what are the figures you guys are hearing for IM for the average rank list length? I am planning on ranking 4-5 programs (average programs) - think that will be enough?

thanks,
asm

I've talked to a few interns who have told me that they matched with 4-5 on their rank list. Most of the interns that I've talked with have told me that they matched at their 1 or 2 spot. If you aren't just ranking top programs, and you've been told under the table stuff, I think that you should be ok. You should also make sure that you are a relatively strong candidate for at least 2 of those programs IMO. Just be aware that the avg rank list for unmatched applicants for the whole match process is usually 4-5 while the avg rank list for those who matched is 7-8. I can't recall if those numbers are specific for IM or not. I would rank any place you would rather go to then having to go through scrambling. I think that even scrambling in IM is scary, because not only are you competing against those who didn't match into IM for whatever reason, you also face competetion from those who didn't match into other specialties as well.

Ckent,

first of all, thanks for your detailed responses. As far as the numbers you mentioned, those are the statistics across the board that NRMP publishes, not specific to internal medicine. That's why I was curious if anyone knows the medicine numbers.

good luck everyone,
asm3