The Game

There is a lot of talk about programs giving hints like "you would be a good fit here" or "you are a competitive applicant" as well as post-interview communication. How much does this actually mean when it comes to programs ranking applicants? If a program does not specifically give you a "signal" during the interview, does that mean they are not interested in you or don't plan on matching you? Do most programs give these signals to their applicants?

Thank you for your insight.

No communication does not mean anything for many programs which have a no-communication policy. The key point is knowing which programs have these type of policies.

As has been previously discussed on this forum, all of the phrases you asked about above really have no "teeth" and should not sway you one way or the other. To reiterate, your rank list should be done irrespective of what if any feedback you have received. Likewise the programs should make their lists based on their "wish list" of applicants.

We know of course that this is not the way the world works so at the end of the day all of you outstanding applicants need to do whatever you feel is right for you with respect to post-interview communication and ranking discussion (#1, top of list, etc...).

Hope this helps and good luck --

wnl