is it appropriate to contact programs? if so, how?

[kat82]

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hey everyone!! i am a 4th year med student going through the whole application/interview process right now. i heard back from most of my programs by the end of october (actually before deans letters went out) but still have not heard from 2 places (2 of my top choices). is it still early in the game or is it time to start accepting the fact that maybe theyre just not that into me?

is it appropriate to contact the program to ask about my "status" or will that make me look pushy and annoying? what is a non-tacky way to go about doing this?

thanks everyone!
kat82

 

[chumbojumbo]

FWIW, I sent out a few emails only to the places i haven't heard from but are my top choices. This is EM, sugar, we tend to like things laid back (no pun intended, i dont think anyway)....just send a polite email asking them if they had a chance to review your file, and that you were eager for a chance to interview there since you have a sincere interest in that program. No biggie...

CJ

 

[JBlue]

I have had really good luck with contacting programs this year. I actually prefer the phone because I like closure (i.e. not getting a response back by e-mail would keep me wondering). I contacted two and told them I was arranging interviews in that area and asked about my status. No one sounded like they thought I was pushy and they just looked up my application and let me know the status. They were actually really nice and allowed me to schedule my interviews right then. One program had sent out an invite the week before and I had never received it! If I had never called I would have never known and they would just have thought that I wasn't interested. So, I would call any stragglers that you have a lot of interest in and see what the scoop is.

 

[kat82]

thanks everyone- as an update, i did call both programs yesterday and was very well received. both places told me my application status ("being reviewed") and when i should expect to hear. they also told me that i would find out either way. this way at least i dont have to assume that i've been rejected just because i didnt hear

so i recommend this tactic if anyone is worried. but you should also know that one lady laughed (nicely) and said it was still early to be calling!!