"you're a good fit," "we really like you," "hope you'll consider us strongly," "you have really good reviews" ....of course these things CAN be trusted. i am sure they're all true. but, they are also true of probably >50% of ortho applicants.

we say the same things to programs that we apply to. just because they say them, does not mean that you're ranked to match there, or whatever else one might hope to read into those things.

they are two separate - one is how you're ranked, which none of those statements say anything about. the other is whether or not that person likes you, and i am sure that they do. but, i would also imagine they like a lot of other applicants. i would stop worrying about it. send thank you letters/ tell programs that you think they would be a great place to train (i wouldn't worry about telling them that they're your #1 or #2 business too much)....and then relax, rank your programs and enjoy the next month or so. talked to my advisor and he said good programs are not going to be swayed one way or another by you telling them how you're going to rank them.

but, i am an applicant as well - so take my thoughts for what they're worth, which is not much...

in any case - good luck

On the flip side, if a program does not tell you these things specifically during the interview, is that a bad sign? Do most programs play the "game" with the applicants they are interested in?

On the flip side, if a program does not tell you these things specifically during the interview, is that a bad sign? Do most programs play the "game" with the applicants they are interested in?

There is no game. Just rank based on what you want.

i was told by maryland after interview that i was on their "short list." ranked them first and didn't match there...