DRIVING DIRECTIONS |
After applying to programs and getting interviews the next step is....How do I save money on the interview circuit? And how do I maximize the interview process for my benefit?. IMGs usually go to an average of 10-20 interviews to ensure a good match, but it is often safer to go to as many as you can and then choose which one you will put on your ROL after visiting the program. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW: 1. Cluster your interviews in one geographical area, usually this is the cheapest way to avoid astonomical expenses in the airlines, If you are unsure that programs might not wait for you to fix your schedule your interview call them and explain that you are clustering your interviews and you are coordinating with programs in the same geographical area to save money. Also schedule interviews reasonably to give you ample time to rest (not a day apart, but well, if you can't help it right?) 2. To save there are usually some transit companies like AMTRAK or greyhound which offers unlimited destination trips for a limited period of time (usually a month) you can calculate if you can save better on this type of travel plan. 3. Hotels are usually expensive (average $60 above) Motels are the cheapest ones (like Motel 6, Super8, Econolodge) But the type of hotel you stay in will also depend on your prefrence. 4. Get a suit in conservative colors (navy blue, black, gray , etc) Wear a tie, and polished conservative shoes. 5. Research the program a day before the interview this might include a. FREIDA b. Medline search of the publications of the persons who will interview you, c. your application papers d. opinions from housestaff that you know are in the program, e. the program information brochure. 6. Be sure to arrive at your destination a day before the interview, and be sure that you can find where the interview will take place. DURING THE INTERVIEW: A typical interview is shown below: A. Preinterview dinner/informal social event B. Morning of the interview, Program overview by Program Director/slide presentation C. Morning rounds/conferences D. Tour of the Facilities LUNCH E. Interview proper with the faculty/chief resident F Interview proper with one of the housestaff G. Wrap up talk For tips on the Do's and Dont's of interviewing and on sample questions on how to interview the books "First Aid for the Match" and "Getting into Residency" are both helpful . Also GHETTO has a couple of sample interview questions. AFTER THE INTERVIEW: 1. May residents leave their pager number/tel # with the applicant, if you really are interested in the program give them a call. 2. Make a note of every program you visited including your impressions while the details are still fresh. 3. Write a "thank you note" or letter to the program director or person who interviewed you to express your thanks and interest. If you plan to rank the program highly , say so and also state the reasons as to why you are ranking the program highly. |
INTERVIEW SITES |
BOOKS TO READ "First Aid for the Match" "Getting into Residency" |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS |
INTERVIEW |
TRAVEL INTERVIEW TIPS |
AFFORDABLE HOTELS: Comfort Inns 1-800-4-CHOICE Days Inn 1-800-325-2525 Econo Lodge Hampton Inn 1-800-HAMPTON Motel 6 1-800-891-6161 Super 8 1-800-800-8000 Travel lodge 1-800-255-3050 |
