I actually was going to apply to 23 schools but people around me kept telling me to apply to more. So I applied to 29. Wish I hadn't. Advisor wanted me to apply in the 30s. That's when I said no way. Its still early in the cycle though.
It is quite the vicious cycle, and so unnecessary. Internal Medicine did an analysis recently:So you over-apply because everyone else is over-applying, adding more applications to the stacks that programs have to screen in order to offer interviews, thereby delaying further their ability to offer interviews (many of which are still 3-4 months away), causing others to panic that they aren't getting interviews, thereby prodding them to send out more applications...
I have more than one yellow flag, including taking five years to finish a 4 year MD school (and it wasn't for "research" 😉), and I have gotten interview invites in September.
well the AAMC (a corrupt organization that has repeatedly lied to congress to further their own interests) is one of the stakeholders who benefits by the swelling of the coffers from students overapplying.
You applied to AOA or ACGME programs?
I don't care how awesome your application is, attending only two interviews is a very very risky move.
"wink wink" is worthless. they could have had something in their eye. get it in writing. it is perfectly legitimate for them to give you a written statement that they will rank you in their top x even if they are through the match. It's only a match violation for them to ask you how highly they will rank you etc. If they haven't even said that they are going to rank you to match and just had dust in their eye, that's even more worthless and could mean they're just not that into you as you seem to think. It is also perfectly legitimate for you to mention that you don't plan to rank any other programs but two. if they have any decency and aren't hella interested in you then they should tell you to rank more places. this is something for an in person or telephone convo. In fact, some programs rank applicants they know are a sure thing LOWER.
I got four very strong, verbal winks from programs. I ended up matching at the fourth wink down on my list. Granted, I am very happy with where I ended up, but from my informal study, 75% of winks are pure schlock.
Do you remember if this also happened last year by early October? I really hope that other programs still have some open dates.
I know it has already been said, but it may be beneficial for you to see what other programs have to offer (esp. with those ranking only 2 programs in psych in 2016 having a >30% (10/32) chance of not matching (http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Charting-Outcomes-US-Allopathic-Seniors-2016.pdf). Going for an interview at more programs won't obligate you to rank those programs (if you do ultimately decide you can't leave the area you are in now), but it will provide you with more flexibility around match time and peace of mind. Also, I would hypothesize that if you don't match at your hometown program this year, the chances of that happening next year are not likely to increase.
