Telling your number one they're number one?

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vengaaqui

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In EM, what's the thought on telling your number one where they stand? And, if you do, who all do you send that email to? Any downside to doing this?

Also, someone high up at an interview recently recommended contacting your top five and telling them that you're ranking them highly. Is this advisable if they're not your number one? Please help a young(ish) matchitis sufferer out! 😳
 
I can't count the number of times we've ranked folks in top spots, they have assured us that they are going to rank us #1, and then they end up elsewhere. Don't go overboard with telling folks that you want to rank them highly. I think writing the PD with a thoughtful question is probably the way to go if you feel like you really have to do something. No matter what you write, they're not gonna give you any useful information in regards to your spot on the match list or chances of matching. Even if a place tells you that you are ranked in a "competitive" spot, that you mean you are anywhere from #1-#60, it all depends on the program, other applicants, and a heavy dose of karma and magic.
Anything you write will have minimal impact on your spot on the rank list. Also be sure to remember that EM is a small world, and every year there are folks that promise the top spot on their list to multiple programs. This approach will not help you and can really backfire.
 
I told my #1 that I was ranking them so and it worked out for me.

I would not bother telling programs, "I'm ranking you highly." If you want to pick your #1, and tell them that they are #1, that is helpful. "I'm ranking you highly," is med student talk for "I hope you rank me highly, you're not my number 1 though." Obviously, do not tell two programs that they are both #1. Somehow, word gets around.

My .02.
 
consensus when i applied, which was only a few years ago, is that you tell your number 1 that they're your number 1. it probably doesn't make a huge difference, but from time to time it'll nudge you up a spot or two. you don't tell any other program they're your number 1 just so they'll rank you highly -- should go without saying, but it happens, and occasionally, people remember. em is a small world.

also, you don't tell a program you ranked them 2, 3, 4, etc.
 
So, I've had a number of places tell me to "let them know in January if I'm actually interested". These are all places I liked a lot and would be more than happy to match at, but won't be ranking number one. What would you do for this? I just feel like I'm not doing as good a job at 'playing the game' as a lot of other people (I keep hearing about people doing stuff like multiple second looks, emailing/calling with fake questions etc)
 
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calling/emailing with fake questions and second looks are not supposed to make a difference. Per numerous PDs ,a second look will not influence your rank at that program but as you said I'm not sure if this is true...

It's all a nasty game. No fun for either side, make it like a normal job interview. </end game>
 
As a residency selection committee member for eleven years, and as a PD for one year, I've got an informed opinion on this topic, but keep in mind everyone has their own opinion and they may not agree with me (just ask my wife). Letters or emails that state "I plan on ranking you highly" mean absolutely nothing. There is no use in sending such a letter. However, a letter or email that states "I'm ranking you number 1", says a lot. I/we really do appreciate that.

Everyone wants to be happy with the Match. In my opinion, having a resident that really wants to train with us is more beneficial than having a subjectively slightly better candidate that doesn't want (as strongly) to train with us. So, I would disagree that a letter that states "I want to train with you" is of little value.

I'm a rather direct person, so why beat around the bush? Just tell your number 1 that they're your number 1.

Don't expect programs to tell you much in return, however. That's because it is impossible to tell how far down the program will go on the ROL. With 12 residents, a program could fill at #30 one year, but go to #90 the following year to reach their 12th spot. If a program tells you "we'd love to have you train with us", then I think its likely you're very high on their ROL. Other than that, it is exceedingly difficult to know.
 
As a residency selection committee member for eleven years, and as a PD for one year, I've got an informed opinion on this topic, but keep in mind everyone has their own opinion and they may not agree with me (just ask my wife). Letters or emails that state "I plan on ranking you highly" mean absolutely nothing. There is no use in sending such a letter. However, a letter or email that states "I'm ranking you number 1", says a lot. I/we really do appreciate that.

Everyone wants to be happy with the Match. In my opinion, having a resident that really wants to train with us is more beneficial than having a subjectively slightly better candidate that doesn't want (as strongly) to train with us. So, I would disagree that a letter that states "I want to train with you" is of little value.

I'm a rather direct person, so why beat around the bush? Just tell your number 1 that they're your number 1.

Don't expect programs to tell you much in return, however. That's because it is impossible to tell how far down the program will go on the ROL. With 12 residents, a program could fill at #30 one year, but go to #90 the following year to reach their 12th spot. If a program tells you "we'd love to have you train with us", then I think its likely you're very high on their ROL. Other than that, it is exceedingly difficult to know.

Thanks for the helpful post. I appreciate you taking the time to write that.

Just a quick question for you or anyone else with experience, do you have any opinion on sending an email vs. a physical letter stating "you are my #1." I've been going back and forth on this, and I'd like to get this out some time this week or next. Nice thing about email is that it's direct to the PD's inbox, and there is a chance for getting some form of reply. The benefit of sending a physical card is that it makes a slightly more concrete impression and it's something that can be physically put into an applicant's folder. It's something that may stand out slightly more than just an email.

I know it may sound nit-picky, but I'd be really curious to know what others have done in the past, and if the PD who posted above has any thoughts on it.

Thanks
 
When I applied, I knew which was going to be my number 1 and I told them that straight up during the interviews. I never told ANY other program they were my number 1 when they weren't going to be since EM is a small world and I wanted my word to be my honor.

I told other programs that they were high on my list and that I'd love to go there (which were all true) but I kept my word on my number 1.

I ranked them number 1 and I matched at Cook County. Love it here.

I was told that they were going to rank me to match after I told then they were my number 1... So I don't know if my divulging of then being number 1 on my ROL affected their ROL.
 
Most programs are not trying to game you or the system. Honestly, we spend a lot of time reviewing applications to try to make sure we interview people that we think will fit with the program. If you interviewed, chances are the program would be very happy to have you.

I don't think 2nd looks or "love letters" improve anyone's place on the rank list. I know that some programs send letters out to their interviews and others don't.

My best advice:
If you enjoyed your interview day and feel so inclined,write a thank you
If you want to tell them how much you loved the place, tell them, everyone likes know that people like their program but this shouldn't affect the list
Make your list based exactly on where you want to go without any attempt the game the system. Most if not all programs will do the same
The match really is a stressful process for both sides, but I have not seen much gaming - it is to the advantage of both sides to just make an honest list

Best of luck in the Match 🙂
 
Ahh, the overblown ethical conundrums of a medical student!

You won't even care about this in a year, let alone five. Just forget it and move on.
 
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