Hi all...
I just tuned into this thread, and wanted to reiterate what others have said.... for any of you who are in the process of considering potential residency choices and are using the information you see posted here, or anywhere for that matter, to help you discern how "competitive" you are, how "competitive" a program is, etc., please keep in mind that everything here is completely subjective. Apart from a few facts thrown about, our impressions about programs, program directors, phone calls, and the like, are greatly influenced by our own personal biases and ambitions. Since it was not too long ago that I was beginning this whole interview process myself, I do see some rationale behind JM's starting this thread -- I definitely sought out information regarding how "competitive" I needed to be in terms of scores/school/etc. when I began seriously considering neurology and, as long as this information is taken with a grain of salt and it is recognized that grades are, indeed, just one tiny part of the big picture, I think it can continue to be very beneficial for future applicants. Anyone thinking of going this route -- you are in good company... neurology is an incredible field with incredible people, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
And for those of you, like me, who are now in the tedious process of ranking our lists... let's just try to remember that this forum is much like the conversations we have been having on the interview trail: "oh, so you interviewed there? how did you like it? i heard this/that/the other thing... what do you think of that?". It's just a way to get some insight. It's been difficult for me, especially at my last couple of interviews when I don't have the energy I did at the beginning of the interview season, to really go all-out and get a good sense of the programs in a few hours on interview day. So, sometimes, reading little comments made by future colleagues, however vague or generic they may be, help to trigger personal memories or initial impressions I have had of programs, and so have proven to be helpful and appreciated. Again, it's subjective. Had I taken every word written here to heart, I never would have interviewed at Georgetown.... having actually gone on the interview there, I can say it was one of the most pleasant experiences I have had. Just an example. But we're all looking for different things, we all get different "vibes", and when it comes right down to it -- we're all going to be great neurologists at the end of the day, no matter where we train. Programs don't make physicians. People do. At this point, it comes down to our character and determination to make the best of any program we match at. And that's the bottom line.
As for my rank list -- I'm ranking everything. 16 in total. I honestly haven't found a program where I'd rather be unmatched than train there. As for the order, it's probably going end up being based largely on "gut" feel. Sorry I can't be more calculated than that, but I've personally tried to sift through the major differences between some of these places and it's not easy to quantify. Are the residents happy/Were you happy on interview day... these should be the big questions, in my perspective.
BEST OF LUCK to everyone! The end is in sight!
