Correlation between # of interviews and chance of acceptance into a program.

[SirCuneus]

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I've heard that about 10 interviews in most competetive specialties is a sufficient number to give yourself over a 90% chance of matching. Does someone know how many interviews I should have to feel comfortable about matching into a program? That is, of course, assuming the interview goes well.

I would also appreciate input from any of you that maybe only had just 2 or 3 interviews and got into a program. Was it a school you attended or a program that you were able to spend a lot of time with?

 

[N-Surge]

I've heard that about 10 interviews in most competetive specialties is a sufficient number to give yourself over a 90% chance of matching. Does someone know how many interviews I should have to feel comfortable about matching into a program? That is, of course, assuming the interview goes well.

I would also appreciate input from any of you that maybe only had just 2 or 3 interviews and got into a program. Was it a school you attended or a program that you were able to spend a lot of time with?

See here. The 2007 NRMP data is a few years old now. But there is probably still something there worth looking at. Looks to be around 12+ to REALLY play it safe.

I had 4 interviews. Ended up Matching at a program I did an away rotation at. Another program had also ranked me to Match, one I had not had any connection with prior to the interview. I would have to say it depends upon what one brings to the table.

 

[asmallchild]

I think 10 is still a great # to hit. FWIW I didn't get to 10 and was still able to match.

 

[scumbagderm]

nobody is completely safe, however.

just try to get as many as you can and pray,pray, pray!
Good luck!

 

[SkinNerd]

I think the best rule to follow in applying to derm is that there is no rule for a 'safe number'. I had 10 interviews and thought they all went well; one was at my home program and another where I did an away rotation. I had very positive feedback after interviews from one program in particular. Surprisingly, I didn't match even with that number of interviews and with the connections I (thought I) had made.

My best advice is to prepare yourself for the possibility that you won't match; it happens to great applicants every year. Have a back-up plan, or an idea of what you'll do if you find yourself unmatched. And realize that it's not the end of the world; life goes on.

I'm getting ready to re-apply and am surprisingly less nervous this time around... I feel confident about my chances for matching, but have also realized after doing my internship that I could find fulfillment in other areas of medicine if it doesn't work out for derm. I'm willing to bet that a lot of derm applicants - being the smart, motivated, and all-around talented bunch that they usually are - could be very fulfilled and successful in other areas of medicine.

Good luck, and try to keep calm during this stressful process.

 

[N-Surge]

I forgot to mention, APPLY EVERYWHERE! Do not penny pinch on this one...

 

[SirCuneus]

Thanks for all the great advice.