Residency Second Looks

Even though residency programs often state that second looks do not affect rankings, I still think second looks provide an opportunity to meet other faculty and residents who can put in a "good word" for you and thus influence your candidacy. It is your job, if you do a second look, to make sure the program director is aware. Consider stopping by the program director's office during your second look to say hello. If this is not possible, after the second look, send the program director an email to express your interest in the program and that your second look helped confirm this interest. Also mention whom you met during the second look.


However, doing second looks after programs rank applicants will not impact your ranking. Programs typically rank applicants by the second week of February so, if you are considering a second look, do them now! 


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Getting Into Residency: Second Looks and Keeping In Touch With Programs

As we approach the official middle of interview season, it is time for applicants to start thinking about their rank order lists (ROLs) and to develop a strategy for reconnecting with programs in which they are interested. Regardless of how well your interview went, it is very difficult for admissions officers to have a clear memory of applicants who interviewed early in the season. This is why it is important to try and stay "fresh" in the minds of the residency leadership -- especially the program directors and associate program directors who are the most influential in this process.

A few tips:

1) Schedule second looks at programs in which you are really interested.

2) Write letters of intent. Tell your number one choice program that you are ranking them first. Be sure to write this to only one program.

3) Contact programs from which you haven't heard if you are interested. Programs may receive cancellations from applicants late in the season and, if your timing is right, this could get you an interview.

As someone with extensive experience in the politics of academic medicine and residency admissions, I can help develop a strategy to increase your chances of matching in the program of your choice. Visit: www.MedEdits.com