programs tell u theyr ank u?

[yellowfever1985]

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along the interview trail as I was talking to residents, they told me that some programs will send you an email around the end of FEB. letting you know they ranked you in their top 7 or etc etc..
is that true? what programs does neone know of that do this?
any in the illinois area that do this?

 

[Cinnameg]

along the interview trail as I was talking to residents, they told me that some programs will send you an email around the end of FEB. letting you know they ranked you in their top 7 or etc etc..
is that true? what programs does neone know of that do this?
any in the illinois area that do this?

I have NEVER heard of programs doing this. Actually it sounds borderline unethical; but I don't know, it probably isn't expressly forbidden by the NRMP, I haven't read all the rules. But, it shouldn't change your rank list in any case; if you read the match algorithm (which is pretty uncomplicated, it basically tries to match every applicant into their top choice and only consults the residency's preference list and moves applicants down to their next choice when more applicants rank a program than there are spots) there is no benefit to ranking programs higher that you think you might have a better chance of getting into. The only benefit to you would be bragging rights that you got your "first choice.". The residencies, on the other hand, might be very motivated to encourage the applicants they want to rank their program higher, as the match is very slanted to applicant preferences.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

What advantage is this anyway? Programs certify their lists the same day that you do. What's done is done.

 

[nitemagi]

Some programs send out a cryptic email that essentially says you're ranked to match. This usually means if they have 8 spots you're in the top 8 BUT can also mean that if they usually go to #20 on their list you're in the top 20.

Again, that's often why it's kept cryptic. Many programs, as indicated above, send no email at all.

 

[DrBosse]

Some programs send out a cryptic email that essentially says you're ranked to match. This usually means if they have 8 spots you're in the top 8 BUT can also mean that if they usually go to #20 on their list you're in the top 20.

Again, that's often why it's kept cryptic. Many programs, as indicated above, send no email at all.

Aaaaahrgh, thanks for that, NiteMagi! Now if I don't receive a cryptic letter I'm going to be worried about not matching. Crappola.

 

[nitemagi]

Again, as others have said it's really nothing to worry about. Nothing you can control at this phase of the game. And the presence or absence of an email can mean nothing. Programs that only go to #20 on their list one year could go to #50 the next year. All part of the magical mystery of the match.

The only thing I'd read into is if you get an email that says "you'd better apply elsewhere." 😉

 

[Cinnameg]

Again, as others have said it's really nothing to worry about. Nothing you can control at this phase of the game. And the presence or absence of an email can mean nothing. Programs that only go to #20 on their list one year could go to #50 the next year. All part of the magical mystery of the match.

The only thing I'd read into is if you get an email that says "you'd better apply elsewhere." 😉

The worst email response I've gotten to a thank-you-slash-expression-of-interest is "I hope the rest of your interviews go well and that you are able to make the best decision for you." No expression of hope that I would go to this place . . . which has been uncommon, I've gotten more responses to thank you's that say "we hope you will consider joining us here at X." So they're all not super clear on stating if they will rank me or where, etc. Yellowfever, I hope this helps. 🙂

 

[sarahjay]

I've had one program (in TX) email me a few days ago telling me I was "ranked highly" followed by a few reasons why their program/city were great.

 

[yellowfever1985]

thanks guys! its just so frustrating when the pd and assistant pd dont reply back to ur thank you emails or love letters of interest...and they are your top choice 🙁

 

[Cinnameg]

thanks guys! its just so frustrating when the pd and assistant pd dont reply back to ur thank you emails or love letters of interest...and they are your top choice 🙁

Hey Yellowfever . . . so I guess I was wrong, some programs do tell you if they are ranking you. I just got an email that said "We, too, have completed
our interviews for the entering class of June 2011 and I am very pleased to
inform you that the Residency Selection Committee is impressed with your
credentials and with your potential to become an outstanding psychiatrist." That kind of implies they're ranking me (I hope). They didn't say where or how highly, unlike the email Sarahjay got.

 

[plickfu]

Hey Yellowfever . . . so I guess I was wrong, some programs do tell you if they are ranking you. I just got an email that said "We, too, have completed
our interviews for the entering class of June 2011 and I am very pleased to
inform you that the Residency Selection Committee is impressed with your
credentials and with your potential to become an outstanding psychiatrist." That kind of implies they're ranking me (I hope). They didn't say where or how highly, unlike the email Sarahjay got.

Yep, I got that one, too. Of course, don't know where we'll be ranked.

 

[notdeadyet]

thanks guys! its just so frustrating when the pd and assistant pd dont reply back to ur thank you emails or love letters of interest...and they are your top choice 🙁

In many cases, students send these out to everybody. Unless you make a hell of a splash, I can't imagine them amounting to much in the decision or ranking process.

 

[Bluemirage]

How do people feel about receiving phone calls on their cell from PD's and Chairmen of psychiatry departments with statements like "would really like to see you in July," "we know you will thrive here at our program" and "are there any questions that we can answer that would make it easier for you to choose us?" I wonder if they do this with a substantial number of applicants or does this mean we are ranked to match? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[nitemagi]

How do people feel about receiving phone calls on their cell from PD's and Chairmen of psychiatry departments with statements like "would really like to see you in July," "we know you will thrive here at our program" and "are there any questions that we can answer that would make it easier for you to choose us?" I wonder if they do this with a substantial number of applicants or does this mean we are ranked to match? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Doesn't mean ranked to match. Does mean they liked you.

 

[Jack Napier]

Is it a bad sign if nobody has called or written you? Not sure if I should be concerned

 

[Cinnameg]

How do people feel about receiving phone calls on their cell from PD's and Chairmen of psychiatry departments with statements like "would really like to see you in July," "we know you will thrive here at our program" and "are there any questions that we can answer that would make it easier for you to choose us?" I wonder if they do this with a substantial number of applicants or does this mean we are ranked to match? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

I just got one of these calls this morning -- along with an email from the same program. The doc left a phone message (I'm on neurosurgery, so no phone time for me in the morning) saying "feel free to call me back if you have any questions at this late date." I'm wondering, does that mean he's expecting me to call him back, or does the "late date" comment imply that I shouldn't have any questions left at this point?

 

[Cinnameg]

Is it a bad sign if nobody has called or written you? Not sure if I should be concerned

Probably not a sign of anything -- my guess is we're all talking about getting emails and/or phone calls in the past few days from the same 2-3 programs.

 

[Bluemirage]

I just got one of these calls this morning -- along with an email from the same program. The doc left a phone message (I'm on neurosurgery, so no phone time for me in the morning) saying "feel free to call me back if you have any questions at this late date." I'm wondering, does that mean he's expecting me to call him back, or does the "late date" comment imply that I shouldn't have any questions left at this point?

I'm thinking what he meant by "late date" was "do you have any last minute questions that may sway your decision?" I did have quite a few questions that were not answered during my interview day and so I called him back in order to clarify them to help with my own rank list. I have a feeling they have already finalized their rank list (judging by the tone of their e-mail) and so calling them with any questions will be for your own benefit.