Interview Invites 2020-21

[Guest]

(02-03-2021, 01:43 PM)Guest Wrote: How much do letters of intent matter though? Will it really sway the powers that be?

Leadership at my institution said for our standpoint it is better to make our intentions clear to a program because at some places departments get some kind of incentive from their institution if all their "highly-ranked" individuals match there, so it may swing you up a spot or two if they really like you. On the flip side there are places that already make all of their rank lists immediately after each interview or within a couple days from their last interview date so in those cases it may not be helpful. At the end of the day though, I think peace of mind is big so if it will give you peace of mind sending it and essentially thanking the program for the opportunity to interview and that you thought so highly of them you would love to match there I cannot see that hurting any of us.

[Guest]

(02-03-2021, 03:31 PM)Guest Wrote:

(02-03-2021, 01:43 PM)Guest Wrote: How much do letters of intent matter though? Will it really sway the powers that be?

Leadership at my institution said for our standpoint it is better to make our intentions clear to a program because at some places departments get some kind of incentive from their institution if all their "highly-ranked" individuals match there, so it may swing you up a spot or two if they really like you. On the flip side there are places that already make all of their rank lists immediately after each interview or within a couple days from their last interview date so in those cases it may not be helpful. At the end of the day though, I think peace of mind is big so if it will give you peace of mind sending it and essentially thanking the program for the opportunity to interview and that you thought so highly of them you would love to match there I cannot see that hurting any of us.

"because at some places departments get some kind of incentive from their institution if all their "highly-ranked" individuals match there"

...what the actual hell.. like why does this matter. It's not factored into external rankings or anything

[Guest]

(02-03-2021, 04:38 PM)Guest Wrote:

(02-03-2021, 03:31 PM)Guest Wrote:

(02-03-2021, 01:43 PM)Guest Wrote: How much do letters of intent matter though? Will it really sway the powers that be?

Leadership at my institution said for our standpoint it is better to make our intentions clear to a program because at some places departments get some kind of incentive from their institution if all their "highly-ranked" individuals match there, so it may swing you up a spot or two if they really like you. On the flip side there are places that already make all of their rank lists immediately after each interview or within a couple days from their last interview date so in those cases it may not be helpful. At the end of the day though, I think peace of mind is big so if it will give you peace of mind sending it and essentially thanking the program for the opportunity to interview and that you thought so highly of them you would love to match there I cannot see that hurting any of us.

"because at some places departments get some kind of incentive from their institution if all their "highly-ranked" individuals match there"

...what the actual hell.. like why does this matter. It's not factored into external rankings or anything

Definitely had some programs that are mid-way or lower on my list brag about getting exactly who they want. All that told me was that if they're not my #1, its not gonna happen

[Guest]

What's the point of the rank tally page we are collectively filling out?
Where others applicants rank programs shouldn't sway our decision making process at all. Or am I missing something

[Guest]

(02-03-2021, 11:26 PM)Guest Wrote: What's the point of the rank tally page we are collectively filling out?
Where others applicants rank programs shouldn't sway our decision making process at all. Or am I missing something

For the most part it shouldn’t. I think it becomes useful when people learn why multiple people aren’t ranking a certain program (maybe they didn’t pick up on negative traits as easily as others). Also, it’s been harder to talk this year and gauge everyone’s thoughts on programs (we all know the top programs will get a ton of ranks, but what about lesser talked about places that still provide great training), so applicants might find comfort knowing that other people share the same positive mindset about a specific program. It shouldn’t sway your list but maybe can provide reassurance to a degree and ensure you don’t miss knowing about obviously toxic programs.

[Guest]

(02-03-2021, 11:53 PM)Guest Wrote:

(02-03-2021, 11:26 PM)Guest Wrote: What's the point of the rank tally page we are collectively filling out?
Where others applicants rank programs shouldn't sway our decision making process at all. Or am I missing something

For the most part it shouldn’t. I think it becomes useful when people learn why multiple people aren’t ranking a certain program (maybe they didn’t pick up on negative traits as easily as others). Also, it’s been harder to talk this year and gauge everyone’s thoughts on programs (we all know the top programs will get a ton of ranks, but what about lesser talked about places that still provide great training), so applicants might find comfort knowing that other people share the same positive mindset about a specific program. It shouldn’t sway your list but maybe can provide reassurance to a degree and ensure you don’t miss knowing about obviously toxic programs.

Really well said. I definitely had some interviews where I wondered if I was the only one picking up off vibes/just had a bad interview day, but my same concerns were reflected on the rank tally page. It helps to know I wasn't the only one

[Guest]

Is anyone sending letters of intent to their number 2 and 3 programs, if so how are you wording these?

[Guest]

(02-05-2021, 12:21 AM)Guest Wrote: Is anyone sending letters of intent to their number 2 and 3 programs, if so how are you wording these?

yes to expressions of interest. Similar to the #1 email (i.e. describing the fit bw myself and program), but without verbiage that they're #1

[Guest]

I don't think it matters. Just be genuine and yourself and you'll find a good place.

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Just be genuine and kind and you'll land in a good spot

[Guest]

For anyone who has written letters of intent/interest, have you gotten any feedback other that extremely enthusiastic and praiseworthy? Trying to discern if programs are being so kind in an attempt to make me rank them higher or if they're being sincere. I assume probably both. Wish this part of my life was over.