Politeness in cancelling MSTP interview

[youououa]

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Hi everyone,

I have the very fortunate position to have received an MSTP acceptance and have an upcoming interview next week.

However, I am fairly certain that I would not attend the program I would interview at next week.

I am worried that cancelling this close to an interview would upset directors/faculty in a way that might be detrimental later in my career. Any thoughts on what to do? Do MD/PhD program directors care about this sort of thing?

 

[gyngyn]

They'll never know. Just do it now!
Cancelling the night before is rude.

 

[Goro]

These people do NOT have God-like powers. Chill.

Hi everyone,

I have the very fortunate position to have received an MSTP acceptance and have an upcoming interview next week.

However, I am fairly certain that I would not attend the program I would interview at next week.

I am worried that cancelling this close to an interview would upset directors/faculty in a way that might be detrimental later in my career. Any thoughts on what to do? Do MD/PhD program directors care about this sort of thing?

 

[toastytoastie]

I've canceled like 7 interviews because I got into schools higher on my list. It's fine: just be polite, explain the situation ("I got into a top choice school and would therefore like to withdraw my application and cancel my interview scheduled on XX date"). Then thank them for the opportunity. Easy peasy. They understand this process is grueling and time intensive.

 

[plumazul]

I've canceled like 7 interviews because I got into schools higher on my list. It's fine: just be polite, explain the situation ("I got into a top choice school and would therefore like to withdraw my application and cancel my interview scheduled on XX date"). Then thank them for the opportunity. Easy peasy. They understand this process is grueling and time intensive.

I wouldn't include the bold text. There is no need for an explanation.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I've canceled like 7 interviews because I got into schools higher on my list. It's fine: just be polite, explain the situation ("I got into a top choice school and would therefore like to withdraw my application and cancel my interview scheduled on XX date"). Then thank them for the opportunity. Easy peasy. They understand this process is grueling and time intensive.

LOL -- please tell me you didn't really say it that way.

 

[Doogie17]

I have been accepted and have two upcoming MSTP interviews. I was told that once the school buys my plane ticket, that if I cancel on them then I have to reimburse the school for a full fare ticket price.

 

[organdonor]

They don't care. Do it now.


Dear school

I am writing to inform you that I am canceling my interview and ask that you withdraw my application.

Please reply to this email so that I may know you received my notification. I hope that this notice gives you time to review and consider another worthy applicant.

Sincerely

Me

 

[toastytoastie]

LOL -- please tell me you didn't really say it that way.

I softened it by explaining that it was a school close to home, but yup, I did say that. I canceled two in a row very last minute because I was literally driving to the airport to fly out to interview when I got the acceptance call, so I thought I owed them an honest and frank explanation as to why I was giving them less than 48 hours notice. I apologized profusely for the lack of advance notice, and thanked them for the opportunity.

 

[knv2u]

I have been accepted and have two upcoming MSTP interviews. I was told that once the school buys my plane ticket, that if I cancel on them then I have to reimburse the school for a full fare ticket price.

If that was the case, you could just withdraw your application after the interview.

 

[Doogie17]

If that was the case, you could just withdraw your application after the interview.

not that I want to, I would be happy to get in anywhere I have applied to and would not mind having another offer. I just wanted the OP to be aware, if the school already bought him a plane ticket then he needs to ask if he has to reimburse the school if he cancels the interview.

 

[URHere]

As others have said, it's fine to cancel the interview. This happens all the time and it won't burn any bridges for you.

However, if you have already made travel/lodging arrangements it may be worth going to to the interview anyway. Based on interviews, my impression of 2-3 MSTP programs changed dramatically, and some schools impressed me in a way that I really was not expecting. Wherever you go, remember that you will be in the program for nearly a decade of your life - one interview isn't much in the long-run, especially if it gives you a better idea of where you really want to spend your MSTP years.