Second Look Visits

A second look visit is an optional (not required) visit to a residency program that takes place after your interview and before you submit your rank order list. The visit is intended to help you learn more about a program beyond your experience on interview day.

When to Consider a Second Look

A second look may be helpful if:

You are deciding between programs, and having more detail can bring clarity to your final decisions.
You feel uncertain about the culture or fit of a program.
You do not have a clear picture of daily clinical life, including workflow, teaching, and responsibilities.
You are not familiar with the city or region and are looking to gain a better sense of housing, commute, and the overall community.
You want to confirm your overall impression of the program.

A second look may not be necessary if the program is not one of your top choices or if the visit is unlikely to change how you rank the program.

What to Expect

Second look experiences vary by program. They can be formal, structured experiences with defined activities, or they can be a more informal and customized experience in which prospective residents can get more information about specific areas of interest. Most visits include opportunities to:

Shadow residents or attending physicians to observe how they manage patients, communicate with the care team, and balance clinical responsibilities. This can help you understand the pace and expectations of the program.
Attend rounds, conferences, or teaching sessions. These experiences can show how residents engage in learning.
Speak informally with current residents. You can ask residents questions about workload, call schedules, support systems, and overall satisfaction. Informal conversations can give you insight into team dynamics and what daily life is actually like.
Meet with the program director or faculty. Use this time to ask specific questions about curriculum, expectations, or other opportunities that matter to you.
Visit hospitals, clinics, and workspaces where you would train. You can also spend time in the surrounding community to assess housing, commute, and overall livability.

Tip: Before your second visit, consider specific questions or goals so you can focus your time on gathering information that will help you finalize your rank list.

How Programs View Second Looks

Policies around second looks vary widely by specialty and by program. Programs recognize that second looks cost both time and money, so even if you are invited to attend, there is not an expectation that you do so.

In most cases, attending a second look will not change how a program ranks you. That said, making a strong impression during a second look may solidify a program’s interest in you as a future resident, while a poor impression could raise concerns.

Making the Decision

Before accepting a second look, take time to evaluate whether the visit is worth your time and resources.

Will this visit change how I rank this program? Treat a second look as a decision-making tool. If you feel confident in your rank order list, you may not need to attend a second look visit.
Can I afford the cost and time commitment? Second looks often require additional travel, lodging, and time away from rotations. Consider whether a visit is a good use of your time and resources at this stage of the process.
Do I need in-person information or can I get answers another way? Be specific about what you want to learn and the questions you still need answered. If those questions do not require an in-person experience, consider whether a virtual conversation or reviewing program webpages and social media accounts could provide the information.

Focus on what helps you make a confident, informed decision.

How to Communicate with Programs

If You Do Not Plan to Attend

If you are invited to attend a second look and you don’t wish to attend, your communication can focus on being gracious and managing their expectations.

Sample script: “Thank you for letting me know about this opportunity. The initial interview was very helpful in gathering information about your program. If I have additional questions as I make my rank order list, I will reach out. Again, thank you for this opportunity.”

If You Are Invited but Haven’t Decided

It is not necessary to accept or decline immediately. You can thank them for the invitation, say you will consider the opportunity, and indicate that you’ll follow up if you choose to participate.

Sample script: “Thank you for telling me about this opportunity. I am taking some time to process my experience here and look at my academic and clinical responsibilities before deciding. I appreciate you reaching out, and I will be in touch if I can participate.”

If You Want to Request a Second Look

If you feel a second look would help inform your ranking decisions, you may request one unless the program explicitly states they do not offer second look opportunities.

Be clear about why you want the visit and what you hope to experience with a second look, and be sure to communicate your request politely and professionally. Accept whatever the program can reasonably offer and decide if it meets your needs before committing time or resources.

Always schedule visits in advance. Never show up unannounced.

Sample script: “I’m in the process of finalizing my residency rank list, and I’m very interested in your program. I would like to schedule a second look visit, and I would be grateful for any experience you can offer, such as shadowing an intern or attending a clinic. If the program director is available, I’d appreciate the opportunity to speak with them. Thank you for considering my request."

If You Want a Second Look, But Cannot Attend

If you’re invited for a second look visit, communicate your appreciation for the offer, and provide a brief and polite justification for why you are unable to attend. Whenever possible, use an academically focused explanation, and then indicate your continued interest in the program.

You can request to meet with someone virtually to ask any remaining questions you have regarding the program.

Sample script: “Thank you so much for offering a second look. I would love to attend, but I am unable to fit another in-person visit into my schedule at this time. I remain very interested in your program and would appreciate the opportunity to address a few remaining questions. Would it be possible to schedule a call with a program representative to discuss these?"

Professional Expectations

Remember to schedule your visit in advance, and do not arrive without notice.
Impressions matter, and it is important to remain professional throughout your visit.
After the initial interview, only reach out to a program if they allow further communication, and limit your post-interview communication to a brief thank you message, and any remaining questions that are critical to finalizing your rank list.