Informed Program Director of my rank

[pinecat]

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I notified the Program Director of my #1 ranking of his/her residency Program and why and how I reached that conclusion. Is it customary for a Director to respond to such an email?

Thanks!

 

[MOHS_01]

IDK... maybe, maybe not. Just remember -- you and every other person walking through the interview door do all of the same things and the sheer volume of correspondence can get a little overwhelming.

We always assumed everyone was FOS and had 12 #1's anyway.

 

[pinecat]

Would asking my Dean to make a call to the Program Director of my #1 choice a good idea or does it really not make a difference at this point? After all of this time, I don't want to be annoying but I also don't want to feel as though I could have done more.

Thank you for your reply!​

 

[asmallchild]

Would asking my Dean to make a call to the Program Director of my #1 choice a good idea or does it really not make a difference at this point? After all of this time, I don't want to be annoying but I also don't want to feel as though I could have done more.

Thank you for your reply!​

Your mileage may vary but I would gather most PDs avoid saying anything to avoid potential match violation issues. I would NOT ask your dean to pester the program director of your #1 choice as this would not help you and may actually hurt (at my old program, your rank was locked into place by the time you were enjoying lunch. We have made negative changes for those applicants with obnoxious post-interview communications)

 

[HighPinkHeels]

In my own personal experience (and I am not at all saying that this is generalizable) I think that informing your #1 rank could be extremely helpful. I had a very strong personal preference for a certain program (great combination of academics, personal ties to the city, etc…) and I was very up front to both the chairman and the PD of that program by sending them each an email after interview season was done detailing why the program was a great fit for me - I included concrete details about why they were my #1 choice and why I would be a good fit got their program. In addition, I happen to have a good relationship with my home department's derm chair and I asked that if he/she was "comfortable" with contacting my favorite program on my behalf. He/she agreed and I think that also tipped the scale in my favor. In the end, I matched at my #1 program and I am ecstatic. In my case, I was so eager to match at this program and I wanted to do everything possible to keep things in my favor. I only sent one email to each the PD and the chairman, but there were no additional phone calls or emails after that from my end. I think if you have solid reasons for having a favorite program and you can communicate with them without being over the top, then it might be worth it. But again, this is just my experience and I know other people may have other opinions. Good luck!

P.S.
I did get replies to both emails that were succinct but very nice. It definitely made me feel better going into match day. However, I did spend way too much time over analyzing the emails themselves, which was not productive.

 

[asmallchild]

In my own personal experience (and I am not at all saying that this is generalizable) I think that informing your #1 rank could be extremely helpful. I had a very strong personal preference for a certain program (great combination of academics, personal ties to the city, etc…) and I was very up front to both the chairman and the PD of that program by sending them each an email after interview season was done detailing why the program was a great fit for me - I included concrete details about why they were my #1 choice and why I would be a good fit got their program. In addition, I happen to have a good relationship with my home department's derm chair and I asked that if he/she was "comfortable" with contacting my favorite program on my behalf. He/she agreed and I think that also tipped the scale in my favor. In the end, I matched at my #1 program and I am ecstatic. In my case, I was so eager to match at this program and I wanted to do everything possible to keep things in my favor. I only sent one email to each the PD and the chairman, but there were no additional phone calls or emails after that from my end. I think if you have solid reasons for having a favorite program and you can communicate with them without being over the top, then it might be worth it. But again, this is just my experience and I know other people may have other opinions. Good luck!

P.S.
I did get replies to both emails that were succinct but very nice. It definitely made me feel better going into match day. However, I did spend way too much time over analyzing the emails themselves, which was not productive.

That is a good point, asking your school dean to contact your #1 program isn't likely to be helpful but if you have a good relationship with your home department's PD or chair, that would be a worthwhile phonecall (although it may sink your chances at your home program.)

 

[pinecat]

Unfortunately, there is no derm program at my school so I was wondering if my Dean would make a difference. From your educated opinions I believe I should just go with my letter of preference to my #1 rank and let it go at that.

Thank you all for all for your guidance and advice through this interview season.

 

[MOHS_01]

best of luck

 

[pinecat]

best of luck

Thank you!!!