anything over 40 gas programs is INSANE, and it really doesn't matter what your board scores are. Most programs at a certain tier are pretty similar in terms of applicants they choose to interview so once you get past say 20 in the same tier there's not much to be gained from applying to more. If you can't pull 8 or 9 interviews outta the first 20, why do you think you'll be able to pull more from 20 others? If the first 20 didn't like your app then why would the next 20? Its just diminishing returns. On top of that even if you do get an interview to all 40, you can't go. No way you can do more 15 interviews w/costs and time constraints. So here's my advice
Figure out if your a strong, avg, or weak candidate. Most of you will fall into the avg catagory, and theres nothing wrong w/that. It was me last year
If your strong, apply to the top 20 programs and 10 mid tier back ups just in case
If your avg apply to 5 top programs 20 mid tier programs and 5 lower tier programs
If your weak, apply to 10 mid tier and 20 less competitive ones.
Once you get past 30 your just diluting yourself and wasting money. Do you really want to go to podunk when you live all the way out in east bumblf*ck? So pick the programs you really want to match at and then draw pick your absolute favorite citys and do yourself a favor and stop at ~30 - 35. You'll thank me later