Update letters?

[Xinlitik]

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Is there any reason to send updates to PDs after interviewing? Only fairly significant things (e.g. new Step scores, abstracts presented, etc) I wasn't sure if rank lists were pretty immobile after interviewing.

In a similar vein, is there any benefit in having a letter writer/close mentor call your top 1 or 2 programs? (This person offered spontaneously)

 

[IfeelYourPain]

I was wondering the exact same thing... Can anyone with experience chime in on this? Especially regarding step 2 and publications. Thanks


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[HereEyeAm]

If you want to know the answer for a particular program, I would email the PC and politely ask. I think it varies across programs.

 

[ophthope]

At my program after we interview you it doesn't matter what you send us it isn't going to change your rank. Unless I suppose you send some nasty hate mail. I get the feeling that after the interview at most places you've been judged and your chance at changing the match outcome is gone. Thank you letters can add a nice touch to an already good applicant but they don't do much in my experience either. Just my $0.02

 

[Corn Dog]

It varies from program to program. Most programs do the rankings right after the interview. However there are programs that do accept and even encourage follow-up and updates. Wash U comes to mind in particular.

It never hurts to have a mentor calling on your behalf. For it to be beneficial, it really depends on the timing of the call, who is making the call, and what your mentor actually says about you. It's really rare for a bigwig ophthalmology attending to get to know a medical student well enough to vouch for their clinical skills and character over the phone, but nevertheless it could potentially make some impact. The program director at Duke said that it doesn't happen very often, but that every few years or so, they bump up an applicant on their rank list after a phone call.

 

[ophthoapp2014]

Had a question about this. Does anyone know if programs update their ranking significantly based on letters/phone calls? I’ve heard, like Corn Dog mentioned, that most places rank immediately after the interview day. Does anyone know if programs meet again before they submit their rank list?

 

[DrZeke]

Had a question about this. Does anyone know if programs update their ranking significantly based on letters/phone calls? I’ve heard, like Corn Dog mentioned, that most places rank immediately after the interview day. Does anyone know if programs meet again before they submit their rank list?

I agree with corndog. I've never heard of programs meeting again. Obviously it's not gonna be made public or known, because it implies a certain unfairness to the whole process. Honestly, if you want to send an update letter or an "I love you" letter just do it. You really have nothing to lose and you're showing you care. It probably won't make a difference, but we all love to feel like we did everything humanly possible in our control to tip the odds in our favor. I hope nobody is stressing over update letters.... At this point most things are said and done...

PS -happy holidays, stop thinking about this 😉