Univ of Wash...committed to mediocrity!

[DrBuzzLightYear]

So I got interviews everywhere I applied, EVERYWHERE (and think big)... EXCEPT Univ of Washington! What's the deal? What exactly are they looking for in their applicants? I'm not trying to brag, but I'm wracking my brain to think why they wouldn't have seen any value in my application. Has this happened to anyone else?

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[minigyn]

So I got interviews everywhere I applied, EVERYWHERE (and think big)... EXCEPT Univ of Washington! What's the deal? What exactly are they looking for in their applicants? I'm not trying to brag, but I'm wracking my brain to think why they wouldn't have seen any value in my application. Has this happened to anyone else?

Hey there...me too, but I also had a couple other rejects like OHSU. From a friend of mine who is out there for another residency program, they apparently got a TON of applicants this year, partially because their program is actually really good, but also location. Seattle rocks...in spite of rain. I know I chose a lot of programs based on the location so my husband could actually find a job, and Seattle was one of those places.
I wouldn't take it personally...I think there is only so much a committee can decide about applications based on a piece of paper. If places got to MEET me instead of read about me, I think they would like me (I am pretty cool )

 

[Embryo2006]

So I got interviews everywhere I applied, EVERYWHERE (and think big)... EXCEPT Univ of Washington! What's the deal? What exactly are they looking for in their applicants? I'm not trying to brag, but I'm wracking my brain to think why they wouldn't have seen any value in my application. Has this happened to anyone else?

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I sounds like you are a strong applicant with invites from a number of programs that are arguably much more prestigious than UW. Let UW be that way... They saved you an extra trip!

 

[klmr]

Just to make sure I understand...you're saying they're 'committed to mediocrity' simply because they didn't invite you for an interview?

So I got interviews everywhere I applied, EVERYWHERE (and think big)... EXCEPT Univ of Washington! What's the deal? What exactly are they looking for in their applicants? I'm not trying to brag, but I'm wracking my brain to think why they wouldn't have seen any value in my application. Has this happened to anyone else?

 

[Alician]

UW has an awesome OB/GYN program. I am sorry that you didn't get an interview. Don't knock it though because it's a great place, the training is superb and the residents are wonderful to work with.

 

[Vagina Doctor]

So I got interviews everywhere I applied, EVERYWHERE (and think big)... EXCEPT Univ of Washington! What's the deal? What exactly are they looking for in their applicants? I'm not trying to brag, but I'm wracking my brain to think why they wouldn't have seen any value in my application. Has this happened to anyone else?

could it be that they sensed the arrogance? hmm just a thought. UW is great and doesnt look like the place for you

 

[ohbee gin]

Ahhh... the humorless folk of the obgyn forum.

Buzz, I think most programs have a tendency to display some amount of regionalism... the west coast being greater than the east coast. I've been on 3 interviews and each has asked me to justify my desire to be in their city.

Programs have to select interview applicants by preselecting people who are more likely to highly desire the program. Otherwise they need to interview more people, rank more people, and stand a greater chance of going unmatched -- an ominous program sign. If you bring a top flight applicant like yourself and you're from, say, Texas. It's likely you will prefer one of the many top Texas or Southern programs over UW.

Obviously, their loss. but then, also your loss.

 

[DrBuzzLightYear]

Just to make sure I understand...you're saying they're 'committed to mediocrity' simply because they didn't invite you for an interview?

i'm not trying to be a dick, but its really odd that every top program in the country has seen my application, and at least decided that it had enough value to offer me an interview. but the univ of wash, which i doubt is going to be on many top ten lists, saw my application and didn't even think i was worth talking to.

i think the responses that people have posted are most likely correct. programs don't want to rank someone who rejects them. in my personal statement i also made it very clear that i was strongly committed to fellowship training. univ of wash may only want to train generalists.

 

[Alician]

I think you are mistaken about UW not wanting to train specialists.

 

[neilc]

duplicate

 

[neilc]

i'm not trying to be a dick, but its really odd that every top program in the country has seen my application, and at least decided that it had enough value to offer me an interview. but the univ of wash, which i doubt is going to be on many top ten lists, saw my application and didn't even think i was worth talking to.

i think the responses that people have posted are most likely correct. programs don't want to rank someone who rejects them. in my personal statement i also made it very clear that i was strongly committed to fellowship training. univ of wash may only want to train generalists.

still not quite sure how the above equals a commitment to mediocrity. i have to agree that perhaps they sensed a bit of arrogance somewhere on the application. obviously they didn't find what they were looking for on your application, and i am quite sure they will be fine without you.

 

[Poety]

Hi Neil, Hi buzz, I was just going to say maybe if you're interested in that program you could call and ask them for an interview, a lot of people do that if they're really interested, I did! (and it worked - but I'm probably not as stellar as you, oh yeah and I'm in psych but it could still work

 

[DrBuzzLightYear]

still not quite sure how the above equals a commitment to mediocrity. i have to agree that perhaps they sensed a bit of arrogance somewhere on the application. obviously they didn't find what they were looking for on your application, and i am quite sure they will be fine without you.

how is what i said arrogant? im asking a legitimate question.

 

[neilc]

read the title of the post..."univ of wash committed to mediocrity"

then, your defense of this statement is based entirely on the fact that they did not give you an interview. well, call me crazy, but i don't think a mediocre program is defined as one that would not give drbuzzlightyear an interview. i mean, i am sure you are a great guy and all, but i have a feeling that a program can not want you and still be a strong program.

i would agree with you if it seemed your point was that it is tough to understand what goes into the decision process. i have had some invites i did not expect and didn't get some from my safety school. but, if you can't see the arrogance in coming on here and claiming a program is committed to mediocrity because they won't give you an interview, then more power to ya.

 

[snowinter]

how is what i said arrogant? im asking a legitimate question.

the first rejection always really hurts. but dude -- get over urself. now rather than when u start residency and one of us here has to work with you.

 

[DrJD]

Just my .02 cents...

Seems like Dr.Buzz has a good point in wondering why u dub would not interview them, however the statement that that implies they are "committed to mediocrity" is what makes it ooze arrogance... So, yes Dr. Buzz, wonder away about why this would happen, it would baffle me too!

But, don't assume that makes them any less of a school, or any more "mediocre"... They had their reason, and if you really want to know call them and ask i am sure they will tell you...