How bad would it be...

[Broog000]

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How bad would it be if I had my chairman contact a program for me to tell them they're my top choice, but instead ranked them second, and matched at my #1?

This was by no means my original intention. The chair makes only one call, I was struggling to decide between programs, and I've had serious regrets about my decision. I'm grateful to the chairman and would hate to make him out to be a liar, but I think I've made an honest mistake that could affect the next several years of my life.

What would the consequences be for this scenario? Does it ever happen? I know it's not unheard of for people to send "you're my #1" emails to more than one program, or to one program and then change their minds. But changing your mind after your chair called - is that just crossing the line too far? I feel unethical to even be considering it 🙁

 

[theunderdog]

How bad would it be if I had my chairman contact a program for me to tell them they're my top choice, but instead ranked them second, and matched at my #1?

This was by no means my original intention. The chair makes only one call, I was struggling to decide between programs, and I've had serious regrets about my decision. I'm grateful to the chairman and would hate to make him out to be a liar, but I think I've made an honest mistake that could affect the next several years of my life.

What would the consequences be for this scenario? Does it ever happen? I know it's not unheard of for people to send "you're my #1" emails to more than one program, or to one program and then change their minds. But changing your mind after your chair called - is that just crossing the line too far? I feel unethical to even be considering it 🙁

It's a tough situation because if you do match at your #1, then you will make your chairman look embarassed. Furthermore, your chairman's calls in the future will have no weight for those upcoming students who want to go to that particular program that your chairman called for you. What's worse is your professional integrity. If your #1 and #2 are in the same region, you will more than likely bump into each other at the ACP meetings or any regional internal medicine conferences that you attend. Either way, you can't escape it.

Completely varies per individual, but sometimes, PDs understand and will forget about you. But since the chairman called, PD will likely remember you because he/she studied your app extra carefully.

The people that send "you're my #1 emails" to 5 programs are in a different boat than you are, because often, these PDs don't put any weight on these emails / letters. They posture up when a chairman or another PD calls them to endorse a candidate.

Don't mean to make you more guilty, but this is the truth. Try to change back to your #1.

 

[ResidentMD]

It's a tough situation because if you do match at your #1, then you will make your chairman look embarassed. Furthermore, your chairman's calls in the future will have no weight for those upcoming students who want to go to that particular program that your chairman called for you. What's worse is your professional integrity. If your #1 and #2 are in the same region, you will more than likely bump into each other at the ACP meetings or any regional internal medicine conferences that you attend. Either way, you can't escape it.

Completely varies per individual, but sometimes, PDs understand and will forget about you. But since the chairman called, PD will likely remember you because he/she studied your app extra carefully.

The people that send "you're my #1 emails" to 5 programs are in a different boat than you are, because often, these PDs don't put any weight on these emails / letters. They posture up when a chairman or another PD calls them to endorse a candidate.

Don't mean to make you more guilty, but this is the truth. Try to change back to your #1.

While I do understand where you are coming from, I wouldnt rush into this advice too soon. This is your life - and while you were a bit late in realizing this, you dont want to mess up your life to appease someone else (though you may be the one at fault).

I would talk to the Chairman, if I were you - because its his reputation on the line, over yours. If he/she is understanding enough, they would provide you the best solution.

 

[diosa428]

I would DEFINITELY let your Chairman know. They put their reputation on the line for you; you at least owe them the professional courtesy of allowing them to preserve their reputation.

 

[peppy]

Yeah, I think the best thing you can do is tell the Chairman what happened.

 

[Peds2ER]

How bad would it be if I had my chairman contact a program for me to tell them they're my top choice, but instead ranked them second, and matched at my #1?

This was by no means my original intention. The chair makes only one call, I was struggling to decide between programs, and I've had serious regrets about my decision. I'm grateful to the chairman and would hate to make him out to be a liar, but I think I've made an honest mistake that could affect the next several years of my life.

What would the consequences be for this scenario? Does it ever happen? I know it's not unheard of for people to send "you're my #1" emails to more than one program, or to one program and then change their minds. But changing your mind after your chair called - is that just crossing the line too far? I feel unethical to even be considering it 🙁

It's poor form, but I don't think I would call it BAD. It should be quite clear to everyone involved in the Match whose read the agreement that any expressions of interest on behalf of both programs and applicants are strictly non-binding. You changed your mind. It happens. No big deal.