Haven't heard from so many programs!

[Want2Bdoc]

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I still haven't heard from 23 PM&R programs I applied to & a friend is in a similar situation. Is this a bad sign or are the programs just slow to send out invites?

 

[SeaSalt]

Hi,
Have you seen the thread "interview invites"? It shows which programs have sent out offers so far and on which date. I'd say if you see that the programs you applied to already sent out interview offers, but you haven't heard from them yet, that might be a bad sign. But I don't want to scare you either because they might end up contacting you soon?? It depends on how many total programs you applied to. If you applied to a ton and already have a good number of interviews, but just haven't heard from the other 23 programs, I'd say you're fine!

 

[lejeunesage]

Well, it depends. How many have you heard from? If you've got 8 interviews and 23 programs that haven't replied, you're doing okay. If you've got 2 interviews... maybe you should worry? Not sure. If 23 programs haven't said anything, some could still offer you interviews.

 

[Want2Bdoc]

Yup, I'm worried! I have had 2 interviews & 1 pending plus NO prelim invites 🙁 I applied to about 35 PM&R programs of all tiers except the very top programs, in hindsight I guess I should have added more.

 

[RangerBob]

Since it's getting late for initial invites, I would consider calling the program coordinators at the PM&R (and pre-lim) programs. Say something to the extent of "Hi, my name is Want2Bdoc and I'm really excited about your program (if you are!) and I was wondering if I could check on the status of my application." Hopefully you're on a number of waitlists, in which case sometimes contacting programs and expressing an interest can help move you up the list (it helped me for a few). Most programs have probably sent out their initial invites, but there will still be lots of cancellations coming up.

Also, if the program tells you you're on their waitlist, let them know that they can contact you if they have a last minute cancellation (if you're willing and able to drive up or fly in on a day's notice). Program coordinators panic when someone cancels last minute because they really want all the interview spots filled, and they will call people on their waitlist on the weekend or at night if someone was rude enough to cancel with almost no notice.

You can also add more programs--you never know. Though, I think your best bet is to call the current ones you applied to.

 

[Eilat87]

Yup, I'm worried! I have had 2 interviews & 1 pending plus NO prelim invites 🙁 I applied to about 35 PM&R programs of all tiers except the very top programs, in hindsight I guess I should have added more.

That is pretty alarming. We're almost into December.

Definitely do what Rangerbob has suggested. It can't really hurt at this point.

 

[lovetruth]

Yup, I'm worried! I have had 2 interviews & 1 pending plus NO prelim invites 🙁 I applied to about 35 PM&R programs of all tiers except the very top programs, in hindsight I guess I should have added more.

Hey Want2Bdoc,

This is mind racking! I am so sorry you have to go through this! I was absolutely freaking out in October as well! This is something I have been hearing from other people as well. I think PM&R became super competitive with like 4o0+ applicants wanting 4-6 spots at some institutions! Imagine that...about 100 applicants per spot....and they will probably take 10 interviewees to interview for each of those spots!!! Wow.

These are the steps I would take:

FOR PRELIMS and TY's:

1. Make sure you actually applied to prelim IM. (I noted that I was getting no prelims and few (2-3) TYs in October....It was weird that I had heard from the TYs (which are more competitive than prelim IM apparently) but then I realized a few weeks ago that I had not applied to ANY prelims...because apparently for the same exact institution that has a TY and Prelim-IM, you have to go through IM and select prelim for each one (and pay an additional 25 bucks! Ridiculously expensive!). I applied super late for prelim, therefore only heard from a fraction of what I applied to...with most of the interview slots filled (and few options!). But at least I was able to schedule ones I need, even with limited options.

2. Network with attendings at your home institution and have them put in good work to the PD for preliminary medicine. Touch base with your clerkship directors at institutions with prelims and if your performance and impression with them was great, see if they can put in a good work for you. (Of coarse display the skills you need in your current elective, and tell them your situation so that they automatically volunteer to do so as well!

For PM&R (Do #3 for TY/Prelims as well):

3. Do what RangerBob said: Start calling. I did this for one place that I really liked but who gave out all their interviews waay before my application was complete, however, the coordinator was kind of rude to me but thanked me for asking. I didn't hear back from them, but HEY, it worked for others, it may work for you!

4. At the 3 interviews that you do have, try to schedule a rotation with them later on to make them see your full potential! Make them absolutely love you (maybe in January/Feb).

Best of Luck my Friend. I wish you the absolute best!!!