Tunnel Vision

So I think for many of us this Thanksgiving weekend has signaled that
we are more than half way done with the interview process. For me I got
four left. I can see the light. So as I sit back after stuffing my
face, I will share some myths and truths of the interview trail so far.
Of course this is only my experience so take it for what it's worth.



Myth: Save the interviews at your top programs for the end.

Truth: By the end of this whole thing you are tired, burnt out, and
broke. Not the best time to put your best foot forward. I of course
followed this thought when I booked my interviews so I will have to
suck it up either way. I think that having one or two interviews prior
to your top programs is a good idea. For me I felt like interviews
three thru six was when I was most on top of my game. Mostly because I was really
focused and keyed in on each program and their differences and also a
little nervous which is a good thing. When people asked "Do you have
any questions for me?" I actually had questions. This is really no
longer the case due to many factors.



Myth: Every program plays by the rules.

Truth: Most do but not all. There are programs that will ask you about
things they are not suppose too. I just recently found this out,
largely due to my ignorance about the so called "off-limit" discussions
they can have with applicants.While for me I  never felt like questions
crossed the line or were uncomfortable, I can see for others why they
would be. Fact is though if you interview at enough programs some will
ask you what you will rank their program, some what other program you
interviewed at and what you taught of them, Some will tell you a second
look is totally optional with a giant wink-wink. Also if your a women
the whole marriage/having babies topic will come up in one forum or
another many times, some women applicants  "forget" to wear their
wedding or engagement rings to interviews.



Myth: There is always some applicant who gets too drunk at the night before function.

Truth: Really not true in my experience, at least so far. I think the
stories of past transgressions have made impressions in most of the
currents applicants approach to interviews.. Plus most of us are past
that phase of our lives and know how much these interviews mean. While
I am sure some people know of someone who at sometime did something,
this really is not seen by most of us. Of course saying all this I
realize that the best chance for these things to happen are probable
towards the end of the season when applicants are mentally fried, over
extended with travel and want to hurl when they hear the phrase "do you
have any questions for me?". So I guess we will see in the next couple
of weeks.



Myth: That after you get an interview, your scores and grades no longer matter.

Truth: I highly doubt that. Fact is that even after 5-10 fifteen minute
interviews with 50+ applicants the faculty will have a hard time
remembering all of you. Most of the interviews barely scratch the
surface when it come to you as a person or a future resident. Besides
maybe the favorite applicant from each the faculty and the applicants
who rotated at the program; the person who gets ranked 11th and the one
who gets ranked 12th will likely have better scores/grades. While I
don't know this for sure I think it is human nature that if faculty
can't remember anything that stood out about an applicant they will
look back at their transcripts by default.

If you have any defunct Myths to share please leave a comment. Happy Holidays to everyone. 

UMuser