planning a trip during interview season

[dedicated1989]

Hey guys

My grandfather is pretty sick and I'd really like to go see him. I was hoping I'd be able to go sometime by the end of the year around christmas/new years. Do you think its a safe to assume that interviews won't be during that time? Also, if interviews are scheduled are schools open to rescheduling because of that?

I could hold off until the end of application cycle (as if it ever ends) but I'm scared that may be too late.

Thoughts?

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[Catalystik]

From my observation, interviews tend to drop off precipitously during the traditional winter break as this would be a time that many academics are encouraged to take vacation. This doesn't mean there is zero chance of an interview offer, but generally available interview dates span a period of time. And it is possible to ask to reschedule an interview (without giving an excuse). Consider buying an open ticket if you want zero chance of missing a once-in-a-lifetime, single-date-only, last-minute T-20 interview offer.

 

[Doctor Strange]

School's are typically off during the Christmas/New Year season, so it's a pretty safe bet that you won't be getting interviews during that time. Your biggest issue will be dealing with the holiday rush!

 

[ace12345]

You'll be fine. Most schools will give a number of dates to choose from anyway, so you should be able to negotiate around those.

 

[SN12357]

Hey guys

My grandfather is pretty sick and I'd really like to go see him. I was hoping I'd be able to go sometime by the end of the year around christmas/new years. Do you think its a safe to assume that interviews won't be during that time? Also, if interviews are scheduled are schools open to rescheduling because of that?

I could hold off until the end of application cycle (as if it ever ends) but I'm scared that may be too late.

Thoughts?

You should be fine. If you do get an interview at the end of December, you should be able to reschedule it to January without a problem.

 

[Keladry]

Some schools also ask if there are any dates when you'll be unavailable - I was out of the country for 4 weeks from late Dec-late Jan, only had 1 interview scheduled for that time and was able to push it back a week.

 

[NoDakDok]

As mentioned here, schools are generally off for "Winter Break," and even if you were to be scheduled for an interview then schools are generally very receptive to working around things like trips. Best of luck in your cycle!

 

[cupcakesandcadavers]

to piggy-back off of this, the jewish holiday, rosh hashanah, is the last weekend of september. medical schools will definitely be okay rescheduling an interview if i were to get one that weekend right?

 

[dedicated1989]

great thanks everyone! I assumed that most schools will be off but just wanted to make sure before I book 1k ticket.

 

[Catalystik]

to piggy-back off of this, the jewish holiday, rosh hashanah, is the last weekend of september. medical schools will definitely be okay rescheduling an interview if i were to get one that weekend right?

Yes.

 

[kyamh]

I did not have any issues scheduling interviews. I think I was assigned 3-4 dates, two of which I changed with zero issues and a single email to the admissions office. The rest of my interviews were self scheduled from an online calendar so I could choose the days that work best for me. Also, secondaries ask whether you will be unavailable for interviews for any extended period of time during the year.

 

[dedicated1989]

My trip would be out of the country but because I'm not 100% sure yet I haven't include this in any of my secondaries I have submitted. I wouldn't consider anything definite until a ticket is booked which I don't anticipate happening until sept/oct. Would it be appropriate to contact the school and inform them of this when I do officially book?

 

[Great White Buffalo]

Some schools also ask if there are any dates when you'll be unavailable - I was out of the country for 4 weeks from late Dec-late Jan, only had 1 interview scheduled for that time and was able to push it back a week.

I was out of the country Jan - March during the later part of interview season. One interview invite I was able to push back to December. The other interview invite I declined (already accepted).
Wouldn't do that again if I had more information on how the cylce would go, but I got lucky.