How many Neuro and Prelims to apply to?

[kcumbDO]

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I am a 3rd year DO student considering applying to the allopathic neurology programs. I have a 246 on step 1 and 687 on comlex 1 and mainly pass and some high pass on clinical clerkships. How many neurology programs and how many preliminary medicine spots would I need to apply to.

 

[Claymore]

I applied to 23 and got 17 offers this past year, I'm a DO with scores lower than yours. I felt like this was way too many. Considering your scores you will probably get an interview offer for almost every place you apply, so I would apply to somewhere in the range of 15-18.

Of note, I had much better success with programs from the Midwest than those out East. If you are looking in competitive areas perhaps add a few more...you can always turn them down.

 

[Nerdoscience]

If you are applying in the Midwest, 15 is way too many. Most people will tell you 5 to 9 and that's plenty, even if you are applying to competitive programs. I did about 12 in the Midwest, got interviews almost everywhere, cancelled a few, and felt like that was still more than I needed. If you are applying in the east or in California, you will want to do more than 10, but I don't know how necessary it would be to apply to more.

Check to see which programs guarantee you a spot in a prelim program, becasue then you don't have to interview there for prelim.

Now, with a great Step 1 (for neuro, it's really really good), but so-so clinical grades, your letters of rec will be important. But realisitically, you will at least get interviews at almost all if not all programs you apply to based solely on your Step 1.

 

[katdo]

You have excellent scores and a background in neuroscience so you are in a position to go almost anywhere. My advice is to apply to only the top programs and a couple of "safety programs". You will not need to waste time and money looking at less competitive places. Being a D.O. is not a disadvantage in the Midwest. As far as the coasts, it is hard to say since I did not apply to programs there. Good Luck!