Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
So you followed all of the advice, you crossed your T’s and dotted your I’s, and still, no invitations. What can you do?
For some this is a concerning temporary setback that can be improved on. For some this is a devastating setback. If you owe over $200,000 and you always wanted to be a doctor and yet this is your second year of applying, not getting an interview can make you feel desperate.
There are very few ways to approach a program directly without having it back fire. If done carefully and with prudence, it may help.
Some students contact programs to request interviews when they know they will be in the area interviewing for a different program. Occasionally, these programs may even help you coordinate your travel plans. You can also contact a program you are interested in if they haven’t offered you an interview. Though this is not recommended generally, students have claimed this to work. It is also a good idea to update the program with any changes to your application, although there is no guarantee you will receive an invitation. To contact them, call or email the program coordinator, or maybe send a brief email to the program director, depending on the situation.
Try to take advantage of any opportunities for networking. It may help if a student or a coworker from your past can speak on your behalf at a particular program. In some cases, you may ask a faculty member at your institution to contact the program.
You can ask gently to have your application reviewed again because your interest in the program is high. Asking why you were not granted an interview so you can improve the application is also fine.
Keep in mind, however, that there are many reasons that a particular program may not have offered you an interview. The program may not be offering interviews yet, or you may have applied too late. Perhaps you are not a competitive applicant. Many programs will use cutoffs that do not allow for reworking your application. Some will interview only people who are graduating in the last few years. Some will not interview if there is a required minimum GPA or a minimum test score. In these cases, do not bother to contact the program if you know you do not meet their requirements. Instead, you might consider how you could improve your application for next year to increase your chances.
Remember to check the ADTS (Applicant Document Tracking System) which can be useful to monitor the status of your application with each program. Also, program directors will invite you to interviews and request additional information via the email address in your application Profile, so be sure to check your email account regularly while your applications are active!
It is a very stressful and frustrating time when you are waiting for interviews. Of course, you need only one to match. It may not be your first choice, but if you match, you will be working in the direction of your goals. If you do receive an invitation, it is imperative that you respond with professionalism, enthusiasm and thorough preparation.
Programs sometimes invite applicants into January, so try to be patient and understand the process is complicated. This is a good time to find something to do to distract you. Prepare for interviews anyway by developing general questions for programs. Find a good book, enjoy time with family and friends, pursue a hobby, and above all, stay positive.
Click here for last week’s post for recommendations from a Program Director if you have been invited to interviews.