How did you pick what residencies to apply for if not restrict by location?

[Seeker5]

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Hey all,

I was wondering how many residencies you applied and how did you choose them if not restrict by any specific locations but rather you want to have a better chance of getting the residency?

So if I apply to 15, should I split evenly between big-names and small-names institutions? I don't mind moving, so I hope this will give me a better chance as well. And how do you go finding a small-name institution, but still reputable for PGY1?

Any inputs would be great,

Thanks.

 

[Doc Hawaii]

Choose places that you want to be for a year, and maybe beyond. Size does not matter (let the jokes begin). Some are highly acute care based, others Amcare, while others yet are a blend. Some have outpatient rotations, others have none. Every place has a different personality, and I would not be surprised if you "clicked" at one or more places (just like a relationship with chemistry). Open houses are great to attend too. Just remember that you are being evaluated every moment. The foreplay is as important as the real deal...

I used this unofficial rule of thumb when applying:
If you are reasonably competitive, assume that you might land an interview at 50% of sites. Next, assume 50% of those places rank you.

That rule of thumb was close to what I experienced last year applying within the greater Los Angeles area exclusively. I was lucky and matched into my #1 choice, a large HMO hospital with over 40 applicants for each spot.

I knew people who applied to numerous places, had many interviews, and did not match. Others applied narrowly and matched. Some blew off interviews and later regretted the decision. One classmate was borderline suicidal when they did not match-that person incorrectly assumed that they were SO competitive, and landed SO many interviews (100% of those applied to), that they were going to match somewhere. Failure to reach your goals can be a bitter pill. That person had no backup plan...but they are now gainfully employed at a hospital...so they are now very happy.

The place I matched was a perfect fit based on mutual interests and personality. I could not be happier, and do not regret residency for a second. I suggest being honest about what you want in a program, and rank places based on where you could see yourself working. Do not try to game the system or hedge your match chances. Be yourself, rank on what you want (not what you think the site will do).

I am no expert, but thought that my experiences might be of some use.

I would like to hear others' opinions.

 

[Seeker5]

Thanks Doc Hawaii. It was helpful. I especially like what you said "Be yourself, rank on what you want (not what you think the site will do)." I will keep that in mind when I choose a specific site.

 

[Doc Hawaii]

Feel free to contact me with your phone number if you would like to talk. It's SUPER competative for many programs, so even landing an interview is cause for celebration. Please keep in mind that my little flashlight of the world shines around Southern California-so I do not know how applicable the experience is to your region.

 

[inverness2012]

There is no great way to rank residencies by how competitive they are. The data for how many people apply, interview, and are ranked is not available. I would suggest trying to narrow down the type of hospital (community, academic medical center, trauma center, VA) that you would like to be at. Make a list of what rotations that you want to have. I would then start searching. I spent hours online with the directory looking at different places. I was not location restricted either and moved from the Southeast to the Northeast.