App help

[iceman20202]

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Hi folks, I have a quick question to post to the group. I'm currently working on apps for EM programs across the country, but my question is: How many programs did all of you apply to? How many interviews did you garner from said apps? Match? I'm looking for some general numbers here...I'm a fairly strong candidate--good grades, decent boards, great evals--with a lot of experience in the field. I always heard that you should shoot for 10 interviews (ie ten on your ROL) to be safe for matching somewhere. I've currently scouted 17 programs. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance

 

[SoCuteMD]

I had stellar grades, stellar board scores, and stellar LORs. However, I would only count the LOR thing if you already have your SLORs in and your dean has told you that they are strong. It doesn't matter much for EM if your medicine or peds letter is good. That being said, I got interviews at every program I applied to.

I think a good rule of thumb is to apply to 20 programs and expect that you'll get 12 interviews or so. You most likely won't be able to schedule every single interview, as dates and travel plans will conflict. That should leave you with 10 interviews. If you think you might not rank every place you interview (I didn't, there were 2 programs I would have rather scrambled than be at) then I'd add a couple more applications.