I know applying to two different specialties at the same program is a no-no. How about applying to prelim medicine and a transitional year at the same program. Does this matter?
TY here. I've never heard of this being an issue. It only increases your chance of doing a PGY1 year at a certain location, which makes it look like you really want to go there. Could only help you.
How about applying to a prelim program at a program that only has categorical? For example, if program A only has categorical anesthesia and not advanced, can I apply to program A's prelim medicine program without problem? Will they hold this against me (ie the prelim would be in case I match to a different program's advanced anesthesia spot)?
I see no reason why they would hold it against you if you applied to both their categorical and prelim spots if they only have categorical. I think again (if they even care one way or another, which I highly doubt) that it could only be a good thing. It's like saying, "If I can't do your categorical program, I at least want to be able to do 1 year here".which I think could only be good!