Asking for a phone call

I don't really have any great insight on this, but I would hope that your home program would understand that you are applying to more than just one program. I don't really think this is much different than asking for a letter of recommendation, and hopefully your home program will be able to relay similar information... i.e. they are actively recruiting you to stay at the home program, strongly recommend you, yada yada...

Besides, your #1 is your top choice (above your home program) for a reason, and if it's your top choice you gotta do what it takes to maximize your chances there.

While we're on the topic, does anyone have any suggestions on the ideal timing of the phone call or email? Particularly when contacting a program at which you already have an interview... Should you have your supporter call before the interview to give the program a heads up about you, or after the interview when ranklists are being made?

I am going to bump this post. Would like more info on the bolded part...

on a similar note. one of my LoR writers asked me to send him a list of schools I had interviews at. I want to send it to him to see if he has any connections, but I also want to let him know I want to stay. Not sure about my chances here, tough program. was wondering how to frame the email.

'i obvi would love to stay, but i understand that it is very competetive this year, etc. here are the schools i have/will interview at'

sounds okay?

DS326, I think its reasonable to say that you are interested in this program, but obviously this is a competitive process and here are my 3 top choices besides this program..esp if your LOR writer asked to support you.

Getting back to the topic at hand:
When is the best time for phone calls to be made on behalf of a candidate? Before interview to give a heads up or after when generating the rank list?

I think closer to the rank list process, the better, but that's my 2 cents..curious about what other think...

In you response to your questions.. that's a tough one.

When to call is tough, because some programs rank right then and there..

It depends on the relationship fo whomever is calling on your behalf and the person they are calling. If they have a good relationship with someone there, I would have them call. Otherwise, I would say that you should have them call afterwards. Best bang for your buck. A lot of times after the ranking is done, PD's will change ranks based on a variety of things..including a phone call. Your biggest bang for when there is a personal connection is beforehand, in my opinion, but those programs should be for ones that you really want to goto.. so that way they can send an email on your behalf, and say.. hey, this dude is really into your program, and he's a good kid FYI. Then they will take a close look at you while you're there,...and if they have more questions, they will call to find out more. Generally this tactic is employed BEFORE you get the interview.

It is very helpful for the letter writer to have their number in there to say 'call if you have any questions'. My understanding was that a bunch of people called on my behalf asking what they thought of me. This all happened AFTER the interview.