turning down interview invites

[jocwyo]

I applied to a good mix of solid programs and a few that are much less competitive. Hopefully, I'll be able to line up 5-7 interviews at my top picks. My question is this: if I am able to accomplish this and less desireable interview offers continue to roll in, what is the current thought about refusing their invitations? Is this considered bad form? How should I politely refuse? E-mail? By phone? I'm looking for any recommendations from those who've been in this situation before. Thanks.

 

[2ndyear]

No, it's not considered bad form at all to decline offers. I was surprised how on a lot of interviews there were many people who just didn't show up. Now this didn't happen at too many of the big names, but at some others it was pretty rampant. I think that's poor form. I didn't initially decline interviews at any place. But I did cancel more than a few once the season was underway. If you wouldn't rank it, then don't interview there. But remember that it's going to be better to interview at a few more places that you would rank than making up your ROL and wishing that you had more to list...

Oh yeah, just a quick email or phone call is all it takes. If you don't schedule an interview in the first place when you get an offer then that's pretty much the same as declining but gives you some more time to decide. You can also just keep the lines of communication open and never really schedule, but say you want to. I was guilty of this one and happened to be in a strange town and called up the program to say "I'm here" and would like to interview. They then declined me.

 

[jocwyo]

Thanks for the detailed answer - I really appreciate it.

No, it's not considered bad form at all to decline offers. I was surprised how on a lot of interviews there were many people who just didn't show up. Now this didn't happen at too many of the big names, but at some others it was pretty rampant. I think that's poor form. I didn't initially decline interviews at any place. But I did cancel more than a few once the season was underway. If you wouldn't rank it, then don't interview there. But remember that it's going to be better to interview at a few more places that you would rank than making up your ROL and wishing that you had more to list...

Oh yeah, just a quick email or phone call is all it takes. If you don't schedule an interview in the first place when you get an offer then that's pretty much the same as declining but gives you some more time to decide. You can also just keep the lines of communication open and never really schedule, but say you want to. I was guilty of this one and happened to be in a strange town and called up the program to say "I'm here" and would like to interview. They then declined me.