Post-interview correspondence thread

[Scaredshizzles]

This is the second time in time in the last three matches this has happened. Also happened in 2007.
I've heard it wasn't intentional. I believe what they did was that based on the previous year's match, if they for example had to go down to #100 on their rank list to fill a class of 60, then they called the first 100 people on their list. The problem then became that the following year they only had to go down to say #80 to fill their class - which means #80-100 would have gotten a call and yet not match.
What they need to do is ONLY call people who are ranked 1-60 (assuming 60 is the class size).

Do people here seriously believe programs like MGH only have to go down to 100 on their match list? Don't forget, the majority of people who interview at the big 4 have interviews at 3 or more of the big 4. I doubt MGH has ever managed to fill with less than 130-150 down their list. But I bet they have called the top 200. Just the way things go.

 

[EaglesPA]

Do people here seriously believe programs like MGH only have to go down to 100 on their match list? Don't forget, the majority of people who interview at the big 4 have interviews at 3 or more of the big 4. I doubt MGH has ever managed to fill with less than 130-150 down their list. But I bet they have called the top 200. Just the way things go.

Those numbers I cited were just hypotheticals to explain the point I was making- have no idea exactly how far down they have to go to fill their class.

 

[Mental Gymnast]

This is the second time in time in the last three matches this has happened. Also happened in 2007.
I've heard it wasn't intentional. I believe what they did was that based on the previous year's match, if they for example had to go down to #100 on their rank list to fill a class of 60, then they called the first 100 people on their list. The problem then became that the following year they only had to go down to say #80 to fill their class - which means #80-100 would have gotten a call and yet not match.
What they need to do is ONLY call people who are ranked 1-60 (assuming 60 is the class size).

To this year's applicants: I kindly remind you that wether MGH calls 4 applicants this year or all 400 should not matter whatsoever. As indiamacbean said, correspondence should not in ANY WAY influence how you rank them. Several residents have mentioned stories about ranking MGH number 1/receiving a call only to not match there - as if that should deter current applicants from doing the same. MGH is just an extremely selective program as are hopkins, ucsf, bwh, etc. You should rank where you want to go, irrespective of phone calls, and let the match do its thing.

 

[Frugal Traveler]

To this year's applicants: I kindly remind you that wether MGH calls 4 applicants this year or all 400 should not matter whatsoever. As indiamacbean said, correspondence should not in ANY WAY influence how you rank them. Several residents have mentioned stories about ranking MGH number 1/receiving a call only to not match there - as if that should deter current applicants from doing the same. MGH is just an extremely selective program as are hopkins, ucsf, bwh, etc. You should rank where you want to go, irrespective of phone calls, and let the match do its thing.

I think the other thing about MGH is that the program tries to have a class full of diverse applicants. Leaving home and moving to Boston (or any other new place for that matter) is not always going to happen. I think there is also the element in the back of many minds that people were grateful to come to MGH but they think there is zero chance of matching there because it's MGH. The phone calls might reduce some of the disbelief that you could be a resident there.

On the other hand, MGH does interview more people than the Brigham (I believe 400 vs. 250) for reasons that are unclear.

Overall, each program had its unique feel, and you need to rank based on where you feel you belong!

The great thing about internal medicine is no program reigns supreme or is perfect. If you don't match at one place, then there are a ton of other great programs out there.

 

[Friendly]

I think the other thing about MGH is that the program tries to have a class full of diverse applicants. Leaving home and moving to Boston (or any other new place for that matter) is not always going to happen. I think there is also the element in the back of many minds that people were grateful to come to MGH but they think there is zero chance of matching there because it's MGH. The phone calls might reduce some of the disbelief that you could be a resident there.

On the other hand, MGH does interview more people than the Brigham (I believe 400 vs. 250) for reasons that are unclear.

Overall, each program had its unique feel, and you need to rank based on where you feel you belong!

The great thing about internal medicine is no program reigns supreme or is perfect. If you don't match at one place, then there are a ton of other great programs out there.

I think everyone interviewing at MGH this year should just tell them they are ranking them #1. Maybe then they'll stop with this nonsense of sending out letters and calling people who realistically have no chance of matching there. I think one solid year of MGH having no clue who they'll get may urge them to do something about their interview panel that they clearly seem to have little faith in. This might make them stick to the rules of the match.

In all seriousness, though, rank where you are comfortable with on interview day and, once again, do not pay any attention to phone calls or letters from institutions. They mean absolutely nothing.

 

[ResidentMD]

I think everyone interviewing at MGH this year should just tell them they are ranking them #1. Maybe then they'll stop with this nonsense of sending out letters and calling people who realistically have no chance of matching there. I think one solid year of MGH having no clue who they'll get may urge them to do something about their interview panel that they clearly seem to have little faith in. This might make them stick to the rules of the match.

\

True...true...after seeing the way people have been rubbed, I too thought that's a feasible solution

 

[ID15]

Im wondering – if one interviews at MGH and then does not receive the elusive phone call/e-mail, they realistically have no chance at matching there?? (assuming people get these messages still don’t always match). This would seem to be the case since receiving these messages from MGH seems so ubiquitous…

 

[intmed3]

Just to bring this away from the MGH...anyone heard anything else from programs? I've gotten several generic emails just updating me on any changes (just got one from Tufts) but that's it

 

[relic]

Im wondering – if one interviews at MGH and then does not receive the elusive phone call/e-mail, they realistically have no chance at matching there?? (assuming people get these messages still don’t always match). This would seem to be the case since receiving these messages from MGH seems so ubiquitous…

I know someone that did not receive a phone call and matched there (in a year that people said MGH were notorious at contacting people).

 

[GniraW]

Duke- No correspindence
MGH- No correspondence

What is going on with these guy? I am hearing that people are getting calls and letters, is there any truth to this?

 

[houstoncfh]

Duke- No correspindence
MGH- No correspondence

What is going on with these guy? I am hearing that people are getting calls and letters, is there any truth to this?

Yes, on both counts.

 

[intmed3]

Duke- No correspindence
MGH- No correspondence

What is going on with these guy? I am hearing that people are getting calls and letters, is there any truth to this?

I haven't heard anything from any of the top (or even middle) tier places
It's starting to make me a little concerned....here's to hoping that some of the big names aren't making as many calls as they normally do!

 

[LadyJubilee8_18]

I got the mailed card from Duke but no emails. I'm wondering if that means they aren't too enthused about me and it makes me worried. Do you guys think PDs know who would fit and who wouldn't and that's how they choose who to contact? Like they aren't trying to recruit me because I would be a bad fit

 

[Scaredshizzles]

I got the mailed card from Duke but no emails. I'm wondering if that means they aren't too enthused about me and it makes me worried. Do you guys think PDs know who would fit and who wouldn't and that's how they choose who to contact? Like they aren't trying to recruit me because I would be a bad fit

Or maybe they think you're overqualified and not worth putting in the effort to recruit you?

 

[LadyJubilee8_18]

Or maybe they think you're overqualified and not worth putting in the effort to recruit you?

I doubt that's the case with Duke

 

[Cdn11]

Anyone heard from Brigham or BIDMC?

 

[futureres]

I think post-interview correspondence should be banned...

 

[futureres]

I heard from the Boston programs, but kind of felt like I was expected to commit...

 

[Hassler]

I think post-interview correspondence should be banned...

I would take it one step further. All pre- , post- interview correspondence, second looks should be banned. Wouldn't that make life easier for everyone? Save time and money!

 

[Mental Gymnast]

I heard from the Boston programs, but kind of felt like I was expected to commit...

did they call or email, futureres?

 

[futureres]

did they call or email, futureres?

Combo

 

[Phineus]

Combo

futureres, you must be REALLY badass!!

 

[futureres]

futureres, you must be REALLY badass!!

LOL not quite...some colleagues have been getting calls from my tentative #1 and I haven't heard anything...oh well. I'll take what I can get though.

 

[Phineus]

LOL not quite...some colleagues have been getting calls from my tentative #1 and I haven't heard anything...oh well. I'll take what I can get though.

futurers: your #1 tried calling you but the line was tied up by your #2, 3, 4, and 5!

 

[tacrum43]

You know, there are programs other than MGH who train internists. Just saying...

 

[Aciphex]

You know, there are programs other than MGH who train internists. Just saying...

In the studentdoctor world these words are blasphemy. I hereby sentence you to a lifetime ban from studentdoctor and three years hard training at any of these "other programs" you make mention of.....

 

[Speculatrix]

You know, there are programs other than MGH who train internists. Just saying...

Ew gross, why would you even consider any other programs but MGH.

 

[chitown82]

Do you kiddos respond to post-interview feedback - e-mails? voice mails? Obviously if it's your #1 choice, it makes sense to respond. What about to other programs or if you don't quite know what your #1 is going to be.

 

[Friendly]

Do you kiddos respond to post-interview feedback - e-mails? voice mails? Obviously if it's your #1 choice, it makes sense to respond. What about to other programs or if you don't quite know what your #1 is going to be.

If your #2 or lower is MGH, your either have to ignore their e-mail or tell them they are #1...even if they are not (I suggest the former). If you respond with: "I would love to come there", "I am ranking you highly.." etc. you are effectively not 'kissing the ring'. MGH needs to have you kiss the ring if you get one of their unscrupulous letters, e-mails, or phone calls. It's deplorable, and one reason why I refused to apply there again as a fellow. I hope that helps!

 

[Phineus]

If your #2 or lower is MGH, your either have to ignore their e-mail or tell them they are #1...even if they are not (I suggest the former). If you respond with: "I would love to come there", "I am ranking you highly.." etc. you are effectively not 'kissing the ring'. MGH needs to have you kiss the ring if you get one of their unscrupulous letters, e-mails, or phone calls. It's deplorable, and one reason why I refused to apply there again as a fellow. I hope that helps!

I am eagerly looking forward to LICKING the ring!

 

[lakeplacid]

ok, forget about MGH. Now that we are getting pre-match correspondence (this is months after the interview so I don't consider this post-interview correspondence) what is the polite thing to do if you get personal emails from the PD/chair/residents saying how much they liked you and hope you will strongly consider them, etc. I haven't responded to generic "you are ranked to match" emails, but when it is a personal email, it's much harder to ignore it without feeling like a douche. It's easy for me to respond when the program is my top choice. However, if it is not my top choice, I'm having trouble figuring out what to write without giving away that they aren't my top choice.

Is it polite to send back a similar email saying you liked the program and would be happy to match there, or is that basically code for "Sorry, I don't want to go to your program."

And regardless of who reads what into my email, isn't the polite thing to do to send a reply?

 

[glasshouse]

ok, forget about MGH. Now that we are getting pre-match correspondence (this is months after the interview so I don't consider this post-interview correspondence) what is the polite thing to do if you get personal emails from the PD/chair/residents saying how much they liked you and hope you will strongly consider them, etc. I haven't responded to generic "you are ranked to match" emails, but when it is a personal email, it's much harder to ignore it without feeling like a douche. It's easy for me to respond when the program is my top choice. However, if it is not my top choice, I'm having trouble figuring out what to write without giving away that they aren't my top choice.

Is it polite to send back a similar email saying you liked the program and would be happy to match there, or is that basically code for "Sorry, I don't want to go to your program."

And regardless of who reads what into my email, isn't the polite thing to do to send a reply?

I highly doubt anyone would interpret it that way (unless they've been spending WAY too much time on sdn)

 

[rdzak]

has anyone received any ranking info (ranked to match etc.) from top tier programs other than MGH?

 

[buzzword]

I am curious/terrified to attempt resurrection of this thread

Anyone?

 

[choirboy]

I've heard from about half of the programs I interviewed with. I'm writing letters tomorrow telling the programs in my top half that they're at the top of my list. Planning on meeting with my PD in a week or two to talk about programs and have him put in a good word if possible. Whatever you do/don't do isn't going to matter, don't psyche yourself out.

 

[go lakers]

I'm writing letters tomorrow telling the programs in my top half that they're at the top of my list.

is this common?

 

[RunningMan]

is this common?

I'm not sure how common it is, but I would question the value of such letters. I purposefully asked almost every PD about post-interview communication. About half said they didn't care at all. The other half told me to let them know if they are number one, but "top half" or "highly ranked" means nothing to them. You can take that for what it's worth given a sample size of about 10.

 

[go lakers]

You can take that for what it's worth given a sample size of about 10.

Thats a good enough n for me.
I'll stick to just informing my #1.

 

[gutonc]

is this common?

Among douchey gunners? Yes.

 

[adagio]

needs to have you kiss the ring

is that the cosa nostra thing?

MGH elusive phone call

Huh? obviously MGH residents are Nobel laureates caliber

 

[cardsorbust]

I'm writing letters tomorrow telling the programs in my top half that they're at the top of my list.

Telling your real #1 they are #1 is probably a good thing. Telling more than 1 program they're #1 is not a good thing for many reasons. "Top of my list" is probably okay but if not saying they're #1 they don't care. Most programs probably subscribe to the philosophy from Talladega Nights, "if you ain't first, you're last." Do you really want to tell them they're last?

Ricky Bobby: If you ain't first, you're last. You know, you know what I'm talking about? [to television camera]
Ricky Bobby: That there is trademarked, not to be used without written permission of Ricky Bobby, Inc.

 

[adagio]

game theory applies to the match just as it applies to anything else, and we dont need to be a john nash to figure out how things are going here:

The interviewers and interviewees -from what I gathered reading multiple posts in the form- must realize that what one says ain't necessarily what one means; I reckon no value whatsoever exists in any communication outside the interview room.

The formula for the program must be: numerical value of the residents (scores+pubs+MSPE+etc) divided by any red flags during the interview/on application.

 

[choirboy]

Among douchey gunners? Yes.

Thanks sunshine

From what my PD has told us (and written about), telling the programs in the top half (5/11 for me) that they will be "at the top of your rank list" is perfectly fair game. Yes, they probably don't care.

 

[applegeek1234]

Thanks sunshine

From what my PD has told us (and written about), telling the programs in the top half (5/11 for me) that they will be "at the top of your rank list" is perfectly fair game. Yes, they probably don't care.

Man, I hope we match into different programs cuz I'm done with dbag gunners.
Just sayin.

 

[choirboy]

Man, I hope we match into different programs cuz I'm done with dbag gunners.
Just sayin.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Programs tell people that they are ranked to match all the time, and every year people have the sob stories about how they can't believe they didn't match to program X. Since there are programs that are known to move you down their list they don't think you are at the top of theirs, why limit yourself? I'm not advocating telling everyone that they are your number one, but letting a limited number of places know how much you want to be there just seems prudent, especially if you don't think you are a slam dunk for your top program.

 

[adagio]

The interviewers and interviewees -from what I gathered reading multiple posts in the form- must realize that what one says ain't necessarily what one means; I reckon no value whatsoever exists in any communication outside the interview room.

-_-

 

[Jetty]

Hi everyone,

Was wondering if programs started sending out emails regarding 2nd looks.
I've read in years past certain programs would pay for applicants to go visit
them again. Is this still a common practice in IM?

 

[gutonc]

Hi everyone,

Was wondering if programs started sending out emails regarding 2nd looks.
I've read in years past certain programs would pay for applicants to go visit
them again. Is this still a common practice in IM?

It is very program dependent and - as a moderately competitive applicant a few years ago before the economy took a massive dump - none of the 18 places I interviewed at offered a paid 2nd look. I wouldn't hold your breath.

 

[hannibalct]

anyone know if the issues about MGH and 'troof' are still applicable this year? I know everyone plays the game to some extent, but threads and history suggest MGH may play it a bit harder than others.

 

[StudentDoctor55]

My number 7 rank just emailed me to see if I had any questions and that they hoped I would be considering them, etc. Should I reply to the email? I feel like saying anything other than you are my number one makes it clear that they are not my number one and I do not want to risk hurting my chances even at a place that is low on my list. Does not replying to the email look bad?