How many attempts at matching before giving up?

[Justyouraveragestudent]

I'm curious as to how many cycles re-applicants typically try for. Is there a max? Is it hopeless to reapply after not matching twice?

Will it be exceptionally difficult to apply to a field like IM or neurology after not matching neurosurgery 2-3 times, assuming a soli application otherwise?

Thanks all.

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[mmmcdowe]

I guess it depends on what you are doing in the interim. You very well could scramble into a IM or neurology slot and then continue there while re-applying. I would say that if you haven't matched after two attempts then chances of success are probably low, but the number of people who fall into that category is so small that it really has to be assessed on a case by case basis.