Question about declining interviews

[bonovox]

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I applied to more programs than i should have, not expecting to get as many interview invites as I did. So, there are a few programs that, because of geographical location and time constraints, I am not going to schedule an interview at (I have more preferable "backups"). Do I simply not respond to these few programs invitation emails? Or, is it courtesy to send them an email declining their invitation? (If the latter, how should I word it?)

Now, here's the rub. I am still waiting on certain programs, and if these programs send me an invintation, then I figure I may as well interview at the few programs I am considering not scheduling an interview at simply because I will be in the area so I may as well. How long from getting an invitation is one expected to respond?

Thanks.

 

[Quink]

I applied to more programs than i should have, not expecting to get as many interview invites as I did. So, there are a few programs that, because of geographical location and time constraints, I am not going to schedule an interview at (I have more preferable "backups"). Do I simply not respond to these few programs invitation emails? Or, is it courtesy to send them an email declining their invitation? (If the latter, how should I word it?)

Now, here's the rub. I am still waiting on certain programs, and if these programs send me an invintation, then I figure I may as well interview at the few programs I am considering not scheduling an interview at simply because I will be in the area so I may as well. How long from getting an invitation is one expected to respond?

Thanks.

If you are invited to an interview and do not wish to go, politely decline the interview. It doesn't look good for you or for your medical school if you simply ignore the invitation.

If you have been offered interviews more than one day ago and you haven't responded and plan to schedule at that institution, you have probably missed your chance. Interview spots, especially at competetive programs, fill fast.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I applied to more programs than i should have, not expecting to get as many interview invites as I did. So, there are a few programs that, because of geographical location and time constraints, I am not going to schedule an interview at (I have more preferable "backups"). Do I simply not respond to these few programs invitation emails? Or, is it courtesy to send them an email declining their invitation? (If the latter, how should I word it?)

Absolutely. Very poor form not to respond.

However, people decline invitations all the time. All you have to say is something like:

Thank you for the recent invitation to interview at your program. Unfortunately, I will have to decline the invitation as I am unable to make the dates available.

Now, here's the rub. I am still waiting on certain programs, and if these programs send me an invintation, then I figure I may as well interview at the few programs I am considering not scheduling an interview at simply because I will be in the area so I may as well. How long from getting an invitation is one expected to respond?

Thanks.

There is not expected time to respond, but for many programs, if you haven't responded within a couple of days (or hours for some), the spot offered you is filled. Its always best to be obsessive and check your email frequently as most programs offer more interview spots than actual available positions (just like the airlines). So I wouldn't be suprised if the offered spot was gone if your delayed your response.

You can always check back with the program, since you will have responded tactfully that you can't make the dates and say there's been a change in your schedule and you were wondering if a spot was open for date x still.

 

[bonovox]

Thanks for the advice! The emails have been sent. 🙂

 

[bonovox]

Well, one of the programs I sent the email to just sent me an email saying another date has opened up and to let them know if I could make it. Heh. I really do not want to interview there, unless I got an interview at another hospital in the area. Hold off on replying?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Well, one of the programs I sent the email to just sent me an email saying another date has opened up and to let them know if I could make it. Heh. I really do not want to interview there, unless I got an interview at another hospital in the area. Hold off on replying?

Hah! They're on to you!

Depends on how bad you would feel if you couldn't interview there (ie, if you waited and they didn't have any more spots by the time you called).

You could always accept their offer and then call/email to cancel if you aren't going to be in the area. As long as you give a couple of weeks (or more) notice, that's ok IMHO.