How do programs actually rank applicants?

[gray136]

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Was wondering how most do this. especially since if you interview early wont they forget about you come rank time?
Is there like a point system for grades, mspe, letters, interview, etc?
for those who have taken part in the rank process would you care to elab?

Thanks a ton

 

[abolt18]

Was wondering how most do this. especially since if you interview early wont they forget about you come rank time?
Is there like a point system for grades, mspe, letters, interview, etc?
for those who have taken part in the rank process would you care to elab?

Thanks a ton

"How do programs actually rank applicants?"

However they please.

 

[pgg]

Once you've got a non-trivial number of applicants, they've got to be turned into numbers. The answer is yes, there's a point system, and it's different everywhere.

Not that it matters. The formula for success isn't a mystery. Get the best grades and board scores you can. Get strong LORs from strong writers. Exploit network connections if you're a rare person who has one. Away rotations might be helpful. Apply. Interview well. Not much else you can do.

 

[AdmiralChz]

Each program does things differently. At my program (big academic place), we met after each interview day and assigned applicants into 3 groups - awesome we want you, good and no way. The last group typically isn’t ranked at all.

For the “good” group (most of those that interview), our program graded them based on app and impression. We kept a running list that was continuously updated as time went on - so no “forgetting” about you. If anything, most of us are way over interviews by the end and aren’t paying nearly as close as attention.

For the “awesome” group they were recruited heavily and typically placed up at the top of the list. Usually 1 or 2 per day (we’d interview 15-20 at a time).

At the very end we review the entire list and make adjustments accordingly. It’s a big process.

But that was my program and it relied more on feel during the interview than app statistics. Where I did fellowship was completely different for the residents there. Again, each place is totally different.

Big point- don’t be a bone head and get drunk/obnoxious during the interview dinner. We Always have multiple of these during the season, and even though those that go to the dinner “aren’t involved in the selection process” that stuff gets back to the committee.

 

[jthedestroyr]

^ this

oh and if you do an away rotation dont be a tool. If enough or certain residents complain about you, youre not getting ranked. This happens almost every year with rotating med students. Ive already experienced it this cycle, but not enough for me to say something unless i was asked. I wont have to work with this person next year anyways!