Rank List becoming impossible to construct??

[JulianCrane]

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After going on all these interviews, I have found that there are aspects of almost all the programs I've gone to that I really love. I just can't seem to be able to possibly rank these programs. Some places have crazy OB numbers, others are average, etc. Of course, location is a factor as well. Second looks at some of my top places just aren't feasible because of expenses. This process is just a wallet destroyer. Anyone else in a similar predicament? For those that have been through this process, how did you decide??

 

[manleyjb]

Pretty similar situation here as well. I am 99.9% sure about my #1 but the next 3 are flopping around all them time. I think it will come down to the last day for my rank list just because of this. I think about them constantly but I am doing a second look at my number 1 so I hope that helps me decide about the others as well. Will probably come down to my interaction with the residents as a tie breaker. Good Luck!

 

[Xandie]

I'm in almost exactly the same spot, as my closest choice (other than my home program) is 10 hours away. I made my rank list in my head up to 7 programs; at 8, I couldn't figure it out anymore. Here's what I did (if you've been to Drexel, this will sound familiar). I made a spread sheet where I could rank: residents, faculty, administration, academic status, research, facility, call, location, OB exp, GYN exp, clinic, etc. Then I gave each of those a modifier (1 to 5, the residents were WAY more important than the research, but they both matter). Then I ranked all of the programs on a 1 to 5 scale and came up with a score. My rank list is exactly this list, but only because it matched with what I was thinking. It did help me to clear up some things between close programs (some of them are separated by half a point, three have the exact same scores, so that's a little interesting.

 

[bigapple34]

Same problem here, my first 2 keep flipping back and forth. I think in the end it's going to come down to location. It really depends on what is important to you. I think my top 3 have switched positions about a hundred times. Guess time will help figure things out. I might try Xandie's spreadsheet... sound's like a good idea!

 

[Xandie]

If someone could explain to me how to attach my file, I'd be happy to put it up. Took me a little bit to get it all set up the way I wanted.

 

[JulianCrane]

How about we all get together with a bottle of tequila and sort it all out. Ya know, truth comes out with a little liquid courage. 🙂

 

[Global Disrobal]

When performing a post, look at the menu bar and click on the paper clip icon (attachments).

Good luck in the match & happy holidays!

 

[Xandie]

Thanks, Global. I usually use quick reply, I forgot this page even existed!

This is mine: I took out my rankings and everything. If you put your modifiers in the "level of importance" row, then enter your programs in the other rows, it'll automatically give you the composite score. Then you can data sort that way. Good times!

 

[nykka3]

thanks Xandie!

 

[JulianCrane]

So how many programs is everyone gonna rank?

 

[THP]

I've heard you should rank no less than 7. I am probably going to rank 9 or 10.

For me one particular program stood out miles above the rest and I am trying to figure out the order of my next 3. Then I have a good sense what my next 5-10 are.

 

[nykka3]

So far I plan to rank all of them. I would even attend my last choice than scramble!

 

[Xandie]

I'm in exactly the same boat, nykka. I went on 15 interviews (yeah, I know), and would rather go to any of those rather than end up in another specialty, which I think would be a real concern given last year's outcomes. So I'm planning on ranking all 15.

 

[mules05]

Xandie, thanks for the spreadsheet! I saved it to my computer so I can use it next year. To offer another way of ranking that's less methodical than Xandie's spreadsheet, here's what my boyfriend did when ranking IM programs. He divided all places he'd be willing to go into "tiers" based mainly on academic strength. Then top tier programs were ranked based on location, how he felt about the prog, etc, then 2nd tier programs ranked the same way after first tier, etc. This worked for him because academic strength (and fellowship matching) was the most important factor in choosing a program. I suppose one could also use this model by separating into tiers based on another important factor- say, location.

 

[bigapple34]

I plan on ranking all 12 i interviewed with... I am terrified that even that isn't enough!

 

[nykka3]

I'm in exactly the same boat, nykka. I went on 15 interviews (yeah, I know), and would rather go to any of those rather than end up in another specialty, which I think would be a real concern given last year's outcomes. So I'm planning on ranking all 15.

I have one more this Saturday...and I will finally be done!!!! I find myself wearing out now though. My interview skills and sharpness is fading...or maybe I am getting jaded and tired of all of this interviewing.

 

[Xandie]

My last interview I was really, really done. Plus, I didn't super-duper LOVE the program, and the PD was a little antagonistic. The chair was awesome, though, so it's just kind of one of those things -- if I could take the facilities of one place, the location of another, the PD from another, blah blah. If only, right?

 

[MDLove]

So this is my impossible rank list dilemma:
Two programs keep flip-flopping in my head battling for that number 1 spot.

One is a program is close to perfect as far as my academic goals, location, hours, call, vacation, amenities, etc. I was extremely impressed by the interview day, and everyone was very friendly, however there wasn't that overall incredibly comfortable feeling I got at the second program.

The second program has a couple of minor negatives (none too major that they would be deal breakers), location is much further from my family, but will definitely get me to my career goals without difficulty since it is a very high profile program. The residents definitely work harder here, however, the residents are awesome. I felt so comfortable with everyone including faculty and had a lot of fun with them.

So what do I do???

 

[THP]

So this is my impossible rank list dilemma:
Two programs keep flip-flopping in my head battling for that number 1 spot.

One is a program is close to perfect as far as my academic goals, location, hours, call, vacation, amenities, etc. I was extremely impressed by the interview day, and everyone was very friendly, however there wasn't that overall incredibly comfortable feeling I got at the second program.

The second program has a couple of minor negatives (none too major that they would be deal breakers), location is much further from my family, but will definitely get me to my career goals without difficulty since it is a very high profile program. The residents definitely work harder here, however, the residents are awesome. I felt so comfortable with everyone including faculty and had a lot of fun with them.

So what do I do???

Go with the 1st one.

 

[MDLove]

Thanks for the advice THP. It's just so hard cause everyone says to go with your gut, which would be the second one. But when I think about all factors practically, the first makes a little more sense. They are both top programs so either way, it really would be fine. I'm just stressing so much about it.

-Xandie, thanks so much for the spreadsheet! I would never have had the patience to create something like that myself!

 

[THP]

Thanks for the advice THP. It's just so hard cause everyone says to go with your gut, which would be the second one. But when I think about all factors practically, the first makes a little more sense. They are both top programs so either way, it really would be fine. I'm just stressing so much about it.

-Xandie, thanks so much for the spreadsheet! I would never have had the patience to create something like that myself!

All else being equal (assuming you think you will be able to get along with the other residents), I would say that location should be the deciding factor. It is very difficult being far from family, especially if you have kids. If you are not happy with the place you live you will never want to leave the hospital, which can't be healthy.

That being said, I am going with my gut for my first choice even though it is probably not the best financial move in the short run.

 

[C. LaRue]

Thanks for the advice THP. It's just so hard cause everyone says to go with your gut, which would be the second one. But when I think about all factors practically, the first makes a little more sense. They are both top programs so either way, it really would be fine. I'm just stressing so much about it.

-Xandie, thanks so much for the spreadsheet! I would never have had the patience to create something like that myself!

I'll pop in late and say go with the second one. It's a long four years, and nothing is more important (to me anyway) than working with people you feel comfortable with. My vote is go with your gut.