As early as the day after you submit your applications, you may start receiving interview invitations/rejections. Do not feel discouraged when you receive rejections – it’s a normal part of the process, and even the best candidates will get rejection emails. Let’s focus on the interviews with some tips to help make the process more pleasant for you overall.

Scheduling:

  1. Schedule interviews promptly! Some programs invite more applicants than they have spots available, so if you wait to respond, you may find yourself on a waiting list.
  2. If you must reschedule or cancel interviews, be courteous to the residency coordinator, and try to reschedule/cancel at least 2 weeks in advance.
  3. Once you have an idea of the interviews you have received, try to organize them by geography to minimize money spent travelling between states.
  4. Use airmiles and travel discounts. Megabus.com has deals on ground travel between major cities, and Southwest.com has a good airline/hotel/rental cancellation policy.
  5. Interview in snowy cities before major snowfall to avoid winter travel cancellations.
  6. Try to schedule at least one interview before your favorite so you have a chance to work out your nerves.
  7. Find out about hotel accommodations, pre-interview dinners, and interview day details beforehand.

Pre-Interview dinner:

  1. This is an opportunity to learn residents’ opinions of their program but take their words with a grain of salt.
  2. Avoid unfamiliar foods or alcoholic beverages (hangovers or food poisoning will not be fun).
  3. Relax, try to have a good time, and ask questions!

by Jasmine Riviere Marcelin, Class of 2011