Second Looks

[membsr-8890]

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So I have been getting mixed opinions about the second look thing on the trail.

A few PD's have said outright that whoever invented the second look was an dingus - they don't have time and resources to show the program a second time to 100 more applicants and that they'd prefer that candidates not take a second look unless absolutely necessary in their decision-making process.

A few other PD's have insinuated that if the applicant is really interested in the program a second look will help confirm that the interest is genuine.

The problem is that I'm completely out of both time and money for interviewing, plus I feel that I got an adequate glimpse of the programs that I'm interested in on my first look (including obs time in the ED). Does anybody involved in the ranking process know about this? Will refusing to spend extra resources on an unnecessary second look come back to bite me in the ass later on?

 

[BadVB750]

I am doing a second look at my number one, but I will be in the area for another interview so it won't cost me anything extra. I hope I don't look like an dingus. I'm doing it just to confirm it is my number one cause number two and three aren't that far off.

 

[deleted52758]

So I have been getting mixed opinions about the second look thing on the trail.

A few PD's have said outright that whoever invented the second look was an dingus - they don't have time and resources to show the program a second time to 100 more applicants and that they'd prefer that candidates not take a second look unless absolutely necessary in their decision-making process.

A few other PD's have insinuated that if the applicant is really interested in the program a second look will help confirm that the interest is genuine.

The problem is that I'm completely out of both time and money for interviewing, plus I feel that I got an adequate glimpse of the programs that I'm interested in on my first look (including obs time in the ED). Does anybody involved in the ranking process know about this? Will refusing to spend extra resources on an unnecessary second look come back to bite me in the ass later on?

i didnt do any second looks and matched at my number one. i wrote the PD a letter pretty much telling him that i was going to rank them number one, and reaffirmed my interest in their program. it seems to have worked

 

[BKN]

My 2 cents. Do it only if you have unanswered questions. At my shop, at least, it wouldn't affect your ranking positively or negatively.

And it adds to your already overburdened credit cards.

 

[southerndoc]

I would guess that most applicants never do a second look. I didn't, but then again, I was never confused where I wanted to go.

I say do it if you're confused where you want to rank number 1 v. number 2. Don't do it to improve your ranking because chances are you're already ranked by then anyway.

 

[Hercules]

I would guess that most applicants never do a second look. I didn't, but then again, I was never confused where I wanted to go.

I say do it if you're confused where you want to rank number 1 v. number 2. Don't do it to improve your ranking because chances are you're already ranked by then anyway.

Ditto. I did no second looks either and matched at my number one. A second look is only to help you decide or answer questions you can't get answered without being there in person. It shouldn't affect your standing with the residency program.

 

[JackBauERfan]

Ditto. I did no second looks either and matched at my number one. A second look is only to help you decide or answer questions you can't get answered without being there in person. It shouldn't affect your standing with the residency program.

I say the GENUINELY interested students should now start doing third looks, because only suckers do it ONLY twice.

 

[deleted109597]

While I don't disagree with anyone here, I think second looks can help you for a couple reasons. 1) you get to know a place better, because every interview is held on conference day, so when you tour the ED there is no exposure to the resident/consultant/nurse/attending interaction, which is an important part of residency. So going on a day that actually has more than just the attendings in the ED may be helpful. Most are very similar though, so that is kind of a wasted reason.
2)However little it may change your rank, the program will get a sense that you really are interested, and if it comes down to you vs the exact same guy who didn't write letters, visit, and place nice, you may slide in above him. I don't know that it sways it anymore than the rest of the application if you are lacking, but the program is interested in getting people who want to go there, so it can't hurt.

 

[Arcan57]

It seems like a letter or email expressing your undivided love for your number one program may have as much or more weight then a second look.
The one 2nd look I did helped steer me away from a pretty good looking program I had doubts about that was seriously underwhelming when viewed on an "off" day.