letter of interest

[GMO2003]

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here is a question I hope someone could shed some light on...

Is sending a letter (email) of interest to a program director prior to the match breaking any rules? I have 1 particular program that for a multitude of reasons would be THE perfect fit for my wife and I. Therefore, I'd like to make the PD aware of this when it comes time for him to look at my app

anybody have any thoughts??

 

[GMO2003]

here is a question I hope someone could shed some light on...

Is sending a letter (email) of interest to a program director prior to the match breaking any rules? I have 1 particular program that for a multitude of reasons would be THE perfect fit for my wife and I. Therefore, I'd like to make the PD aware of this when it comes time for him to look at my app

anybody have any thoughts??

nobody?? c'mon...somebody give me some help here

 

[mosche]

here is a question I hope someone could shed some light on...

Is sending a letter (email) of interest to a program director prior to the match breaking any rules? I have 1 particular program that for a multitude of reasons would be THE perfect fit for my wife and I. Therefore, I'd like to make the PD aware of this when it comes time for him to look at my app

anybody have any thoughts??

First, NO it is NOT against the rules to inform a program that you are highly interested in them. Unfortunately, because of this "cat and mouse" game called "the match", many less than genuine people--both students and program administrators--say that same thing to several programs/applicants. Therefore, such statements are typically taken as less than genuine!

Second, if you want to really show your interest, submit your rank-order list early and send/e-mail a copy to your number one choice(a resident at my school suggested this--I was unaware that early submission was an option!).

Finally, when you interview, make certain that you inform the PD of the fit!
Stating that a program is "ranked highly" means little; therefore, it behooves you to be open with the PD as to your hopes/plans!

Hope this helps, good luck!
Mosche

 

[goodsamob]

I am a PGY2 and I know at my program that a second look speaks very highly for a candidate's interest. After your interview, schedule a day to return, and ask to speak again to PD, residents, etc. Staying a little while to check out what the call team does doesn't hurt either. Second looks are more laid back and they are just you, instead of a multitude of other interviewees, and this gives you and opportunity to stick out to the residents also. (Residents have a say in many programs how the rank list is ordered) Send a brief letter after the second look restating that you really enjoy the program, think its a good fit, etc.

Just be sure to walk that fine line between showing interest and looking desparate!

 

[2006MD]

Has anyone sent this "letter of interest" to a program that they matched to?

 

[blue2000]

When I decided on my number one choice, I sent the following email:

Dear Dr. Program Director,

As I reflect, YOUR PROGRAM feels like the best fit for my
personality and goals as a SPECIALTY. The large catchment area, the breadth and depth of experience, the dedication to research and the
cohesiveness of the residents are attributes that are extremely important
to me. In addition, the geographic location of the program makes it
incredibly appealing as well, and I feel that if I match in YOUR CITY, I will be coming home.

It is for these reasons that I plan to rank the ENTER PROGRAM as my first choice on my rank list. Please know how much your efforts contributed to my excitement about your program. Thank you again for a really wonderful experience.

Please let me know if there is any additional information you need from me.

Sincerely,
blue2000

It might have been a little long and kiss up-y, but it worked.

In general, I think it might be a bit premature to express your interests so strongly before you even get an interview (unless it's your home institution or your've done an away there). It just seems a tad desperate IMO.

 

[NoodleIncident]

Second looks are not though of very highly at the anesthesiology at my home school. It looks like that's not the norm, though.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

I wrote a similar letter to my #1 choice. Except, I never said, "I will rank you #1." Basically I listed all the things I liked about the program, thanked them for making my interview experience enjoyable, and told them that after my interview, it became even more apparent that this program was the best fit for me. (I had told the PD and other faculty at the interview that my advisers and pathology attendings said that my program was the place to be given my interests and that I very much would like to come here). So in my followup letter a month after the interview (of course, I had sent them a thank you note right after the interview too), I told them something like, "Hence, after completing all my interviews, I am still convinced that your program is the best fit for me and I will rank you accordingly."

 

[ptolemy]

First of all, I matched at my #1 choice last year, and sent them an email stating that I ranked them #1, etc. Also, you guys have not had any interviews yet, how can you know that a program will be your #1 choice now. I know you are going to say something about the location, people you know there, etc. However, keep your mind open when you go to other places. I thought one program would be the best choice for me for many reasons going into interview season, then was not overly thrilled with the program when I interviewed there. Go into your interviews with an open mind. you may be suprised. just some advice and my opinion.