Emailing a program that didn't invite me?

[PathNeuroIMorFM]

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There are old threads about this, but I wanted a modern update, now that signals are a thing.

I used one of my very few, very previous signals on a program that was a bit of a reach. They sent out all of their interview invitations in bulk last week and I was not one of them. Would it be in bad taste to email the PD or program coordinator for a reconsideration? How would I even go about writing that without sounding pitiful or weird? My other greatest concern is that PDs talk and sending this email early on in the cycle will poison me with other programs and hurt my chances of matching.

I'm not really game for asking my PD to reach out on my behalf, because I've already asked them for a number of favors.

 

[mistafab]

Yes, it would be in bad taste. No, I would not do it.

If they think you have a shot there, they will invite you. Not everyone gets invited day 1. Also, some slots will be dropped and opened to others later.

Trust the process. The match gets people to where they should be most the time.

 

[Dral]

I'd say don't do this. If you have very strong ties to the program or the geographical area then maybe consider it, but still probably not.

 

[LunaOri]

Fine to have your PD reach out, if this is a top choice program for you.

 

[cj_cregg]

It probably depends. I don't think it would necessarily be a bad idea to send an email with a letter of interest type thing - just a paragraph saying hi, I applied to your program, here are some things that make me feel it's a good fit for me that may not be obvious from my application, thank you for considering and have a nice day. I think as long as you keep it lighthearted, short, and sweet, it probably won't hurt, and they may give you a second look if they get any cancellations. As long as you avoid language like top choice, etc I don't see how this would get you in trouble with other programs IF it was mentioned.

Personally - when I was applying to residency, I grew up/went to college in state A but went to medical school, had lots of family, and was planning on living long term in state B. State A and B are neighbors but rivals lol. There was a residency in B I felt was a good fit for me but I never got an interview offer. I sent an email like the above and mentioned that I had strong ties to B, was hoping to settle/practice in their region long term, and the response I got was literally "Oh! We thought you were a great candidate but saw you are from A and thought you'd never want to live in B" along with an interview invite. That said, the program was not really a reach for me, more of just a (perceived) fit issue, which may make a difference as well. If the program you have in mind has a bunch of stronger candidates that are just as good a fit, you may be out of luck.

 

[Redpancreas]

It’s interesting how this seems to differ for fellowship where LOIs seem routine.

 

[Lifeblood_20]

I'm just an applicant too and I am going through this as well; imo no harm in sending a polite message along the line of a letter of interest -- I mean, the worst they can do is not give you an interview, which is the most likely scenario anyway if we don't send anything.

I do feel like if we get an IV this way we could be ranked lower for match, idk tho of course

 

[NotAProgDirector]

It's not going to hurt you in any way. It's also probably not going to help.

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

You likely wouldn’t get ranked if you didn’t get an initial interview even if they did extend a courtesy interview. I did this for med school because my first time applying I got into many prestigious programs but the second time they extended interviews after my reaching out but they were courtesy ones

 

[Lifeblood_20]

You likely wouldn’t get ranked if you didn’t get an initial interview even if they did extend a courtesy interview. I did this for med school because my first time applying I got into many prestigious programs but the second time they extended interviews after my reaching out but they were courtesy ones

I’d think so but not always though. Personally know someone who got well-liked after reaching out to get a residency interview and marched. ymmv

 

[Lost in Translation]

If they sent a clear rejection, then no.

If they gave you a waitlist then say thanks and you look forward to hearing any update.

If they have sent zero comms you can say something like “I have not heard anything back but I would love to interview if you would consider my application” or something. Don’t send anything about them being your #1.

 

[SurfingDoctor]

I was recently asked to interview an applicant who was passed over on initial review but reached out to the PD and name-dropped me, even though I don't know this person.

I'd be lying if I said it didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth. I guess it can't really hurt in that they are getting an interview at a place that wasn't going to interview them, but it's definitely not going to help either through my eyes. However, if they stay off the DNR list, then I suppose its a win for them in some capacity.

 

[DOFOSHO]

There are old threads about this, but I wanted a modern update, now that signals are a thing.

I used one of my very few, very previous signals on a program that was a bit of a reach. They sent out all of their interview invitations in bulk last week and I was not one of them. Would it be in bad taste to email the PD or program coordinator for a reconsideration? How would I even go about writing that without sounding pitiful or weird? My other greatest concern is that PDs talk and sending this email early on in the cycle will poison me with other programs and hurt my chances of matching.

I'm not really game for asking my PD to reach out on my behalf, because I've already asked them for a number of favors.

the residency where i matched is one that did not send me an invite initially. I emailed the PD and said i liked the program, its in the region i want to be and thought id fit in, etc. Got an invite. ended up matching there. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.