Second Looks

[caedmon]

---

Members do not see this ad.

How important are second look interviews in PM&R? I'm running out of travel funds and it would be quite expensive to travel to say my top one to three programs. Plus, I'm not done interviewing yet. Is a letter confirming my sincere interest going to be enough? Any opinions or anecdotes of where you matched/what you did would be appreciated.

 

[axm397]

I don't think it's crucial - depends on how confident you are. How about just going to your top choice?? (not top 3)

I cancelled some of my interviews towards the end of the season to save $$

 

[pmrunner]

After interviewing at one of the top programs in PM&R I e-mailed one of the residents there asking for their opinion about the importance of 2nd looks. They indicated at this particular program, they did not think it helped much. Would it be safe to say that at some of the more competitive programs they make their opinion of you and that's it? Surely a rotation at a place will help your chances, but will an extra day really change their perception of you? Could it be that a second look would be somewhat annoying to the program director or whoever has to organize your visit? Just a thought. I don't think I will have the time/money or energy for second looks, so maybe this is just a rationalization. If any residents out there who have seen this from the other perspective and disagree- please comment.

 

[axm397]

I did ONE 2nd look at my top choice and i ended up matching there. Do I think that day is what got me in? no. But it helped me since my interview was earlier in the season and I wanted a confirmation that what I was doing was right for me.

I don't think it would hurt you unless you are really annoying - but then again, they probably wouldn't have ranked you anyways if you really were annoying.

Bottomline - it can only help. probably is not the biggest factor in them ranking you though.