TY programs asking: Are you still interested?

[Pike]

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I'm wondering if anyone else has received the kind of blunt inquiry that I recently did. The program director of a TY program emailed me and asked how the ophtho match went and if I'm still interested in their program. This really bothers me - shouldn't their rank lists be generated based on merit? Are there any official guidelines that speak to this issue? I suppose if I gave them the benefit of the doubt I could reason that they might be asking to see if I have any special compelling new reason to attend their program (spouse, etc.) or perhaps they're just curious, but I can't help but think if I state (honestly) that I am somewhat less interested in their program because of where I matched, they will rank me lower because of it. Anyway, this situation seems that it could lead to a perversion of the way the match is supposed to work.

 

[JMK2005]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Most likely, they're sending out to everyone so that you will keep them in mind for the regular match. I believe they're not suppose to contact you, oh well.

You should still rank them accordingly. Whether you reply or dont reply, I don't it will change the rank list too much.

Now if you are really interested in them, I'd wouldnt hesitate to reply back positively. But don't read into the email too much.

 

[KCS doc]

I would let your top three transitional year spots know that you are interested. Tx yrs interview many competitive specialty applicants and you are one of many that could fill the spot. As an intern I have hosted a blurr of applicants- one black suit is quite similar to the next. It you want to be a specific program-- TELL THEM!