question for those who went for a second look...

[pathchick]

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i have my first and only 'second look' tomorrow and i'm supernervous for some reason. i've read a bunch of threads that say that the 'second look' day is pretty laid back and more for the applicant than for the program. i'm having a tough time figuring out my rank list so i'm hoping this visit will refresh my mind about the program since i interviewed so early.
i have a few questions...
first of all, what do you wear? are you supposed to wear a suit again? if not, then am i supposed to wear my white student coat?
in general, do you meet with the program director again or is it primarily a day to hang out with the residents? does the subject of ranking usually come up or is that sort of a no-no?
😕

 

[stormjen]

Hi Pathchick. I have one second look scheduled, and I've gotten some info from the program about what it will be like.

First of all, there's no need to wear a suit. You're not interviewing; you're checking the place out. I plan to dress just like I do at the hospital: in nice slacks and a sweater or blouse. The white coat is probably optional for a pathology applicant. If you were doing a second look for a clinical specialty, then you might be around patients and would need a white coat to show patients who you are. I probably won't take a white coat since it's one more thing to pack.

I am scheduled to shadow some residents and also to meet with the program director. Not sure how common this is, but you could probably meet with the program director on your visit to answer any final questions. Can't imagine why they wouldn't let you, unless the PD were out that day.

I reeeally doubt they will come out and ask you how you will rank them. I think that is indeed a no-no. But the subject can come up, albeit indirectly. I'm planning to rank my second look program first and will tell them so if it's still the case when I visit them again.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

to second stormjen, the dresscode for a second visit is nowhere as formal as the interview dresscode. I just wore a nice shirt, a tie, and khaki's. in fact, the program told me not to dress up because then i would stand out. if you stand out, perhaps people will treat you differently and act less naturally.

on my second visit, ranking never came up. in fact, the PD didn't meet with me. the PDs attitude was that "the second visit is for you, not for us" and proceeded to tell me that second visits will not affect where i will be ranked "so don't come for that reason."

i did only one second visit at the end and that was because i expected to not like the program when i went there (cuz of scutwork reviews). when i interviewed, i was pleasantly surprised and i found that i really liked the program. so i felt that i HAD to visit the program again to see if this was a fluke or not. the second visit convinced me that i feel really strongly towards this program and i would be thrilled to match there.