Rank list finalization question

[Bluestripes]

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Hey everyone!

As rank list deadlines are coming closer, I had been talking to my other classmates applying into other positions and hearing mixed remarks. A lot of students will email their top choices and they will hear back from the PD or other staff from the program in response. Basically the student will tell their number one program they are ranking them one and I have heard people getting responses from their programs saying they are "taking them into consideration" and that they will consider "the student highly" etc...
Does this happen often with PMR? What are your thoughts about emailing programs that you really liked and telling them again how much you like them. Should we email our number one choice and let them know? If we don't hear back, is that a bad sign?

Thanks again.

 

[Mog16]

I second this question. I believe programs are not allowed to say anything beyond those generic remarks you listed (or similar). Obviously don't go around telling everyone they're your number one but I have a few programs at the top of my list that I'd love to contact and tell them that I plan on placing them high on my rank list. Does anyone know if these kinds of interactions are beneficial to applicants (or neutral/negative)?

 

[oreosandsake]

they might make you feel better during the month until results come out, but the truth is, I know numerous people that not match at programs that sent them "love letters"

I've seen some of the emails that come in from applicants. and they can be long-winded, and visibly interchangeable for every single program.

"i really enjoyed my day visiting program X. the facilities, faculty, and residnets were very impressive. I could see myself really happy as a hard working, friendly, research, clinician scientist resident at program X. I loved the blah blah blah at program X. In conclusion, I hope you will take me at X, since I am ranking you number 1"

 

[Xardas]

I can tell you after years of interviewing for jobs (some for practice, some for keeps), and internships and residencies there's a simple fact.

Interviewing is like dating. If they are interested in you they will let you know. They know what they like and they will rank them as they see fit.

If they are not interested you can write as many long winded poems, songs, and send them flowers as you want, but it will not get you a spot. They may (behind the doors) privately chuckle at your desperation.

Rank. Send a very short thank you. Consider using e-mail especially as some people nowadays consider paper mail a waste of resources and frankly most Progradm directors and attendings check their e-mails all the time and may not bother checking snail mail but once a week. Relax, and take time off from the craziness.

 

[Tromner]

they might make you feel better during the month until results come out, but the truth is, I know numerous people that not match at programs that sent them "love letters"

I'll second this. I never got any emails trying to recuit me but know people that did not match that got very misleading messages. It's all a mystery and at this point there's very little you can do to improve your chances so just relax.

 

[Bluestripes]

Thank you very much for your responses everyone. I have already sent thank you emails after my interviews but since I am still unsure of my top few choices (I know I am running out of time but luckily I still do have a couple of weeks) and still unsure about my rank list, I do not know who to email and even say "I am ranking you number 1 etc etc". I am relieved to hear that it may not even matter. I guess my only fear is, some of the places I interviewed at were in early November and I don't want them to think that I am not interested. I was wondering if it looks bad to not contact a program again after a few months. Will they know I am still interested?

 

[Anita817]

some of the places I interviewed at were in early November and I don't want them to think that I am not interested. I was wondering if it looks bad to not contact a program again after a few months. Will they know I am still interested?

Granted I'm still in the midst of this process myself, I'm not sure it ultimately matters whether they know you're still interested. You were granted an interview, and unless you screwed it up terribly, they will likely rank you. Your position on their list depends on many things, with perhaps the least significant among them being how many times you professed your love for them. I would heed the advice above and try to find a way to chill out for another 40 days.