How can I tell if a program is competitive or not?

[chocoholicsoxfan]

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Currently applying peds and trying finalize my list of programs.

I'm confused as to how to figure out where to apply.

Most advisors at school have told me to pick 20 programs. Of note, I have a low Step 1 (211) but a pretty good Step 2 (261). They've told me my scores mean I won't get interviews at CHOP, Boston Children's, and Lurie (I'm only applying to Midwest-ish programs), but I have a shot anywhere else.

So I've picked 30 or so programs, but I'm worried that they're too competitive. Because truthfully, I don't understand what competitive means. I'd like a stand alone children's hospital in an academic center.

With such lopsided scores, how do I even apply? And how do I figure out which places I don't have a shot at/an application would be a waste of money? Is the Doximity reputation ranker a good marker?

 

[SurfingDoctor]

Currently applying peds and trying finalize my list of programs.

I'm confused as to how to figure out where to apply.

Most advisors at school have told me to pick 20 programs. Of note, I have a low Step 1 (211) but a pretty good Step 2 (261). They've told me my scores mean I won't get interviews at CHOP, Boston Children's, and Lurie (I'm only applying to Midwest-ish programs), but I have a shot anywhere else.

So I've picked 30 or so programs, but I'm worried that they're too competitive. Because truthfully, I don't understand what competitive means. I'd like a stand alone children's hospital in an academic center.

With such lopsided scores, how do I even apply? And how do I figure out which places I don't have a shot at/an application would be a waste of money? Is the Doximity reputation ranker a good marker?

People tend to use the US News rankings. Alternatively, it can be by word of mouth which you alluded to.

In the end though, it doesn’t mean a whole lot.

Pick a place that you think you might want to train and a place you’d want to live, apply and go on the invited interviews and rank based on your hunch. That’s the typical process.