withdrawing after an interview

[cheruka]

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I am trying to understand how this match thing works. Is it a good idea to go to an interview and withdraw my app to that program or am I better off withdrawing before interview? I heard somewhere once you rank a program, if you match, you must take it. But do I have to rank a program after doing an interview or can I skip it in the ranking?
Thanks!

 

[peppy]

If you're sure you dont want to match at the program, and would in fact rather not match at all than go there, there's no sense in going to the interview. Cancel it (it's very rude to just not show up at the interview) and withdraw your app. Don't waste your time or the time of the people at the program with an interview if you have no intention of ending up there.
If you decide after interviewing somewhere that you hate it so much that you wouldn't want to match there and would rather not match at all, then yes you can just choose not to list it on your rank list. You don't need to withdraw at that point. They won't know you didn't rank them.

If you didn't like the program that much but would still rather work there than go without a residency spot, then just rank it last on your match list.

Personally, I think that unless you see something very seriously wrong on match day (like the interviewers there are very malignant or residents actually warn you not to go there) then in most circumstances you probably should rank every place you interview - just rank the least favorite last, of course.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Cancel it (it's very rude to just not show up at the interview) and withdraw your app.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to comment on this.

Every year there are applicants who don't show for an interview. The repercussion from this ranges from people who are genuinely worried (i.e., did you get hurt/lost/missed your flight) to our PD calling your Dean to tell them about your lack of manners. That is not a conversation you want to have.

 

[Raryn]

I just wanted to take the opportunity to comment on this.

Every year there are applicants who don't show for an interview. The repercussion from this ranges from people who are genuinely worried (i.e., did you get hurt/lost/missed your flight) to our PD calling your Dean to tell them about your lack of manners. That is not a conversation you want to have.

Our Deans told us under no circumstances can we just not show up to an interview, because they've honestly had program directors just stop inviting any and all students from our institution to interview after a slight (or two) like that.

That, and it's common sense/basic civility. Doubtless there'd be someone else who would love to get that spot you're vacating.

 

[dakine doctor]

I am trying to understand how this match thing works. Is it a good idea to go to an interview and withdraw my app to that program or am I better off withdrawing before interview? I heard somewhere once you rank a program, if you match, you must take it. But do I have to rank a program after doing an interview or can I skip it in the ranking?
Thanks!

Students should know that residency programs put a lot of resources into each interview.
"No Showing" is very rude and definitely very UNPROFESSIONAL. It wastes resources and honestly you took up a spot that perhaps someone else could have benefitted from. How would you feel that if you couldn't get an interview slot in a place you wanted because someone else scheduled an interview then "no showed." As mentioned, many PD's will personally call your Dean and many programs have blacklisted schools with students who act this way.

If you absolutely don't like a program, save your self time and money and don't interview there. If you want to not go to an interview, call up a program and cancel. If you interview and hate it, definitely don't rank it. Just remember if it's last on your rank list, there is still a chance you may end up there in the match. Once you match there you are obligated to go or risk a NRMP match violation and permanent damage to your chances of matching in a place you may want to go.