how many interviews usually do each USA residency candidate take?

[ali3400]

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[mimelim]

Depends on the specialty and how competitive the applicant is. Typically between 3 and 35

 

[DocWinter]

^as above. If we assume that the applicant score is at the mean for that specialty, And you interview well and have good personal skills, you’ll need to go on less interviews if you want to get into Lesser competitive programs. Traditionally, the rough average has been about ranking 10 programs which will give you a very solid or over 90% chance of matching into that field. Meaning ideally you should go out no less than 10 interviews, and have flexibility if you do not want to rank every program you visit.

Every year they put out the match data which will show you what your odds are for the number of interviews in the field. Go to the NRMP and spend some time looking over those.

 

[SpartanWolverine]

The average number of contiguous ranks for matched US MD seniors this year was 12.3. So, the average successful applicant went on at least 12 interviews. However, some applicants ranked more than one specialty and advanced programs also require TY/prelim interviews, so I'd say the overall average is modestly higher. Not sure that particular number is typically reported, however.

 

[TypeADissection]

I sent out way too many applications for general surgery. Scheduled 20 interviews and ended up only going to 12. Due to time constraints and money. I was much more selective for fellowships bc I had a better idea of who I was and what I wanted. Went to 10 of those. For me 8 is probably the sweet spot bc traveling while in residency is exhausting bc you still have to work, but it’s also nice to get away from the suck of residency to eat dinner in another city.