Was just wondering what everyone thought about doing second looks at a program? can they help your rank? hurt you? worth doing? and would you recommend going to just a regular day in clinic? or to one of their didactic sessions? thanks!
Second looks?
- Thread starter sawtella
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*Yawn* Rank lists are already in at our institution...
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Some places do second looks so it's a myth to think that they don't occur. That said, I don't think there is more than a few programs that I've heard of doing this. Also, it's only helpful if the institution is initiating rather than the applicant. If the institution is asking, then it is helpful as it is showing that they have interest in you. If you are asking them, then it's not likely to be helpful.
The reason I ask is because I really liked this one program that is smaller and less well-known, but when I was interviewing there, they kept saying something to the effect of me not going to rank them high because I probably have much better offers. I guess they just got that impression from looking at my application, but I was wondering if doing a second-look at that program, even if it's me initiating it, would help convince them that I really am planning to rank that program high.
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Unfortunately, I'm personally not sure that a second look initiated from you would help. If your intent is to rank them #1, just tell them that. (As an aside although may not be relevant to you: Don't tell a program that you are "ranking them highly" if they are not #1 on their list because this will peeve them off more than anything since they will know that you are not ranking them #1. Programs are quite insecure and don't like to hear that they are not ranked #1. Then again, it would suck if your significant other told you that they were going to rank you #2 on their passion ladder...so maybe it's human nature to dislike not being ranked #1).
Essentially the program is going to wonder if you are going to rank them #1 if you are coming for a second look. Either you: 1) just tell them outright that they are #1, 2) go for a second look and tell them that you will rank them #1 (but then why do the second look anyway), or 3) go for a second look and not tell them that you are ranking them #1 (in which case they will wonder why you came for the second look and didn't rank them #1). A fourth scenario is that you go for the 2nd look and they realize that you are serious but not serious enough to rank them #1 but the program remains satisfied that you consider them highly (not likely that they will feel good about this since derm programs want to be wanted). This in a nutshell is why, unless initiated by the program, a 2nd look is not advantageous.
In the real world, a second look is really valuable and can help both you and the program get to know each other a little better. So, you could gently talk to your advisor (presuming you know him/her well) and see what he/she thinks of the idea, especially if they know anyone within the program. However, if you are going to rank them #1, just let them know that you are ranking them #1.
Are you in the situation where you would love to go there but don't want to rank them #1 either? Sounds like you are but don't want to assume.
As an aside, if an applicant turns down a second look initiated by a program, you can rest assure that the program won't like that either (believe it or not, I've seen it...amazing huh?).
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I don't think many programs in dermatology accept second looks?
FWIW our rank list was compiled weeks ago
FWIW our rank list was compiled weeks ago
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Agreed that it's only a few places that do the 2nd look!
Yeah ours is compiled as well but there is still movement after the list has been compiled. It's ain't totally set until the fat lady submits the list.
Exactly. The program is going to be within my top three fore sure, but I was hoping that going on this 2nd look would bring some clarity to my decision and also earn some bonus points with them. So from what everyone is saying, I get the impression that if I was to go on this 2nd look, it'd be more to just help me make my decision but it probably won't help me get moved up on their rank list.
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Sounds like you already are sure of your decision. It's a challenge if it's not your #1 choice. There are ways to try to move yourself up on the rank list but a 2nd look was not on my list of doing this (if you're not telling them that you want to rank yourself #1). Also, there is no sure fire way to move yourself up on a rank list (again, these are rarely set in stone and there are differences from program to program).
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