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Wondering from what programs people have gotten responses to thank you and intent letters, and, maybe even unoffical pre-match offers? Are they worth anything?
Unofficial pre-match "offers"
- Thread starter dk23
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J
JR
I know some very highly competative applicants sometimes get called by the program directors prior to match (which is illigal). I have never heard of pre-match offers in ophthalmology. Hope this helps.
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Ophthalmology is competitive enough that even the lousy program have no trouble filling all their spots.
There was a program whose chairman told me that I'll be ranked very high. It sounded a bit insincere to me. I found out later by asking other applicants that they, too had received similar comments by the chair!
There was a program whose chairman told me that I'll be ranked very high. It sounded a bit insincere to me. I found out later by asking other applicants that they, too had received similar comments by the chair!
I have NOT heard from any programs! If I had, I wouldn't want to go there because that's totally against the rules of the match....The match is designed to work beautifully if people don't mess with it....
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Any prematch "offer" is not worth the paper (or email) it is printed on since it is non-binding. Furthermore, since it is illegal I can not imagine anyone would put it in writing. In addition, what would be the incentive at this point for a candidate to take an offer? You can still hand in your list and if you do not match at that program, what are they going to do? They certainly are not going to broadcast that you did not uphold your end of the bargain.
I could see a candidate reaping the benefits of a very early "offer" to avoid all the travel and expense of many interviews if both the program and candidate are well known to each other. That too, of course, is illegal but at least would make sense.
I could see a candidate reaping the benefits of a very early "offer" to avoid all the travel and expense of many interviews if both the program and candidate are well known to each other. That too, of course, is illegal but at least would make sense.
From what I can gather-- it is illegal to 'negotiate' ranking positions-- and say if you match them first.. they'll match you. It is also illegal for programs to initiate contact with an applicant as well as it is illegal for programs to inquire how you as an applicant will be ranking them.
However, I do not believe it is illegal for a program to contact you.. if... you have made contact with them post interview.. and made it clear that they have permission to contact you if they need to. Also, I do not think it's illegal for a program to then contact you to simply say we really liked and would love to have you at our program. Some program will be bolder in saying they have finalized their ranks and it won't be changing.. and they simply want to say they liked you. Otherwise won't be so forthright. As long as no negotiating or no inquiry of how you will personally rank them occurs, I don't think it's illegal. I tried to find more explicit rules on the match programs.. and the ones listed in sfmatch only outlines general issues. It certainly is a fine line however. But, i would not make these programs out to be 'evil' or 'horrible' as some might think.
In the end, I would not worry about this. I know plenty of friends of mine who matched at fantastic programs who never had contacted them prior to the match. In the end, rank where you like and don't worry about how a program perceives you. You should make your rank list based on where you want to be and go. i hope this helps.
However, I do not believe it is illegal for a program to contact you.. if... you have made contact with them post interview.. and made it clear that they have permission to contact you if they need to. Also, I do not think it's illegal for a program to then contact you to simply say we really liked and would love to have you at our program. Some program will be bolder in saying they have finalized their ranks and it won't be changing.. and they simply want to say they liked you. Otherwise won't be so forthright. As long as no negotiating or no inquiry of how you will personally rank them occurs, I don't think it's illegal. I tried to find more explicit rules on the match programs.. and the ones listed in sfmatch only outlines general issues. It certainly is a fine line however. But, i would not make these programs out to be 'evil' or 'horrible' as some might think.
In the end, I would not worry about this. I know plenty of friends of mine who matched at fantastic programs who never had contacted them prior to the match. In the end, rank where you like and don't worry about how a program perceives you. You should make your rank list based on where you want to be and go. i hope this helps.
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I personally know residents at different top programs and residencies (PM&R, Rad, Neurology) who were actually contacted by several programs before the match. The programs either said: "we ranked you to match" or "you should rank us high". Is ophthalmology really an exception? Is anyone out there getting secret phone calls? Because if this is the "modus operandi" then I'm screwed…
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None here; I haven't talked on the phone in two months just to keep the line open....
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I matched last year, noone called me or anyone I know, so don't worry.
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Many programs are by the book. Technically they are not allowed to contact you at all before match day unless you initiate the contact. I know our PD will not.
As for what you're told, I would take it with a grain of salt (or, even better, just assume they're lying). While it wasn't ophthalmology, 4 people in my medschool class were called and told that a certain program was ranking them #1 on the list. That would have been fine, but it was only a 3 person/year program, and they knew others who had been told the same thing. Three of them had talked to each other about it, and decided not to rank that program. The 4th student ranked that program first, and didn't match there.
Dave
As for what you're told, I would take it with a grain of salt (or, even better, just assume they're lying). While it wasn't ophthalmology, 4 people in my medschool class were called and told that a certain program was ranking them #1 on the list. That would have been fine, but it was only a 3 person/year program, and they knew others who had been told the same thing. Three of them had talked to each other about it, and decided not to rank that program. The 4th student ranked that program first, and didn't match there.
Dave
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Out of curiousity, what type of speciality were the people in your class applying for?
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Anesthesia, IIRC
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Although D.O.s and IMG represent a very small percentage of applicants, and an even smaller percentage of matched applicants, these two groups can legally 'sign-out'.
I know of D.O.s who have signed formal contracts in fields like medicine, peds, anesthesia, and even radiology.
I know of not a single case for ophthalmolgy.
Although, I'd be more than happy to become the first.🙂
I know of D.O.s who have signed formal contracts in fields like medicine, peds, anesthesia, and even radiology.
I know of not a single case for ophthalmolgy.
Although, I'd be more than happy to become the first.🙂