How/when do you "show interest" in a program?

[Whitney]

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Probably a dumb question, but....many people mention that showing interest in a particular program may help your chances of a successful match. Outside of doing a sub-I or AI at the program, how does one do this exactly? Do you tell your interviewers straight out that it's your first choice or "high on your list?" Or do you write a post-interview letter or email? I am especially wondering about this if a program is very high on your list, but maybe not #1 for sure...any thoughts?

 

[gutonc]

Probably a dumb question, but....many people mention that showing interest in a particular program may help your chances of a successful match. Outside of doing a sub-I or AI at the program, how does one do this exactly? Do you tell your interviewers straight out that it's your first choice or "high on your list?" Or do you write a post-interview letter or email? I am especially wondering about this if a program is very high on your list, but maybe not #1 for sure...any thoughts?

Any of those things are ways to "show interest." Doing a Sub-I is overkill in IM (not so for more competitive specialties) but people certainly do it. There's little point in telling anyone other than the PD that their program is high on your list but it probably doesn't hurt.

Here's the downside though...your list will change after every single interview you go on. The place you thought was your top choice may, after 3 or 4 more interviews, turn out to be pretty average and drop way down. OTOH, those same extra interviews may cement your #1 at the top. You'll never know until you do it. The only program you can honestly tell (during your interviews) that they are your #1 choice is the last place you interview.

So, send an email after your interview thanking them for the interview and telling them that you like their program (if in fact you did). Later, after all your interviews are over, send emails to the top 1-4 programs stating that they are "at the top of (high on) your list." DO NOT LIE! Don't send "you're my #1" notes to 10 different programs.

That's pretty much all you need to do to "express interest."

 

[Whitney]

So, send an email after your interview thanking them for the interview and telling them that you like their program (if in fact you did). Later, after all your interviews are over, send emails to the top 1-4 programs stating that they are "at the top of (high on) your list." DO NOT LIE! Don't send "you're my #1" notes to 10 different programs.

Thanks gutonc, very helpful. I'm assuming the emails go directly to the program director? Oh, and if a place is honestly your #1, in that case I'm guessing it's OK to let them know, right?

 

[Frugal Traveler]

Any of those things are ways to "show interest." Doing a Sub-I is overkill in IM (not so for more competitive specialties) but people certainly do it. There's little point in telling anyone other than the PD that their program is high on your list but it probably doesn't hurt.

Here's the downside though...your list will change after every single interview you go on. The place you thought was your top choice may, after 3 or 4 more interviews, turn out to be pretty average and drop way down. OTOH, those same extra interviews may cement your #1 at the top. You'll never know until you do it. The only program you can honestly tell (during your interviews) that they are your #1 choice is the last place you interview.

So, send an email after your interview thanking them for the interview and telling them that you like their program (if in fact you did). Later, after all your interviews are over, send emails to the top 1-4 programs stating that they are "at the top of (high on) your list." DO NOT LIE! Don't send "you're my #1" notes to 10 different programs.

That's pretty much all you need to do to "express interest."

I agree with this.

I think given the way the match goes, if you are a great applicant for the program, then you are going to be ranked high anyways. If you are an average applicant, then telling them you are interested may get you moved up... who knows what programs want.. maybe they want someone from Wyoming... which I hear Columbia does a good job with that. That's the great thing about the match... no matter how many programs send me postcards telling me they want me there, I'm ranking the programs I liked the best. I think programs do the same thing - rank the applicants they liked the best.

All in all, it could help, not sure it is that efficacious, but it surely wouldn't hurt if you are being genuine. Send an e-mail or a handwritten note... I'm tempted to send one particular program I fancy a Valentine given that ranking and such goes on late January - mid-February likely, but I'll have to hold back 😍... so don't get creative! The Match should be fun... it's near the Ides of March.. you never know what will happen.. that's why it is so exciting. Best wishes