Hi, I went through the application last year. I put my experience below:
Firstly, I applied to too way many, but started getting invites scattered through September, peaking early to mid October, and continuing through December.
I did most of my interviews in December and finished in Jan. By number 3, you feel confident and less foot in mouthy. After 7-8, you are fatigued. I did more than this and could have really used the cash for relocation.
I ended up raking over 10 schools, but got my first choice. The magic number is 99% matching, but most AMGs get their first three choices.
In retrospect, I wish I had paid more attention to the following
1. Interviews haven't started free flowing yet. (Last year we ahd a running list of programs so that we knew when they started sending out invitations - some schools do it later than others) but it was still a nerve racking time.
2. More than 8 interviews is probably not needed, causes fatigue, and is costly
3. AMG with decent (avg) board scores and some path exposure will probably do okay with less than that.
4. The entire process is more expensive than you think - you have step 2 CK and CS, applications, travel, grooming expenses - dry cleaning, hair, ect, delayed flights causing additional nights in hotels, rebooking fees, rental car fees. Then you may have to move!! And that... is a nightmare in itself. And you wont get your first paycheck until 2 weeks to a month after you start working.
So prepare what you want to get across in your interviews, relax, and go to them refreshed! There will be plenty of things to stress you out later on.
i saw some thread from last year, by sept.9 or 10 they're starting to get invyts... was thinking that's too soon!!! and it made me more nervous!! 
