I have a few friends applying to big-name general surgery programs that said they were encouraged to "let the program know" if they were planning on ranking the program high because it could "cause the applicant to move up the rank list" by both residents and attendings. Is it a beneficial to send the program directors from my top choices an e-mail stating that I am highly considering their program? Will this make a difference in the rank list?
Also, does it help sending thank-you cards? Does it hurt you if you don't?
I don't want to bother busy orthopedic attendings with cards & e-mails unless it's expected or will improve my chances.
It is strictly forbidden for a program to ask applicants any questions regarding how they will be ranking them. Thank you cards and notes should be individualized based on the program - some places will explicitly tell you not to send them. In general, it is a common courtesy to send thank you notes but at the end of the day it's not going to make or break you.
I have had several interviews where the program explicitly states not to send thank-you notes. But I have heard from some residents at my home institution that they would send them anyways. Does sending ty-notes in these situations help at all? Or is it better not to send them.
I am not an attending, rather an upper level resident.
I think common sense rules the day. Seriosuly, if the chairman says we dont want to be sent 100 thank you cards......don't do it.. this may be a test to see who can follow directions...LOL
As a general rule, when an attending tells you to do or don't do somethings and you defy them....it makes you look like an A$$
In general if they say don't send them you don't need to send them. Despite telling our applicants to not send them, we still receive some and honestly it neither helps nor hurts . If you really want to send one as I indicated earlier it is a professional courtesy and there's nothing wrong with it.
Bottom line - of all the controversies, issues, etc... associated with this daunting process I wouldn't lose too much sleep about this topic.
