What to tell the Local PD's

[icebreakers]

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I'm applying pretty broadly...trying to get some east coast interviews if possible...but at the same time, am keeping in mind that I need good solid backup programs in my own region.

My own school has taken psych interview candidates out to dinner, and some of the PD's ask about our interest level and desire to stay in the area.

what is the most ideal way to answer this question? some pd's even say, we'll help you either way, even if you want to go somewhere else....that sounds really very nice..and i believe them. but, there is a part of me that thinks it may knock me out of their consideration, and I do not quite yet want to do that, b/c i would most definetely attend my own school's program if I had slim pickings. its a solid program, but its not my top choice.

any thoughts?

 

[strangeglove]

I have the same issue, except that I'm almost certain that I won't rank my own medical school's program because of geographic constraints. Many of my professors - one of whom will be interviewing me - already know this. I think it's a common courtesy to interview at your own school. At the very least you can use this as a practice interview (and a source of free food). However, if you want to keep your options open and your PD doesn't already know that you are likely to go elsewhere, I would inform him or her that you are very much interested in the program and would be willing to stick around. The decision of whether or not you would actually like to stay can be made later.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

I'm applying pretty broadly...trying to get some east coast interviews if possible...but at the same time, am keeping in mind that I need good solid backup programs in my own region.

My own school has taken psych interview candidates out to dinner, and some of the PD's ask about our interest level and desire to stay in the area.

what is the most ideal way to answer this question? some pd's even say, we'll help you either way, even if you want to go somewhere else....that sounds really very nice..and i believe them. but, there is a part of me that thinks it may knock me out of their consideration, and I do not quite yet want to do that, b/c i would most definetely attend my own school's program if I had slim pickings. its a solid program, but its not my top choice.

any thoughts?

Nothing wrong with saying that you're "evaluating all your options", especially if you can discuss various pros and cons associated with different locations for you. Shows you've got an open mind and are thinking about things. You can also play to the PD's ego by asking them for their input this way. That never hurts!