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Is anyone doing second looks at programs they are interested in or is this a waste of time?
second looks?
- Thread starter path4
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b&ierstiefel
Definitely! Unless I go broke. I'm not going everywhere for second visits...I only went/will go for second visits to my top 3-4 programs. With respect to interviews, I really feel that interview visits don't make it or break it for me. But second visits allow an applicant to get a slightly better impression of the daily workings of the place.path4 said:
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I'm going to do one at my top 2 programs, first of all to see what they are like when not in 'interview mode' and second, to expose my spouse to the cities as he didn't get to go with me for them.
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cytoborg said:
I can empathize with that issue, but maybe some of your programs will offer to pay for all expenses incurred during a second look visit. 2 programs have actually offered that to me, but those seem to be places that only do second looks by invitation. Oy, this just seems to be getting more like a game as time goes on. I guess that's its nature!
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b&ierstiefel
It is a game. But go on second visits if you're sure these programs are you top choices. Second visits can only help (unless you behave like a buffoon) and help you express your interest in the program and maximize your chances of matching there.psammoma said:
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The 11th Commandment:
Thou shalt invite thyself!
Thou shalt invite thyself!
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b&ierstiefel
SLUsagar said:
*Andy covers ears with hands to prevent going deaf*
Penn has offered a fully funded second visit. I believe Hopkins does the same thing. MGH and Brigham also offer second visits but I don't know if they're free or not. Cornell pays for a second visit as well. I don't know about the West Coast programs though.
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AndyMilonakis said:
Just to clarify -- Are these offers unsolicited (i.e. will these programs fund your visit if you ask to visit)?
How many weeks after the interview were these offers made?
In your opinion, does an offer to visit a program expense-free indicate one's position on that program's match list?
thanks!
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cytoborg said:
Well - for another perspective here - I didn't go on any second looks, and I actually heard someone who said second looks should only be done if you are seriously conflicted and want to see if the program for you. Sure, it can show them you are interested, but so can an email telling them "I am very interested in your program." Programs are busy, and quite frankly, having to chaperone around a visiting student for the day can be a bit of a hassle at times. So don't feel obligated to do one by any means. Only if there are questions you have that can't be answered by correspondence, or you want to see what it's like for yourself.
Most programs do not go around offering second looks - those that do often offer them to most if not all of the applicants. Sometimes it is brought up at the day of your interview, sometimes on a follow up correspondence. It was my understanding that the majority of programs don't subsidize your visit (they might give you lunch or something, but expecting a hotel room is probably a bit much unless you are at one of the few that does this). That being said, though, very few will decline if you request it.
I can't tell you that second looks don't bump you up the rank list, but it probably isn't as big a factor as it sounds.
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Personally I would rather spend the day viewing somewhere else. After spending the whole day at an institution are there really that many more questions to ask? Do you think that by coming for a second look, the program will remove the interview facade and suddenly give you all the dirty details? If second looks really do affect ranking then I am screwed, but if your main reason for going is to "express interest" I think this can be done just as effectively with a phone call to the PD and tell him/her what you think...
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b&ierstiefel
Well from my perspective, Hopkins offered, without any solicitation on my part, to have me visit a second time because I was in the area for a couple of weeks instead of a few days. So it's not like they had to fly me in and put me up in a hotel.PathProspect said:
As for Penn, the second visit offer was also unsolicited. They offered to have me spend 3 days at their program if I wished...one day to talk to research faculty, another day to spend time with residents as they did their daily work, and a third day to drive around Philly with a real estate agent to investigate the housing market.
The day after I interviewed at MGH, I got an email from their PD which said that if I wanted to come for a second visit, he would "hook me up." Whether the expenses will be paid was not clearly stated.
Brigham also mentioned that a second visit was doable as well. They also didn't mention anything about compensation.
Now, for the programs that offer expenses paid second visits, you should be hooked up if you ask. For them to pay for some people's second visit but not others is a total dick move on their part.
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b&ierstiefel
So I did a few second visits and I felt that I got a more realistic view of the program and the daily operations within. I didn't do this for the sole purpose of playing some game but to really get a sense as to if I would fit in well with the program. Believe it or not, different programs gave me different vibes and to hang out with residents/faculty who are not actively involved in the ranking process and see how they act in everyday life was valuable.joedogma said:
Second visits take time and even though I'm done with school, I don't have much free time on my hands to freely visit a bunch of programs a second time. I will be only visiting those programs a second time if I feel that these are programs that I will rank #1 through #4.
Irregardless, there will be people who come down on me for playing some sort of game. The way I see it is that I want what's best for myself and when I go on second visits, I am trying to help myself make the best informed decision but also let them know that I truly am considering them highly when it comes to ROL entry time. I want what's best for myself and I'm sure you do too...so if that's some sort of game...so be it.
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yaah said:
👍 Thanks dude. I feel better.
Andy, I'm sure no one would accuse you of playing a game...although I'm sure we all can sympathize that a lot of this is a game...but if you need more info to comfortably make your decision, then it's great that you are able to re-visit places so you can be sure to make the most informed decision possible.
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b&ierstiefel
there is a somewhat related thread in the OB/GYN forum. check it out for an interesting read 🙂
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b&ierstiefel
cuz i'm a voyeur. shh! keep it on the down low ok?scootad. said:
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I don't think I'm going to be doing any second visits just because I've done 11 interviews and I have 5 more to go. I really like UCLA and Cornell. I can visit Cornell without a problem but not UCLA. As yaah said I was really thinking about doing a second look at some of the places I can't rank. I can't rank 3 of the first 5 places I interviewed at. One of the places gave me a weird vibe but they do have a strong program so maybe a second look will clarify things.
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b&ierstiefel
no offers. in fact, the west coast places have told me that i suck and told me never to come back ever again.SLUsagar said:
just kidding. if you wanna visit those places for a second time, there's nothing wrong with just asking.
