help!

[snowinter]

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Hi guys,

I was talking with the residency coordinator at my away rotation --and she asked if I would be willing ot come back for an interview -- and I said of course I would.. (as opposed to arranging it while i'm still in the area) I felt like "of course" was the right answer -- b ut in reality it would save me so much money and time to finish htis interview before I leave since i' ve already been here for one month -- and the dates will surely conflict with other places --- since they are the two dates every other place i'm still waitintg to hear from seems to employ. (approximatley)

anyway -- do you think I can talk to her again -- and ask if I can have the official interview while i'm still in the area (which isn't TOO much longer)

how many of you doing aways are doing your interviews while you are onsite?

thanks
snow

 

[lmh14]

Hi there - I am doing an elective starting next Monday, lasting a month, and I did request to do an interview while I am there. Although they are willing to help me out (also due to travel expenses, conflicts, etc), the coordinator did explain to me that this isn't ideal. She said that I would be interviewed by only the director instead of the usual two or three people, I would miss a presentation by all of the department chairs, and I would miss the social event with the residents the night before - all beneficial. I'm going to go ahead and do it anyway.

Now, in your situation... Because we have talked before (we are interested in the same geographical area), and I know of only one place with "two dates," I have a pretty good idea of which program you are talking about 🙂 . I get the feeling that they like to play by the rules (offering interviews only after the dean's letter, only 2 dates, etc), so I'm not sure how I'd handle this one. On one hand, since they do like to play by the rules, it might be best to come back for one of their two dates. But on the other hand, if they're not willing to be flexible to help you out with travel costs, etc., you have to wonder how willing to help out their residents they are. It's a tough one, because even though you want to save yourself the money and time, I know how much you want to go to this program (I do too - trust me 🙂 ) so you probably don't want to rock the boat.

Basically, I don't know what to tell you what to do - I just want to give my support!! I understand. Anybody else have any ideas? Let me know how it works out!! By the way, I'm excited for you that you got to do an elective there - I tried for September, but it was taken, and this past month I had a research project already planned 🙂 .

 

[snowinter]

Hi there - I am doing an elective starting next Monday, lasting a month, and I did request to do an interview while I am there. Although they are willing to help me out (also due to travel expenses, conflicts, etc), the coordinator did explain to me that this isn't ideal. She said that I would be interviewed by only the director instead of the usual two or three people, I would miss a presentation by all of the department chairs, and I would miss the social event with the residents the night before - all beneficial. I'm going to go ahead and do it anyway.

Now, in your situation... Because we have talked before (we are interested in the same geographical area), and I know of only one place with "two dates," I have a pretty good idea of which program you are talking about 🙂 . I get the feeling that they like to play by the rules (offering interviews only after the dean's letter, only 2 dates, etc), so I'm not sure how I'd handle this one. On one hand, since they do like to play by the rules, it might be best to come back for one of their two dates. But on the other hand, if they're not willing to be flexible to help you out with travel costs, etc., you have to wonder how willing to help out their residents they are. It's a tough one, because even though you want to save yourself the money and time, I know how much you want to go to this program (I do too - trust me 🙂 ) so you probably don't want to rock the boat.

Basically, I don't know what to tell you what to do - I just want to give my support!! I understand. Anybody else have any ideas? Let me know how it works out!! By the way, I'm excited for you that you got to do an elective there - I tried for September, but it was taken, and this past month I had a research project already planned 🙂 .

Hi IMH14,

thanks for the feedback.. I guess what got me kind of worried was that residents were asking "soo , are you doing an interview before you leave" (that happened at both places I did aways!) and i'm not ending up doing interiews at either places (not officially) b/c both places think coming back and having the "whole experience" is better. which I understand too. hmm.

anyway, they take 8-10 ppl here -- dont' worry you'll definatley get in if you rank them high & have good credientials --which since you said you are doing research & based on your other interview places -- it sounds like you do! Plus the "I have family in the area" goes a long way here - -b/c it is very busy and having family to support you really helps. GW has not given interviews yet -- the chair will start reviewing and giving out interviews at the end of the month/ early November.


good luck!
and thanks for your advice.

 

[ohbee gin]

Hi IMH14,

thanks for the feedback.. I guess what got me kind of worried was that residents were asking "soo , are you doing an interview before you leave" (that happened at both places I did aways!) and i'm not ending up doing interiews at either places (not officially) b/c both places think coming back and having the "whole experience" is better. which I understand too. hmm.

anyway, they take 8-10 ppl here -- dont' worry you'll definatley get in if you rank them high & have good credientials --which since you said you are doing research & based on your other interview places -- it sounds like you do! Plus the "I have family in the area" goes a long way here - -b/c it is very busy and having family to support you really helps. GW has not given interviews yet -- the chair will start reviewing and giving out interviews at the end of the month/ early November.


good luck!
and thanks for your advice.

I think it all depends on the program director. If you feel comfortable talking with her just be honest and explain your situation and your preference for interviewing. The worst they can say is "no."

However, if, as someone posted, they seem like a 'stick to the rules' kind of person and are less approachable. Then it sounds like you already know the answer. If you do need to make the extra trip (IMO not such a terrible thing to travel and accrue some freq flyer mileage), maybe you can even combo it with other area interviews.

Best of luck,
J

 

[community]

I say go with the day they prefer. They may think that you are "uncompromising" early in the process and that may affect how they rank you. Good luck with your decision!

community

 

[BigHandsMan]

I think you could make an argument either way. Yes, it might be better to come back and get the "real experience". But at the same time, if you've been there a month, hopefully you'll have made a decent enough impression on the residents/faculty there that they'll know what you're capable of, both from a "personal interaction" standpoint, as well as a "hard worker" standpoint. I completely understand your "limited interviewing dates", so if it were me, I'd do it while you're up there. Good luck!

 

[futurecooterdoc]

Go with whatever your gut says is right. Or just flip a coin and let fate decide.


- futurecooterdoc