I'm poor and tired

[LadyJubilee8_18]

and I don't freaking feel like going on a second look. Is that bad? If I don't go on second looks, does that make me look bad to programs.

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[ResidentMD]

and I don't freaking feel like going on a second look. Is that bad? If I don't go on second looks, does that make me look bad to programs.

I'd just like to put this up for discussion to the forum - how about being honest about second looks? Even I feel similar to LJ - and its just a pain to go to the second looks. Can you just tell the PD, that you are really interested in the program in itself,but that you have a rotation that you need to attend/finances are thin/whatever, so would it be okay if you wouldnt come for the second look?

I know everyone stresses (and so do all the PDs) that the second look is FOR the applicant, but quite a few factoids from this year's interview season tells me thats not the case in ALL the programs (even though they may say so).

So how about the honesty?

 

[Frugal Traveler]

and I don't freaking feel like going on a second look. Is that bad? If I don't go on second looks, does that make me look bad to programs.

I don't believe second looks have an impact (if at all) at most programs. Do it only if you want more information about the program or can't decide between two places. It might give you an edge... but it's really hard to know what effect it will have.

 

[yankeescard]

agree with frugal - second looks are only for YOU as the applicant to see if the program is a good fit for you...maybe tell them that you plan on ranking them #1 if you feel that strongly in your thank you note

 

[ResidentMD]

I don't believe second looks have an impact (if at all) at most programs. Do it only if you want more information about the program or can't decide between two places. It might give you an edge... but it's really hard to know what effect it will have.

See - that uncertainty exists. And that is why most people do second looks at their rank 1. Now some dont..but from what I hear, most do. Thats why I am wondering if you really dont want to do it, whether its best to be frank with the PD.

 

[Frugal Traveler]

See - that uncertainty exists. And that is why most people do second looks at their rank 1. Now some dont..but from what I hear, most do. Thats why I am wondering if you really dont want to do it, whether its best to be frank with the PD.

I am not doing any second looks. I came prepared to the interview and knew the programs well. Got my impression of it... and then filed it away.

I will probably just tell the # 1 that they are getting ranked # 1... probably will not affect the way they rank me anyway because the match rewards both programs and applicants for ranking what they liked the best irregardless of influence from either side.

Most of the programs I went to had the second look day organized by the PC and not the PD... so the PD does not know you are there and does not keep track of it. One program I went to (that I will not rank # 1) did say that if you came back, they would meet with you and you would get shown around more. I think for the great majority of programs that the PC organizes it and it has no effect on your application... otherwise... it would not be fair to all other applicants.

 

[EaglesPA]

See - that uncertainty exists. And that is why most people do second looks at their rank 1. Now some dont..but from what I hear, most do. Thats why I am wondering if you really dont want to do it, whether its best to be frank with the PD.

You don't need to go for a second look if you don't. The point of the second look is to learn about the program in a more relaxed setting than the interview day. If you already are sure that a program is your number #1, just letting the PD know that is fine - you do not need to go for a second look.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

See - that uncertainty exists. And that is why most people do second looks at their rank 1. Now some dont..but from what I hear, most do. Thats why I am wondering if you really dont want to do it, whether its best to be frank with the PD.

Most people do second looks? Honestly, I don't know anyone who's not on SDN who is planning on doing one, and damn, it's hard because most of us have traveled to tons of places and, yes, are broke. Seriously I think this whole second look thing is partly SDN obsessiveness and not really indicative of how life works for the vast majority of medical students.

 

[chitown82]

See - that uncertainty exists. And that is why most people do second looks at their rank 1. Now some dont..but from what I hear, most do. Thats why I am wondering if you really dont want to do it, whether its best to be frank with the PD.

In my experience, almost no residents I know (including those at the top programs) have done second looks. The few that have did so because they were very unsure about ranking a particular program high.

Personally, I will not be doing any second looks.

 

[ResidentMD]

Most people do second looks? Honestly, I don't know anyone who's not on SDN who is planning on doing one, and damn, it's hard because most of us have traveled to tons of places and, yes, are broke. Seriously I think this whole second look thing is partly SDN obsessiveness and not really indicative of how life works for the vast majority of medical students.

In my experience, almost no residents I know (including those at the top programs) have done second looks. The few that have did so because they were very unsure about ranking a particular program high.

Personally, I will not be doing any second looks.

Okay thanks - I guess its much less common than I thought it was 😳.

 

[tarlovcyst]

Nobody knows if second looks help. They help at some programs and don't at others. A good number of people do second looks because when they do match, they want to have the peace of mind that they did everything they could for their top 1 or 2 choices.

When I interviewed at nearly 20 programs some time ago, only four programs mentioned second looks. The others didn't even mention the second look, which probably means it's not all that important at those programs. At one of the four programs I was at, the PD said to tell her if I do come for a second look because it would show that I am serious about coming. Her words, not mine.

I think second looks don't help much at the university programs with big reputations. I bet a lot of people go back to MGH for a second look because they think it will help, but in reality, it would hurt if you don't do a second look because so many are doing one.

Lastly, second looks are mainly for the purpose of the applicant making sure that program is #1 or 2. For all other purposes, it varies by program.

aProgDirector said in another thread that at his residency program, anyone who ranks highly on the list meets with him in the end. So I'm assuming that if you rank low, you would just have a regular day set up with no interaction with the PD.

Thanks for thread.

 

[LadyJubilee8_18]

Most people do second looks? Honestly, I don't know anyone who's not on SDN who is planning on doing one, and damn, it's hard because most of us have traveled to tons of places and, yes, are broke. Seriously I think this whole second look thing is partly SDN obsessiveness and not really indicative of how life works for the vast majority of medical students.

Oh thank God. I definitely have an idea of who I'd like to rank near the top, but I just can't bring myself to purchase another plane ticket and fly around the country ON PURPOSE.

 

[dragonfly99]

I went to a pretty highly ranked IM place (not super top tier, but well thought of university program) and I don't remember many people coming for 2nd looks. I don't feel like it affected their ranking. There were a few 4th years doing away rotations there, and I felt like that may help, particularly if you looked marginal on paper but are clinically good and can hustle,and want to show your interest in a particular program. I don't feel like 2nd looks are in any way mandatory in IM, or would even help much at all at most places. If the PD at the interview day makes it sound like he/she wants you to come (like tarlov mentioned above) then you can assume it will hurt you if you DON'T do one. Otherwise, I'm doubtful of the effects.