Waiting several weeks before picking interview dates

[thebillsfan]

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Just had a quick question about whether it is looked up unfavorably if you want a long time before picking your interview date (after the initial invite). Ive gotten a couple invites that I havent scheduled because I want to wait to see if I get invites from other schools in the same city. This could take a few more weeks though, and I dont want to seem like I dont care by selecting an interview days a month and a half after I get the initial invite. any thoughts?
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[MaryLennox]

i guess it depends on the school. but IME interview dates fill up fast, so you're screwing yourself by waiting. i think some schools even have a time limit to when you can respond by- as in, wait too long and they might think you don't want to go.

why not just schedule them? and if you get more interviews in the area then maybe they can schedule around the one you already have.

 

[alwaysaangel]

Just had a quick question about whether it is looked up unfavorably if you want a long time before picking your interview date (after the initial invite). Ive gotten a couple invites that I havent scheduled because I want to wait to see if I get invites from other schools in the same city. This could take a few more weeks though, and I dont want to seem like I dont care by selecting an interview days a month and a half after I get the initial invite. any thoughts?
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It would be wiser to schedule them and then if you get an invite from a school in the same city - call that school and see if they can fit you in since you will already be in town.

Some people are advocates of calling local schools/emailing them and letting them know you'll be in town and would love to interview. To me this seems very forward and I haven't seen it work but it could.

Ultimately schedule now. I realize that traveling is a pain but whats more important - time and money or getting into medical school? Early is better even when it comes to interviews. Because they have more spots open and offer more acceptances early - later they are fill and will mostly waitlist people awaiting for people to drop.

And if you complete an interview early and get an early acceptance you may be able to turn other interview offers down entirely which will save you lots of time and money.

 

[Barcu]

It would be wiser to schedule them and then if you get an invite from a school in the same city - call that school and see if they can fit you in since you will already be in town.

Some people are advocates of calling local schools/emailing them and letting them know you'll be in town and would love to interview. To me this seems very forward and I haven't seen it work but it could.

Ultimately schedule now. I realize that traveling is a pain but whats more important - time and money or getting into medical school? Early is better even when it comes to interviews. Because they have more spots open and offer more acceptances early - later they are fill and will mostly waitlist people awaiting for people to drop.

And if you complete an interview early and get an early acceptance you may be able to turn other interview offers down entirely which will save you lots of time and money.

Agreed. Definitely schedule them now and hope you get interview invites that you can schedule around existing ones.

I actually asked my premed advisor about calling schools in the area and telling them you have an interview in the area and would like to be considered for an interview there too. She said there would be no harm in asking, but they may or may not consider you.

I agree it seems a bit forward to do this, and even though my advisor did say that nothing bad will come of it if you do, it still made me a bit nervous. I heard from other people that it was not a good idea. Granted, it was from fellow SDNers who probably do not know as much as my premed advisor does, but I am currently doing everything in my power to avoid any possible negative reaction to my file. It seems a bit forward, especially if you are calling more "reach" schools that may not interview anyway.

If it is a huge concern with costs and everything, I think you could try that. If not, I would recommend scheduling your interviews now and waiting to hear from other schools. Having to do multiple trips to the same city is something that I would love during this cycle because it means that a bunch of schools like you.

 

[chrisoc13]

Just had a quick question about whether it is looked up unfavorably if you want a long time before picking your interview date (after the initial invite). Ive gotten a couple invites that I havent scheduled because I want to wait to see if I get invites from other schools in the same city. This could take a few more weeks though, and I dont want to seem like I dont care by selecting an interview days a month and a half after I get the initial invite. any thoughts?
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I would just schedule now. Also some schools have deadlines for responding. One school which contacted me asked me to respond within 24 hours. I don't know what the consequences would have been if I didn't but you better believe I responded immediately.