Importance of the interview in ranking IM applicants?

[ohnotornadooo]

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Hi all, wondering if any folks in the know about resident selection can give their input - how heavily is the interview weighted in determining the final ranking of applicants for the Match? Does a strong interview performance benefit you significantly in moving up the rank list (i.e you "gain points" for a good interview), or is it more about identifying red flag behaviors (i.e all applicants start at full points but can lose them for poor performance)?

Ended up interviewing at my top program after coming down with a nasty cold and while my interviews didn't go poorly they certainly weren't my strongest. Just curious as to how that may impact my eventual ranking within the program. I know everything varies program to program, so this is all speculation, but it would be helpful to hear from someone with actual experience with the ranking and interview process from the program perspective.

Thanks!

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Program dependent. Can be the most important or least important or negligible factor.

 

[deleted980918]

I agree with above. It varies significantly by programs. In my program, candidates are ranked immediately after the interview and the ranking is typically driven by stats ie steps, school, aoa, research..etc. however, where interview plays a role in the ranking process is if either the faculty interviewer, or the residents come forward to the PD directly and put in good words for you.

 

[ohnotornadooo]

I agree with above. It varies significantly by programs. In my program, candidates are ranked immediately after the interview and the ranking is typically driven by stats ie steps, school, aoa, research..etc. however, where interview plays a role in the ranking process is if either the faculty interviewer, or the residents come forward to the PD directly and put in good words for you.

Thanks for this! Glad to hear it's not always the most heavily weighted factor.

 

[DennisReynolds]

So if they go based off of our steps and scores... WTF is the point of the interview?Just to make sure we are normal people that can get along and fit in with the others?

This kinda scares me even more now since I've been interviewing with people from solid MD schools and my scores aren't that great for a DO.

Even getting these interviews feels more like a fluke now!

LOL

 

[rokshana]

So if they go based off of our steps and scores... WTF is the point of the interview?Just to make sure we are normal people that can get along and fit in with the others?

This kinda scares me even more now since I've been interviewing with people from solid MD schools and my scores aren't that great for a DO.

Even getting these interviews feels more like a fluke now!

LOL

Once you have an interview you are somewhat on an even playing field, meaning you are rankable...where on the rank list maybe determined by the other info and you could go up or down on their ROL based on your interview...or get a dnr because your interview shows you don’t fit in...

 

[deleted980918]

Obviously this selection process varies greatly by programs but i think to say that all interviewees are at an even ground is an over-simplication and simply not true. All interviewees are rankable and interviews can move up or down your position on the rank list depending a variety of factors, ie personality, communication skills, resident/attending feedback.....etc. But your starting point or initial position on that rank list is heavily influenced by the factors I mentioned before, ie school, prestige, aoa, research, rec..etc. Obviously, if you are a total diaster and socialpath then your will be in the DNR category. For the most part, people are at neither end of the spectrum and your position on the rank list don't change much post-interview. Full disclosure, i am not a PD or APD by any means, I am just a resident rep on the selection committee.

 

[bluemagik5]

Just an applicant but I may have some insight since I had a homie get an invite extended to me. Went on an interview a couple weeks ago for a specialty that I wouldn't have otherwise qualified on my own (based off board scores alone). However, I have other stuff on my CV that made me interesting enough to get an interview. I spoke to them recently and they told me that everyone that I interviewed with really enjoyed meeting me and would love to work with me. In addition, they all gave me a high "rank score" based off per-determined variables (I think it was out of 5). However, they are still iffy about offering me a spot because of my "lower" board scores compared to some of the cerebral powerhouses that interviewed while I was there. It goes to show that MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, it really boils down to board scores even if the person that scored it is a complete weirdo, who may have a difficult time with the actual practice of the specialty, but could be tolerated because they are known to slaughter exams. Programs do this because they have to look after their own interest to ensure their board pass rate is high to prevent being placed on probation by ACGME.

 

[rokshana]

Just an applicant but I may have some insight since I had a homie get an invite extended to me. Went on an interview a couple weeks ago for a specialty that I wouldn't have otherwise qualified on my own (based off board scores alone). However, I have other stuff on my CV that made me interesting enough to get an interview. I spoke to them recently and they told me that everyone that I interviewed with really enjoyed meeting me and would love to work with me. In addition, they all gave me a high "rank score" based off per-determined variables (I think it was out of 5). However, they are still iffy about offering me a spot because of my "lower" board scores compared to some of the cerebral powerhouses that interviewed while I was there. It goes to show that MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, it really boils down to board scores even if the person that scored it is a complete weirdo, who may have a difficult time with the actual practice of the specialty, but could be tolerated because they are known to slaughter exams. Programs do this because they have to look after their own interest to ensure their board pass rate is high to prevent being placed on probation by ACGME.

You had a courtesy interview and they were nice to you...but being realistic as well.
Doesn’t mean they won’t rank you, but I wouldn’t hold My breath

 

[bluemagik5]

You had a courtesy interview and they were nice to you...but being realistic as well.
Doesn’t mean they won’t rank you, but I wouldn’t hold My breath

Yup, I knew going in it was a 50/50 shot and the invite was partially tied to how well my homie (chief resident) spoke about me to the program director and program chair. But I have other interviews in the specialty I “qualify” for based on my board scores so it’s all good. Just wanted to show the OP how messed up the system is and how much weight is given to a test even if you have a killer interview and everyone would like to work with you.
P.S: I am a former business professional with several advanced degrees and president/CEO of my decently successful company. I figured based off this and my life experience is why they extended the courtesy invite. I definitely enjoyed the free dinner and conversations.

 

[alprazoslam]

Most interviews seem to just be there to find out who you are and make sure you are not a sociopath. Don’t feel like most make a big impact in any positive way. More like the personal statement. If it sucks it can hurt you but if it’s great it might somewhat help a little.