Phone Calls from Program Directors

[jacksonianmarch]

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So, I received phone calls from 4 PDs today -- I didn't answer them b/c my phone was off all day since I am on rotation.

I got calls from Duke, UVA, MGH, UCSF -- anybody else get similar calls? what did the PDs want? did you all tell them where they stood on your rank list?

I think we should start listing each of the programs that calls and what they say, to make sure none of us are "bamboozled"..."hoodwinked"..... "we didn't land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us!"..... oops, sorry, I digress

 

[marchiafava]

So, I received phone calls from 4 PDs today -- I didn't answer them b/c my phone was off all day since I am on rotation.

I got calls from Duke, UVA, MGH, UCSF -- anybody else get similar calls? what did the PDs want? did you all tell them where they stood on your rank list?

I think we should start listing each of the programs that calls and what they say, to make sure none of us are "bamboozled"..."hoodwinked"..... "we didn't land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us!"..... oops, sorry, I digress

Usually everyone who is in a programs top list gets a call. Its very common. Some programs differ on what they consider their "top list". For most programs, they rank most of the people they interview(50-70), so they may call 10-20 people. You may be in the top ten or may be number 20. Depends on how competitive you are compared to the other applicants. This year has been proven to be a much more competitive year than usual. From talking to people on the trail, the average board scores of applicants applying at top programs was about 235, and many had research to boot. So you need to take these calls witha grain of salt.

 

[GopherBrain]

Nobody has shown me the love yet. I'll keep you posted.

 

[drmp]

I got a call from Duke's PD as well.... out of curiosity, did everyone who interviewed there get a call? I have a hard time believing it really meant anything...

Has anyone figured out their rank list yet? I'm still working on mine. 😱

 

[jacksonianmarch]

I got a call from Duke's PD as well.... out of curiosity, did everyone who interviewed there get a call? I have a hard time believing it really meant anything...

Has anyone figured out their rank list yet? I'm still working on mine. 😱

I talked to Duke's PD too... did he ask you where you were ranking Duke, or tell you where he was ranking you (i.e. #1, "in rankable order")?

They don't interview that many people, only 40 for 4 spots, so it is conceivable that they called everyone.

I have not finished my list yet.

 

[scm]

as mentioned in a previous thread Duke's PD called me as well. just asked if i had any questions and so on, said he'd rather call people than e-mail... I was pretty shocked it was him when I saw the odd number on my cell, I was in a loud public place, so it was awkward and short..

regardless, I had nothing to ask, I don't think I'm going to even rank Duke so it wasn't as if i couldve said "I plan to rank Duke highly" etc.

 

[crackerjack]

today i got a call from bu, which is weird, because i
1) didnt think i did that great at bu
2) didnt really think i would be ranking them highly

its weird that this sort of thing really messes with your head, because now i feel like i should hear from the place that i rank highest, which cmon now, really isnt fair. the thing is, theyre not SUPPOSED to call you, but some of them do and some of them follow the books and DONT. so, i am conflicted. like, am i not being called by some places because they dont want me or because they just dont call anyone??

 

[scm]

heh yeah, really dont worry about it, i really doubt only top 20 on each list get called, im sure its much more variable, im sure plenty of programs dont call. my school made its rank list already, i asked someone who was involved if it even mattered if they had heard from an applicant that they were their #1 choice etc, he said marginally/maybe, i.e. if two candidates were equal, that one would get moved up(but seemed to imply that it really made little difference/people were different enough)...i dont think they'll be calling anyone.

 

[crackerjack]

yow! rank lists are already completed? man, these programs move fast. i was indeed of a mind to do a second visit but maybe thats a moo(t) point. well, considering places are still interviewing (some are, anyway) not every program has them done.
i guess ill keep the phone on vibrate and my fingers crossed.

 

[scm]

PD at Michigan called me today, was really nice...he said they only call their top/very strong people, emphasized i was in "a very strong position etc"..thanked me for my card,said some really nice things about me/my application that were very specific,along with feedback from residents and faculty regarding those things etc..(they made the rank list last night)...so i guess if he calls you, it could be good news if you want to go there (i do, it'll be one of my top 2)..scm

 

[GopherBrain]

I heard from Michigan today also.

 

[marchiafava]

I heard as well.

 

[GopherBrain]

I got calls from Duke, UVA, MGH, UCSF -- anybody else get similar calls?

You dingus. You are so busted. I can't believe I was actually worried that I didn't get a call from UCSF.

I DID, however, get a form letter from UCSF today, which said amongst other things "To remain true to the spirit of the Neurology Match guidelines, we do not personally contact applicants after the interviews except to help clarify any questions that you might have about the program."

 

[jacksonianmarch]

You dingus. You are so busted. I can't believe I was actually worried that I didn't get a call from UCSF.

I DID, however, get a form letter from UCSF today, which said amongst other things "To remain true to the spirit of the Neurology Match guidelines, we do not personally contact applicants after the interviews except to help clarify any questions that you might have about the program."

Excuse me, GB, but there is no need for the harsh language. I did in fact receive a call from Hauser actually, in addition to the letter I received in the mail yesterday (which was identical to yours -- interesting "spirit", I must say). If you choose not to believe me, that is your perogative.

 

[drgirl]

I got a call from Emory yesterday

 

[tofurious]

You dingus. You are so busted. I can't believe I was actually worried that I didn't get a call from UCSF.

😀 There still remains the slim possibility that he is the most clueless superstar, that, after interviewing at all the top programs, he is unsure how Miami and Utah compare with the likes of UCSF/Columbia.

 

[jacksonianmarch]

😀 There still remains the slim possibility that he is the most clueless superstar, that, after interviewing at all the top programs, he is unsure how Miami and Utah compare with the likes of UCSF/Columbia.

Tofurious.... your condescending tone is unappreciated.... for the record, what defines a "top" place or a "superstar".... in my book, at least, it does not encompass the institution that everyone regards with awe or the applicant with the astronomical numbers.... it is in fact a place that is the best fit for oneself.... I have lived my life by this creed, to go to where I feel most comfortable and that can afford me a high quality of life to pursue other endeavors.

UCSF and Columbia, although very strong programs, are not sure shot at the top of my list because I believe that the quality of life at these places is not on par with say a Utah (which if you check out the faculty, all trained at top notch places like MGH, UCSF, UVA, Rochester, Columbia, UCLA, etc.) -- skiing anyone, year round recreational endeavors -- or a Miami, with its strong programs and wonderful beaches.... Or, congestion and skyrocketing prices in NYC or SF? hmmm, tough decision.

I am sure, without a doubt, that your quality of life is determined by how nice your lab is and how much research funding you can get.... good luck in life!

 

[drgirl]

Hmm, so if some of you don't think that jacksonianmarch is a real applicant, what do you think his/her 'agenda' is? I mean, why would anyone spend so much time posting for the hell of it?
I probably shouldn't add fuel to the fire, but I'm curious.........
got too much time on my hands 😀

 

[tofurious]

Hmm, so if some of you don't think that jacksonianmarch is a real applicant, what do you think his/her 'agenda' is? I mean, why would anyone spend so much time posting for the hell of it?
I probably shouldn't add fuel to the fire, but I'm curious.........
got too much time on my hands 😀

People who write for books like First Aid need information, and what better way to get first hand information (since folks here will likely not give out information for free so others can profit from their personal experiences) than to ask for post-interview impressions on a board like this. Imagine selling a list like this to IMGs who don't know about these places at all and how much $ you can make.

 

[drgirl]

People who write for books like First Aid need information, and what better way to get first hand information (since folks here will likely not give out information for free so others can profit from their personal experiences) than to ask for post-interview impressions on a board like this. Imagine selling a list like this to IMGs who don't know about these places at all and how much $ you can make.

Hmm, good point, well that's why I asked, I couldn't come up with a theory. Interesting indeed. Personally, I'm inclined towards thinking he's really applying--remember the thread on "Rush Girl"? He did write her real name and which state she's from (before it was edited by the moderator)--somehow, I don't think anyone would know that unless they interviewed with her...unless of course, they just happen to know her socially etc. Anyway, whatever......

 

[crackerjack]

you know, there is a certain intimidation factor that can be expoited by a site like this. although the theory tofurious raises re insider information for advice books is definitely a consideration i still dont think that it is a good enough reason to post so much! dont you? anyway, regardless, i have a hard time believing that a place like ucsf would send out a letter like that, and then make a phone call before a letter like that is even received... whatever. we're above it. good luck to everyone on the match. i suggest we forever keep our identities hidden. kidding. sort of.

 

[jacksonianmarch]

People who write for books like First Aid need information, and what better way to get first hand information (since folks here will likely not give out information for free so others can profit from their personal experiences) than to ask for post-interview impressions on a board like this. Imagine selling a list like this to IMGs who don't know about these places at all and how much $ you can make.

If you think I am a writer for a book, you are a truly disturbed and paranoid individual. As for your comments on programs like Utah or Miami, I don't think you are qualified to make that judgment unless you personally had the pleasure to visit these institutions.

you know, there is a certain intimidation factor that can be expoited by a site like this. although the theory tofurious raises re insider information for advice books is definitely a consideration i still dont think that it is a good enough reason to post so much! dont you? anyway, regardless, i have a hard time believing that a place like ucsf would send out a letter like that, and then make a phone call before a letter like that is even received... whatever. we're above it. good luck to everyone on the match. i suggest we forever keep our identities hidden. kidding. sort of.

Unfortunately, CJ, you are a mess yourself. fyi I got the letter a few days later than most people because I live in the northeast -- it takes USPS a little time to run themselves to Boston. Regardless, if you don't want to believe Hauser called me, that is your perogative... good luck sorting out your list, as I will be with mine.

 

[crackerjack]

Unfortunately, CJ, you are a mess yourself. fyi I got the letter a few days later than most people because I live in the northeast -- it takes USPS a little time to run themselves to Boston. Regardless, if you don't want to believe Hauser called me, that is your perogative... good luck sorting out your list, as I will be with mine.

listen, i have no intention of slamming anyone, i was just pointing out that i thought the inconsistencies-- i suppose the ones being made by ucsf-- were weird. since i have no interest in ucsf it doesnt concern me on a personal level. and, besides, if it DID concern me what was being said by who at ucsf, i would have said something a little more specific, like gopherbrain did. just chill out. i think its a little juvenile to make personal insults though, jm. listen, i do wish you the best of luck on your list, i think you have a lot of great programs to choose from and im sure youll do well.

oh, and for future reference, the word is prerogative, not perogative (you know, like bobby brown). maybe its juvenile to point out spelling errors but ive noticed youve misspelled this in several posts and thought id help you out.

 

[kerimwedding]

listen, i have no intention of slamming anyone, i was just pointing out that i thought the inconsistencies-- i suppose the ones being made by ucsf-- were weird. since i have no interest in ucsf it doesnt concern me on a personal level. and, besides, if it DID concern me what was being said by who at ucsf, i would have said something a little more specific, like gopherbrain did. just chill out. i think its a little juvenile to make personal insults though, jm. listen, i do wish you the best of luck on your list, i think you have a lot of great programs to choose from and im sure youll do well.

oh, and for future reference, the word is prerogative, not perogative (you know, like bobby brown). maybe its juvenile to point out spelling errors but ive noticed youve misspelled this in several posts and thought id help you out.

UCSF -- I interviewed there, I thought it was a nice place, and I got a call from the PD about a week ago. So that settles the issue of JM's credibility.

Crackerjack -- with all due respect, I did not feel that JM's post was in a harsh tone at all -- I think that you are the one that respectfully should "chill out", sit down, and finish off the rank list.

regarding spelling errors -- No one likes a smart ass 👎

 

[GopherBrain]

I stand corrected.

 

[drgirl]

Aww, come on, lets be friends here...we all have the same goal and we are all stressed out, to varying degrees. If someone wants to use this board to vent their stress, let them. If someone wants to post their board scores, let them. This is all voluntary and no one has to read any thread that they feel might 'upset' them. There has been a lot of tension here in the past few days and I'm not sure if that indicates the impending match deadline or newer people joining, some of who rub others the wrong way. Either way, anything written on any public forum should be taken with many grains on salt--yes, most of us are here to help and are honest, but there will always be a select few who enjoy intimidating....I'm not pointing fingers at anyone, just advising that if you feel like someone isn't being truthful, okay call them out on it, but then let it go, ignore them. I enjoy fighting and controversy as much as the next person, heh, but people are starting to become kinda mean and that's not cool. I myself use this board to vent some of my match related stress--all of my friends are ERAS people and aren't quite at the same level of mania I'm at. Okay, why did I start this post again?? Oh, yeah, lets all be nice now 🙂

 

[crackerjack]

sorry if the perogative/prerogative comment seemed out of hand. i guess i was a little pissed though at what jm said... i know its not supposed to feel personal, but it did. but its over, and i feel bad now. so, yeah, i agree, lets all be nice to each other-- its way better that way. im all for it.
that said, the list has been faxed, its over, and im done! hurray! it was easier than i thought, once i just sat down and looked everything over. thank goodness! best of luck, everyone.