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The Impact of the Interview in Pediatric Residency Selection (Interesting Study)
- Thread starter Eat Oatmeal
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Well this is disheartening. The only interview that didn't go swimmingly for me was at my number 1 program (not CHOP, btw).
I wonder if the fact that this study is at CHOP makes a difference in the importance of interviews. I found that my interview at CHOP contained the most true interview-style, thought-provoking questions, whereas a lot of the others were extremely conversational. I would imagine that an interview with weighty questions would be more relevant to ranking order than an interview that's basically small talk.
My unsuccessful interview was with only ONE faculty member and lasted an hour (this was unique on my interview trail). The interviewer went from pleasant to a little abrasive, and didn't even say "It was nice meeting you" at the end. Basically I answered her questions well but I didn't feel like I established rapport, which is typically not difficult for me. But, I love absolutely everything else about the program, so I hope the interview didn't kill my chances, and isn't representative of the dynamic I should expect if I match there. I did get a phone call and follow-up emails from them, so I'm thinking they at least ranked me...
I'd love to know what other people's experiences have been - I think that may shed some light on how representative this CHOP study is.
I wonder if the fact that this study is at CHOP makes a difference in the importance of interviews. I found that my interview at CHOP contained the most true interview-style, thought-provoking questions, whereas a lot of the others were extremely conversational. I would imagine that an interview with weighty questions would be more relevant to ranking order than an interview that's basically small talk.
My unsuccessful interview was with only ONE faculty member and lasted an hour (this was unique on my interview trail). The interviewer went from pleasant to a little abrasive, and didn't even say "It was nice meeting you" at the end. Basically I answered her questions well but I didn't feel like I established rapport, which is typically not difficult for me. But, I love absolutely everything else about the program, so I hope the interview didn't kill my chances, and isn't representative of the dynamic I should expect if I match there. I did get a phone call and follow-up emails from them, so I'm thinking they at least ranked me...
I'd love to know what other people's experiences have been - I think that may shed some light on how representative this CHOP study is.
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Keep in mind, guys - the mindgame of interviews is highly variable from one program to another. This study only tells you something you already knew about pediatrics (if you have been paying attention) - interview scores mean MORE than step scores.
Applicants are more than numbers on a piece of paper, residents know this and so do PDs and other attendings, thusly, it makes sense that interview scores are more correlative.
My question for you (not you directly, the collective you) is this: if you had an abrasive interview and felt like you didn't fit there, is this REALLY a place you want to spend 3 years training?
People wonder often if interviews such as this are representative of the dynamic at a program, as a 3rd year resident I can tell you the answer is yes, and no. Meaning, there is always the possibility of getting a dud interviewer. But you have no way of knowing as an applicant (unless you are from that institution) if this is true, OR if this is what the faculty are generally like.
My advice -> go with your gut, if you are having a feeling like something isn't quite fitting with your personality, do NOT ignore it...this will mean so much more than the prestige of a program, or anything else.
Applicants are more than numbers on a piece of paper, residents know this and so do PDs and other attendings, thusly, it makes sense that interview scores are more correlative.
My question for you (not you directly, the collective you) is this: if you had an abrasive interview and felt like you didn't fit there, is this REALLY a place you want to spend 3 years training?
People wonder often if interviews such as this are representative of the dynamic at a program, as a 3rd year resident I can tell you the answer is yes, and no. Meaning, there is always the possibility of getting a dud interviewer. But you have no way of knowing as an applicant (unless you are from that institution) if this is true, OR if this is what the faculty are generally like.
My advice -> go with your gut, if you are having a feeling like something isn't quite fitting with your personality, do NOT ignore it...this will mean so much more than the prestige of a program, or anything else.
