hey guys....i have been searching Freida, scutwork, etc. for various IM programs in NYC since my fiancee is starting her residency there soon in anesthesiology.

however, i have 1 quick question for you. How do I find out (or can I find out) how many APPLICANTS a program has? I have seen on Freida that some programs list how many applicants they INTERVIEW, but never have I seen anywhere how many applicanst actually apply to certain programs. Is there anyway I can find out that information? Is there some underground "rule of thumb?"

I am interested in places like St.Lukes/Roosevelt, SUNY-Downstate, Beth Israel in NYC, Manmoinedes, LIJ, Mt. Sinai, Jacobi, Montefore, and Lenox Hill. If you were applying to these places, how would you rank them? Or are there any of these programs that I have listed I should stay away from.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated as I head into the ERAS world of confusion and torment!!! :scared: :( :scared: :(

anyone???.....buhler???....anyone with any advice???

[QUOTE=medlaw06] How do I find out (or can I find out) how many APPLICANTS a program has? I have seen on Freida that some programs list how many applicants they INTERVIEW, but never have I seen anywhere how many applicanst actually apply to certain programs. Is there anyway I can find out that information? Is there some underground "rule of thumb?"

only way is to give the program coordinator a call, as far as i know, some are very helpful, while others are not.....long story short....be persistent...a staunch attitude is necessary in our world of gunners and overachievers. i don't think you'll have a problem with some of those programs, esp maimonides.

thanks yesh...i appreciate your advice. i have tried to contact some of the PDs and they kinda give the roundabout answer to "it varies," etc. etc.. I don't understand the "secrecy." I guess if I was a PD, I would also wanna keep the information "confidential" since if I, as an applicant, see that there are 5000 applicants for 20 spots, I may not apply to that porgram out of "fear" or "initmidation."

Anyway...I appreciate your help. however, do you think that by being persistent, I could hurt my chances because I could be labelled as "that annoying guy."

Why does it matter how many applicants they have? You have relationship issues that make you want to match in NYC, so apply to all of the programs that look remotely interesting. Remember just because you interview doesn't mean you have to rank them on you match list.

Why does it matter how many applicants they have? You have relationship issues that make you want to match in NYC, so apply to all of the programs that look remotely interesting. Remember just because you interview doesn't mean you have to rank them on you match list.


it's more out of curosity more than anything. I wanna go into IM and am a self-proclaimed geek (what-do-ya-know...I'll be a perfect IM doc!!), and was just curious as to whether or not I could have access to that info.

second, you are absolutely correct. I will be applying to ALL the NYC programs, whihc is why I wanted this forum's help in how you guys would rank these places that I had listed (which is by NO MEANS a complete list). I just wanted to see what you guys thought about how you guys would rank the places i had listed. I know that the biggest decision is how will I personally like these programs, but you can't deny the importance of reputation, especially since I want to apply for fellowships afterwards. I'll be honest...I want to try to get into the best program that I can (HOWEVER, NOT AT THE COST OF PERSONAL HAPPINESS THERE), and I wanted to know what you guys thought. You guys have much more experience and knowledge than I do, right? :D :D

Lastly, I am just trying to (EVENTUALLY) balance the rank list: I don't want to "undersell" myself and end up at a place because I ranked them higher than I should have because of a lack of knowledge about how competitive the program is or how competitive other programs are. On the other hand, I also don't want to become pompous and start ranking the programs even though I think I am qualified while in reality I am not. AHHH..I am not expressing myself correctly!!! :mad: :mad:
The point that I am trying to make here is that when you are an applicant, you have no idea how to size up yourself to the thousands of other people who are applying to a certain program. Am I nervous? Of course, which is why I came to you guys for some help!! (socialized psychotherapy)

Like I said..I DO appreciate all the help you guys are providing. Some of the advice you guys give, I take seriously. for example, in a much earlier post, I had asked someone about my chances and he suggested that I take my Step 2 early. I am taking it this July on his advice because I thought his advice was good. :idea: :idea: :idea:

It is my understanding that what you have described is entirely the incorrect way to do your rank list. The algorythm is designed to help you get your highest possible ranked program. You are supposed to select your order based solely on where you would prefer to be! Sometimes, people who set up their rank list the way you're describing can actually not match! Do a Google search on this, you'll find some good articles, even some research on this subject.