YALE
Dunno if they are done for this year or not, but should at least be useful for kids next year.
This place was incredibly laid-back (rare for a NE program, especially one with a name) and the interviews reflected this. The night before, there was a reception/dinner at the Grad Club with an open beer/wine bar and an impressive food display (roast beef, salmon, chicken, etc.). The set-up was nice and the atmosphere was very Ivy League. Many people wore coat and tie (residents and applicants), though a collared shirt and sweater or jacket are quite appropriate (i.e.--don't stress it, or try to re-wear your interview suit, b/c it's no big deal. Just whatever you're comfortable in). The chair, Dr. Friedlander gave a really warm set of remarks that put everyone at ease, including general interviewing tips (know what you want to say to them before you even walk in the door and steer all their q's to fit your prepared spiel). After talking for a couple of minutes, he left us and the residents alone.
After dinner, most of us walked to a nearby bar and had a drink or two. The residents were really fun folks and I got the impression they would head to the bar even if none of us decided to join.
The next morning began with a slideshow of resident life given by one of the chiefs. Not NEARLY as lame as it sounds. Actually, it was pretty funny and more helpful than the pics of the hospital on the one sunny day a year and a shot of the beach no one has ever visited. Then Grand Rounds. Then we walked to their main department offices and were interviewed in exam rooms.
There were 5 half-hour blocks and 4 interviews/ applicant. YOu carry your file around w/ you, so only the 1st interviewer has actually read anything other than your name before you walk in. Some people had a resident interview as one of theirs, some didn't. some had private attendings, some had all academic folks. All interviews were pretty standard and pretty low-stress. The hardest q I got--"Who would you most like to have dinner with and why?"
After the interviews, we had lunch and then a brief walking tour, with everything ending by about 1:30p.
Overall, I must say I was stunned by how much I liked this program. Not that I expected it to be bad, but there are a lot of rumors buzzing around the trail that seemed pretty insubstantial after this visit. They kept reiterating that their strength was their residents, and they took great pains to make sure that their folks were as friendly and caring as they are hardworking. I suppose talking about the program details is more in the purview of another thread, but I think folks should know to take another look at a school they might not have for whatever reason. A great experience all around.
-Grizzle-
P.S.--for future applicants, Dr. Renshaw, the PD, made it known to all of us that the most important thing to him when reviewing apps is letters of rec. Not sure if you can apply that across the board, but at least at Yale, you know where they place emphasis.
