Not dropping residency interviews and the match

[odyssey2]

Apparently there's been a massive uptick in applicants not dropping their interviews this season due to the ease of virtual interviews. How is this going to affect the match rate? Will residencies end up going further down the match list due to top applicants taking up interview spots at mid- and low-tier programs? Should applicants not expect more interview invitations to come?

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[Cognovi]

Apparently there's been a massive uptick in applicants not dropping their interviews this season due to the ease of virtual interviews.

How can you tell?

 

[odyssey2]

How can you tell?

Anecdotal evidence based on online reddit threads, etc. And honestly it just seems like common sense that people aren't going to drop interviews that are just a zoom call rather than having to shell out and plan for a flight and a hotel.

 

[EMThrowaway2020]

Many people keep claiming interview hoarding is a problem, but without evidence, it's hard for anyone to know what to do. The closest thing to evidence I have seen is one anecdotal post from an anonymous Redditor stating there is "less movement" in their programs apps than usual.

 

[medradthrowaway]

There's really no need for evidence. It's common sense like the other poster said.

 

[bobjonesbob]

It won't matter. The match rate will be the same as last year. The odds of you matching at a place where you get a 3rd or 4th wave interview is quite low anyway.

 

[Ask Jeeves MD]

It won't matter. The match rate will be the same as last year. The odds of you matching at a place where you get a 3rd or 4th wave interview is quite low anyway.

Is that true though? Never heard of wave affecting where people rank on this list.

 

[husky_doc16]

Is that true though? Never heard of wave affecting where people rank on this list.

Agreed. I've heard that the day you interview does not matter, regardless of whether that's in the beginning or the end of the season.

 

[recycledpaper]

Doesn't make sense. Why would a top tier applicant interview at mid and low-tier programs to begin with? Sure, it's "just" a Zoom interview that you can do in your boxers, but it still takes preparation, time, and a modicum of effort. Seems like a waste of time for the applicant.

 

[Ho0v-man]

Doesn't make sense. Why would a top tier applicant interview at mid and low-tier programs to begin with? Sure, it's "just" a Zoom interview that you can do in your boxers, but it still takes preparation, time, and a modicum of effort. Seems like a waste of time for the applicant.

Students are on research electives or online “rotations” that they scheduled specifically for interview season. Between that and the fact that cases are spiking and everything is closing down, there’s literally nothing else to do. We’re all basically one notch below a full quarantine at this point and barely leave the house. So why not?

 

[recycledpaper]

Because there are much more interesting things to do than interview for a program you do not care about? It's not like you're on house arrest with your internet disabled - how bored can you be that interviewing is the most interesting use of your time?

 

[husky_doc16]

Because there are much more interesting things to do than interview for a program you do not care about? It's not like you're on house arrest with your internet disabled - how bored can you be that interviewing is the most interesting use of your time?

Also zoom fatigue is real. Lol