Will PDs call you? And when?

[tooquiet]

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I heard some PDs will also call applicants to tell them that they are "ranked to match". Has anyone get this type of calls? So nervous....

 

[heech]

What about generic "we hope you'll consider us" calls from the PD? Interviews were 2 months ago.

Are these sorts of calls just normal courtesy and therefore pretty standard/typical, or does it suggest special interest from the program?

 

[tarlovcyst]

I heard some PDs will also call applicants to tell them that they are "ranked to match". Has anyone get this type of calls? So nervous....

A good and commonly asked question. In my experience, I've seen "ranked to match" emails and calls go out throughout the interview season. A good handful of programs keep a running rank list even at the start of the interview season. The top applicants who will rarely get touched, regardless of how well people below them on the list them, will get this email or call. A call from the PD or chairman. These can range in time, but I've heard of them coming even during the interview season. But strategically, most happen in February, when interviews are dong. Mid-Feb.

Some programs don't do this "ranked to match" business at all.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

... and every year, someone who is "ranked to match" doesn't. And the explanation is "well, we usually go down to number 20 but this year we filled at #15 and you were #17. Sorry".

Point is, these communications are not binding. You should make up your own mind. YOu cannot hurt yourself by ranking programs highly that you think you have no chance of matching at. You should simply rank the programs in the order you want to go to them.