What to say?

[drmom2007]

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I originally wanted to stay at the program where I attend medical school, but now I really want to see what else is out there. I have already told them that I am staying and they have promised to rank me. (whatever that is worth) However they keep on asking me if I have changed my mind or do I still want to stay. I am not sure what to say because there is still I good chance that I might want to stay here or won't match any where else. Any suggestions?

 

[bellalou]

I would just say that you are leaning towards staying but that you want to look at other programs just to be sure. It isn't fair for them to pressure you into promising them that you will stay. That is the whole purpose of the match. I think as long as you are honest with your intentions, you can't go wrong.

 

[tiredmom]

I think bellalou has the right idea. Keep it vague - say you are really interested in staying, but are looking elsewhere to be sure/safe, etc. It's good to have your home program to fall back on, and if after interviewing everywhere else, that's what you what, more power to you. It's not fair to pressure you prior to interview season. Don't make any promises to rank them #1. That's the only real match violation you could run into in your situation.
Good luck.

 

[drmom2007]

Thanks for replying. That is what I have been trying to do. It sucks that they are making a stressful time even more stressful. One last thing if I do decide to rank other programs higher then them do you think I should give them the heads up?

 

[tiredmom]

No. I don't think you should say anything about your rank list to them. You may face not being ranked by them out of spite - it's your business - they aren't allowed to ask about it, therefore can't find out unless you say something. It could very well hurt you.

 

[familyfirst]

I heard a lot of awful stories that MS4s ended up unmatched because some programs promised to rank them etc...It is about your next 4 years and you should feel comfortable visiting other programs and don't let anyone influence where you are going. Your PD can say all they want in terms of ranking you etc...but unless they give you a letter (a contract) now, you can't trust anything they say. Plus, they can promise to rank you but how high??? Plus, it is illegal for them to ask you. Good luck!

 

[mjzoey]

What I've told my department is that I really like my school's program, would consider staying but my finace doesn't want to. I don't know if this is the 'right way' to do this, but my fiance really doesn't want to stay in philly, and hopefully if it turns out that i end up in different place, hopefully my school's program will realize that this decision is not solely upto me.