Withdrawing ERAS apps

[yeeyeeEM]

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I applied to a broad range of programs in all locations because I initially wasn't sure what I wanted and where I wanted to live. Now that interview offers have begun coming in and my schedule isn't too flexible to accomodate all, I'm not so sure that I'd want to even interview at some places that I already turned my ERAS application into. What are your opinions on withdrawing applications? Should I leave it be and not schedule an interview if I end up with an offer or withdraw the app even before I get offered an interview? Does it look bad as an applicant to be selective?

Also, what's the consensus on canceling interviews once they've been scheduled?

Thanks!

 

[sylvanthus]

I would overschedule interviews and then cancel after that. So long as you cancel in a reasonable time frame (like 2-3 weeks before the interview) programs won't be too upset.

Better to have too many interviews and then be selective than to start withdrawing now and then suddenly realize you don't have enough or not in the right areas.

 

[FSU2013]

To play devil's advocate, if it is a program you know you won't want to go to, you may want to withdraw so that the program can offer someone else an invite and other candidates will be able to attend.

 

[blackavar]

IF you've reached your goal number of interviews AND you 100% know you don't want to be a resident at that program, then go ahead and withdraw your application. That's a nice gesture for the program because it saves them from reviewing or considering an app that they don't need to. However, if you're not at your goal #, or you're still on the fence even a little about the program, even if you're 99% sure you wouldn't go, I would leave it be. If you get an interview and you decide you're not interested, then just decline it. As for cancellations, my personal rule for interview cancellations was 3 weeks, but I know a lot of people use two weeks.

I declined one interview I was offered off the bat, no big deal at all. I also ended up cancelling two interviews I scheduled, but > 3 weeks before the interview. I'd just ask for a confirmation email so it's clear. As long as you give the programs enough notice, no one will hold it against you....they understand the process. DON'T BE A NO SHOW (obviously short of some emergency).

 

[winkleweizen]

Yeah...i vote withdraw if you know you dont want to go there, but if youre not almost certain then keep it