Letters from programs before ROL

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rox

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I received letters from 2 programs saying their were delighted with the interview and looking forward to the possibility of having me as a member of their team...etc. Is that a standard thing?
 
I received letters from 2 programs saying their were delighted with the interview and looking forward to the possibility of having me as a member of their team...etc. Is that a standard thing?

Some places it is. Other places, they only send to "ranked to match" applicants. Completely varies per program.
 
The only conclusion you should draw is that they are probably ranking you. I wouldn't read into it too much.
 
bottom line, doesn't necessarily mean they are ranking me "high", right?
 
Bottom line is: it doesn't matter.

Rank the programs in the order that YOU WANT TO GO TO THEM.

Let's say you only interviewed at two programs. Program A is really great, but they have ranked you at the absolute bottom of their list. Program B is not really that great, but you'd be willing to go there. They have ranked you #1 on their list.

You should rank A first, and B second. The match will try to place you in A. Perhaps you'll get lucky and get a spot. Perhaps not. If not, you'll get a spot at B. YOU CAN'T LOSE YOUR SPOT AT B BECAUSE YOU RANKED IT #2. (Well, the only way you "lose" your spot at B is by getting a spot at A).

So, yes, if you get these types of emails they might make you feel all warm and fuzzy. And, it might help you have less nightmares between now and match day. But honestly, it should not change the order you rank programs (unless being "really desired" by the PD is one of the criteria you are considering for programs, which I guess might have some weight but shouldn't sway you too much)
 
I don't think they will change the order of my ROL. Actually, one of the letters is from a program I didn't like and I'm not gonna rank anyway. The other one is from my #1.

Anyway, I am an IMG, so I guess they would've prematched me if they really liked me that much, but obviously, it's a kind of standard thing to do at those programs.
 
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