Are you applying to any other residency programs?

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It is no secret that fourth-year medical students are encouraged to apply to many residency programs to better their odds of matching. This number of applications can often exceed 10. The interviewers will likely be more interested in you if they are aware that you are actively pursuing many opportunities, especially if you are a top candidate of theirs.

Talk openly about the applications you submitted, but emphasize your interest in this particular residency. Give specific reasons you want to complete your residency with this program and explain how that will benefit you in your pursuit of becoming a practicing physician in this specialty.

"I am keeping an eye out and applying to several reputable anesthesiology residency programs. No matter the number of interviews I complete, I hold your program in the highest regard because of the academic and research success that your past trainees are now having in practice."

I am applying to a few other programs, but I am hoping to match at your program. I have had prior clinical experience here as a medical student, and I enjoyed working with the staff. Additionally, this program is located in my hometown and is near my family.

"Yes, I am interviewing with other programs. I am eager to join a top-notch residency program and hope that to train here at your program."

"Thank you for taking interest in my application and interviewing me today! I have applied to other programs generally throughout the country."

"While I am very passionate and excited about your training program, I hope to get training in dermatology and have applied to several programs to give myself the best opportunity to match to a program that will be a good fit for me. I hope that this program is the one!"

"I am applying to several Emergency Medicine programs across the country, but have been careful about applying only to those, which I could seriously see myself at as a resident. This program has been one that I have done a great deal of research on and could see myself thriving at if I'm fortunate enough to match here."

Anonymous Answer

"Yes, being a visa requiring IMG, I was advised by my mentors to apply to many programs. However, your program in New York is my top choice because my family lives in Brooklyn and I have heard many great things about the program from…(previous resident)."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's good to be honest, as you have here. You took the right approach to reassure the interviewer that while you applied for several programs, they are your preferred program, and then you gave supporting reasons why. You could also take it a step further and briefly explain why you align well with the program's mission and values.

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Anonymous Answer

"Yes, I applied to several programs across the country. Still, I was careful about applying only to those I could seriously see myself as a resident, which would be a good fit for me. This program is one of them; I hold your program in the highest regard. I could see myself thriving here."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's great that you acknowledge that you applied to several programs across the country, which is honest and aligns with the reality of the application process. Mentioning that you were careful about applying only to programs where you could see yourself as a resident and that would be a good fit shows a thoughtful and strategic approach to the application. If applicable, you might consider briefly specifying what aspects of the program make it a good fit for you. This could include particular strengths of the program or aspects of the program's philosophy that align with your goals.