how to tell a program you really want to go there?

[Rbrav]

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I'm coming toward the end of my interviews, and my next one is at the place I'm pretty sure I'm going to rank first, based on knowledge of the program, location, and other factors. I'll reconsider if there's a huge red flag, of course, but otherwise I'm set on this program.

What's the best way to convey this? I don't want them to think I am desperate to match there, and I don't want them to think I desire a spot there so highly that I am not looking at their program rationally or critically. I'm just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on how to play it cool while conveying genuine, very strong interest in the program.

 

[l&usibari]

Be honest and straightforward. Tell the program director up-front that you really like the program, give the reasons why you want to go there, and tell them you plan to rank them #1 (but only if you are absolutely sure--if you tell them this and, oops, match elsewhere, your reputation will be affected; the world of pathology is a small one). It is in the program's best interest to not go too far down their rank list. They will be motivated to rank you higher if you are ranking them #1, but of course only if you are a strong enough candidate to begin with.

 

[Neddy]

Be honest and straightforward. Tell the program director up-front that you really like the program, give the reasons why you want to go there, and tell them you plan to rank them #1 (but only if you are absolutely sure--if you tell them this and, oops, match elsewhere, your reputation will be affected; the world of pathology is a small one). It is in the program's best interest to not go too far down their rank list. They will be motivated to rank you higher if you are ranking them #1, but of course only if you are a strong enough candidate to begin with.

Agree with the above, but put it writing (only if you are 100% sure you are ranking them #1). There is no advantage to being coy - only a seriously twisted and insecure PD would think worse of a candidate who loved his or her program.

 

[Ale]

If you are going to that program just because you like it, I am sorry, you are fair game. Just like any other candidate. You can tell them you like their program and follow-up with a thank you letter and emails. If they don't like you it won't change a thing.

If you want to go there for special reasons, let them know an all the reasons why. Some programs will consider a candidate based on necessity rather than academic achievement.

In our program we did that every year. Either for the residents that needed to be in our city and the med students that wanted to go somewhere else. (Granted that you are not ranked last in your class and with a 186 in the USMLE).

As for other comments in this post, you can tell them anything you want. You can tell all the programs that you are going to rank them“high”on your list. Yes, pathology is a small community but they are not going to remember you in four years. So many of you that we didn’t remember a few weeks after, even with your profile and photo in front of us. We did remember at the time of the ranking the ones that had made an effort to be noticed. At the end some ranked us and some didn’t. That’s life. We were not bitter or vengeful, with we even accepted some for fellowship years afterward.

Remember, they are doing the same thing. They tell every candidate that they really want them and they should call if they are interested, etc.
Programs don’t care how fare they go down the list as long as they match (unless they are the type of program that gloat about their rank list every year).

As for telling them what number you are ranking them, when I was doing my match it was illegal for them to ask you. I don’t know if it has changed. Everyone was doing it anyway. You should not tell people that you are ranking them #1. That does not motivate a program to rank you higher.

Last but not least, if you need to be in a specific city for family reasons and very personal reasons and you can only go to that program. I recommend talking to your dean and the chair of your pathology department and ask them to make the phone call. In most places they will do this. Now, if you don’t rank the place, then I agree with Lusibarri. They will remember.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Programs don't care how fare they go down the list as long as they match (unless they are the type of program that gloat about their rank list every year).

As for telling them what number you are ranking them, when I was doing my match it was illegal for them to ask you. I don't know if it has changed. Everyone was doing it anyway. You should not tell people that you are ranking them #1. That does not motivate a program to rank you higher.

It's still true...applicants cannot ask and programs can't ask either. They are however allowed to volunteer information. Hell, they can even put it in writing. But anything short of an actual contract is an informal agreement and shouldn't be seen as a guarantee.

I don't think people have to tell programs that they are going to rank them #1. You're right, unless they really want you, that does not motivate the program to rank you any higher. If they really want you, why should it make a difference?

I grappled with this when I applied. I was told "if you rank us #1, you will match here" by several programs. Sure, it feels good to hear it and all but I never took it as a guarantee. Actually, hearing this dropped one program down my list just a tad since I knew that program would be a "safety net" and I wouldn't go lower than that on Match Day. Regardless, this mental masturbation in my mind really didn't mean a thing...and ultimately, I knew it. Nonetheless, I never mentioned the words "number one" in any correspondences with programs, even my top choice program. I simply wrote a lengthy letter saying that my program is where I wanted to end up and listed concrete reasons why.

If you are really interested in going to a particular program, tell them that you want to go there and more importanly, list the reasons why. And they should be good reasons. If you come across as superficial in this process, that could hurt you...as the cops say, "anything you say can be used against you."

Now let's say your program of interest contacts you and tells you that you are ranked to match. I don't think it hurts to tell them that the feelings are mutual. But gosh, I have heard some stories where this happened and on Match Day something totally different happened. It happened to two of my friends back in 2002...but they were matching in ENT and Ortho. Whatever you do, realize nothing short of a contract is a contract...and you do things at your own risk.

 

[malchik]

It is in the program's best interest to not go too far down their rank list.

Why? I've never understood this.

 

[djmd]

Why? I've never understood this.

It is purely psychological. I mean you don't want to not fill or end up with really bad residents, but realistically going 3-4x your slots down is not a big deal as long as your list has good candidates...

 

[Napoleon1801]

One of the MS4's for anesthesia on her away rotation here bought 2 giant candy baskets, one for the residents, one for the faculty.

 

[DarksideAllstar]

One of the MS4's for anesthesia on her away rotation here bought 2 giant candy baskets, one for the residents, one for the faculty.

I hope that they took her off their rank list.