to contact or not to contact (interview scheduling)

[energy_girl]

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Hi, I was wondering if you guys can give me advice about whether and how to contact programs about interview scheduling. I'm coming in from overseas for all my interviews, and would need quite a bit of lead time--at least 4 weeks--to schedule interviews in a reasonable manner and with relatively lower flight costs. I have a couple of interviews scheduled already, and have a general idea of when I am likely to be in different parts of the country. Is it reasonable to start contacting the programs I haven't heard back from now and ask them if they might be willing to consider interviewing me during the times I'll be in the area? Or is it still too early on in the interview season to ask? I've been looking on the interviews thread, and it seems that most programs have not responded yet.

Any advice you guys have would be great! Thanks a lot.

 

[quideam]

Along those same lines, if we see that some people on SDN have gotten interviews at a place we've applied to but haven't heard from, does that mean we most likely won't get an interview? Or, this being early in the game, do a lot of programs just invite more "stellar" applicants first, and then re-evaluate their lists and invite others?

 

[zinjanthropus]

Along those same lines, if we see that some people on SDN have gotten interviews at a place we've applied to but haven't heard from, does that mean we most likely won't get an interview? Or, this being early in the game, do a lot of programs just invite more "stellar" applicants first, and then re-evaluate their lists and invite others?

i wouldn't read anything in to it yet - some places have big boxes of all the apps they've printed out so far and it's just a matter of going through the box and sending out the invites...just be patient - which i know is hard right now as i was right there last year.

 

[shortbread9]

In the EM world...its still a bit early. but that doesnt mean you can't call. i called a ton of programs...they were all very nice. It may not necessarily help you out cause some places are just to overwhelmed with the amount of applications they get at this point but it no way should it hurt you to call and ask. that being said...if you are calling once a week or more that is a bit much. but i would say mid november you need to start calling places...and beyond that time period for sure! i was actually pulled off a waiting list at one program b/c i had called and said i was very interested. they said they would keep me in mind and put me higher on a call back list. i ended up landing an interview there. good luck

 

[Hawkeye Kid]

In general, I agree with what everyone else is saying about it being early, being patient, etc.

However, in response to the OP's question, I think your circumstances make it reasonable to contact programs and let them know your situation, telling them approximately when you'll be in their region. I think most programs, if they think they will eventually offer you an interview, would probably be accomodating, as you would otherwise be unlikely to be able to make arrangements on less than a few weeks notice. Just make sure that you make your situation clear and don't come across as asking for an interview, but rather asking for more than usual lead time. Good luck.