Matching to Program that Waitlisted You?

[Dilaudid PRN]

As stated in the title, has anyone actually manage to match at a residency program that extended you an invitation after being initially placed on their waitlist or after a long period of slice (i.e., December or January invitation)?

Previous threads on this subject make it sound as if applicants invited after cancellations/late in the game have a reasonable shot at matching to that program, provided that the applicant makes a good impression on said interview.

I was actually curious to see if any residents/attendings have any anecdotes to share on this topic. Thanks.

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[StephBee]

As stated in the title, has anyone actually manage to match at a residency program that extended you an invitation after being initially placed on their waitlist or after a long period of slice (i.e., December or January invitation)?

Previous threads on this subject make it sound as if applicants invited after cancellations/late in the game have a reasonable shot at matching to that program, provided that the applicant makes a good impression on said interview.

I was actually curious to see if any residents/attendings have any anecdotes to share on this topic. Thanks.

When Maine sent out their waitlist, they specifically stated that they will have no idea who was wait listed when they ranked and anecdotally, their chief resident interviewed off the waitlist

 

[Zebra Hunter]

I asked this same question last year, and after helping give input regarding where an applicant should be ranked (i.e. top, middle, bottom 1/3, or DNR) this year, the reality is that it is possible, but it is less likely. The reason you weren't picked for the initial round of interviews is because more than likely, your stats aren't as good as the ones granted interviews initially. That doesn't mean you can't end up matching, but it's likely that if you do end up getting ranked by the program, you'll be somewhere in the lower part of that middle 1/3 or bottom 1/3. That doesn't mean you shouldn't go to these interviews, but you should temper expectations.

 

[Cinematographer]

I am at a program where I was on the waitlist. I must have at least been high on the list, because I got a call 2 days before their first interview asking if I could come. But still, it is definitely possible. Speaking completely anecdotally about our program - we have like 250-300 people we would like to invite every year, but only enough spots for about half of that. If you get an interview, it's possible to match.

You were initially waitlisted yet were contacted for an interview before they even began interviewing?

 

[Jlaw]

A lot of programs will interview 10-15 people per slot, but they might end up offering 30-40 interviews per slot to fill that. If your ass is in the seat you've got as good of a shot as anyone.

 

[Tenk]

After being involved in this process from both sides. I can safely say that this does not matter the vast majority of the time.

 

[dav86]

As stated in the title, has anyone actually manage to match at a residency program that extended you an invitation after being initially placed on their waitlist or after a long period of slice (i.e., December or January invitation)?

Previous threads on this subject make it sound as if applicants invited after cancellations/late in the game have a reasonable shot at matching to that program, provided that the applicant makes a good impression on said interview.

I was actually curious to see if any residents/attendings have any anecdotes to share on this topic. Thanks.

I matched at my number 2 program and was subsequently taken off the waitlist. Emailed the program coordinator and was taken off the waitlist. The PC first left a voicemail and I didn't listen to the message for two days. The spot that opened up was taken before I could call back. So when I was driving to another interview the PC called back again and offered me a spot on the last interview day. Interview went pretty well, ranked them number 2 and matched two months later. I guess it was fate. But it does happen. Just gotta be professional and persistent. Good luck