Quick Question Regarding Prematch

[Noncompliant]

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I'm sure the answer is floating out there on sdn somewhere, but I have yet to find it. Thought I'd go directly to my fellow psych gurus for guidance.

If you are offered a prematch position, how long do you typically have to accept/decline an offer? Is there still time to attend other interviews prior to making a decision?

I have read that psych does not typically prematch, but I do know that at least two of the programs I am very interested in have been known to sign students before the match. That being said, don't want to limit my options too much before checking out a couple other programs in which I have a strong interest. Thanks in advance for any insights!

 

[spaslam]

my understanding is that gradutaing US med student seniors (ie, American med students garduating this yr) are no eligible to accept pre match offers. Osteopathic, foreign medical graduate and US med student graduates from past yrs ARE eligible to accept pre match offers.

the offer is at the discretion of the offering program and your to accept, reject or punt.

i was made an offer in '06-'07, and opted to finish the interview season. the offer was then rescinded.

 

[wolfvgang22]

I have heard many times that programs will often offer an pre-match with the condition that the applicant decide whether or not to accept the prematch in 48 hours, or within the week. Don't know how true that is.

 

[BabyPsychDoc]

I have heard many times that programs will often offer an pre-match with the condition that the applicant decide whether or not to accept the prematch in 48 hours, or within the week. Don't know how true that is.

It's true. If the offer is not time-limited, there would not be any sense for the programme to offer prematch contracts.

 

[BobA]

Is it true that US seniors can't accept Pre-match?

 

[spaslam]

US Seniors can NOT accept pre match offers legally.

 

[peppy]

So when do prematch offers typically come? Do they usually offer them right after you interview or wait until right before the rank lists?
I'm wondering if this possibility should factor into the timing of where to interview at your expected #1 choice or if it usually isn't a problem. I would hope that programs understand that most applicants would be reluctant to commit to the first place they interview at before they have a chance to at least hear what other programs have to say.

 

[Anasazi23]

A prematch offer can come in the interview itself. More commonly though, your application is reviewed and scored, and an offer is made to you via phone shortly thereafter (perhaps a week or so).

It's perfectly reasonable and expected to contact the PD and ask them for how long the offer stands. This is the business part of the transaction, and there's no shame in it. Better to clarify it than deal with disappointment and frustration later.