When to interview

[flipflopsnsnow]

Is there a preferred time to interview? Early? Late and close to ranking? Or just whatever fits in our own schedule? I had planned to take off December to do interviews in my home state, and try to do interviews in near my med school in November or January since they are so far apart and I dont want to have to fly back and forth too much if I can help it.
😉

 

[outofhere]

Is there a preferred time to interview? Early? Late and close to ranking? Or just whatever fits in our own schedule? I had planned to take off December to do interviews in my home state, and try to do interviews in near my med school in November or January since they are so far apart and I dont want to have to fly back and forth too much if I can help it.
😉

I think earlier is better- other residents are more likely to remember you. And then, if you really like a program, this then gives you the chance for a 'second visit,' which can be very important to check reality.

 

[Mumpu]

I did all of mine in November-December. You want to get in on the action before the interviewers burn out, plus if you plan to fly through or around the Midwest, you are much more likely to avoid major snowstorms in early December.

 

[Pox in a box]

I think earlier is better- other residents are more likely to remember you. And then, if you really like a program, this then gives you the chance for a 'second visit,' which can be very important to check reality.

What does a "second visit" entail?

 

[p53]

What does a "second visit" entail?

Hanging out for the day to kiss butt.

 

[outofhere]

What does a "second visit" entail?

It is more than kissing butt. Most training programs have different schedules for different days. Let's say you interviewed on a day where you had the chance to go to Grand Rounds, but you didn't get to see morning report, or attend a class, you can choose to return on a day that you can observe those activities that you missed the first time around. Moreover, as you do second visits in late Jan/early Feb, the interns also have had more time in the program and can tell you how the holiday schedule went, how the case load changes with the seasons...etc. I think it is important, if you can afford it/work it out with your schedule.

 

[colbgw02]

for the most part i don't think it matters, but i would recommend not interviewing too early. early on in the process, interviewers tend to compare applicants against a theoretical ideal applicant. later on, they realize that the ideal applicant does not exist and their expectations become more realistic, but they may have already formed their opinion of you, so it could be too late.

 

[p53]

It is more than kissing butt. Most training programs have different schedules for different days. Let's say you interviewed on a day where you had the chance to go to Grand Rounds, but you didn't get to see morning report, or attend a class, you can choose to return on a day that you can observe those activities that you missed the first time around. Moreover, as you do second visits in late Jan/early Feb, the interns also have had more time in the program and can tell you how the holiday schedule went, how the case load changes with the seasons...etc. I think it is important, if you can afford it/work it out with your schedule.

The more times you see a scrutinizing person it increases the chance you will make a bad impression.

Only go to a 2nd look, if they OFFER you one. If you go on your own accord you are wasting money and time. It doesn't help.

 

[DiveMD]

I believe every program is a different world with different priorities. Trying to standardize the interview/selection process is close to a waste of time. Good luck everybody!!!

DiveMD