but recently I've been skipping them altogether as interviews ramped up. I have heard conflicting opinions about thank you notes and am wondering what you guys think. Thanks and happy holidays!

Yes they absolutely matter

 

[sievert_fever]

I didn't write a single thank you note and ended up matching at my top choice. n=1

If it matters at all, it would be in the single digits percentage range. Given the time, cost, and effort it would take to write 60 cards (15 programs x 4 interviews) it's definitely not worth it on my opinion.

If you want to go this route, I'd say put your money on a single love letter to your top choice telling them as much.

 

[RadOncDoc21]

Coming from a different field, I know of two PD’s who told me that they do matter. Although, it usually won’t get you in, it may be the one thing that turns them off. If anything, just tell them thank you.

 

[CidHighwind]

Just write an actual thank you card or don’t bother IMO. Don’t know why people object spending a few dollars buying cards and sending them. It’s just the “right” thing to do IMO. They chose to interview you and give you a chance at matching to the their program.

 

[CherryRedDracul]

I write thank you letters simply as a matter of propriety.

 

[ilovecostco]

I send each PD a gold engraved card detailing how I intend to name my firstborn after them.

Pro tip: as you exit the 1-on-1 interview, place a $20 in your hand before shaking