How many programs should I apply to?

[nonperson]

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hello everyone!

i appreciate all of your comment, this forum really helps making the application process a little less anxiety provoking!!!!!!!!

so i was wondering for an average ophtho applicant like me, how many programs should i apply to? i am most interested in programs on the east coast, most of which are very competitive. i am not interested in anything but ophtho and would be happy with any program really..

also are there any "not so competitive" programs in the NY, PA area?

thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

 

[eyedr]

hello everyone!

i appreciate all of your comment, this forum really helps making the application process a little less anxiety provoking!!!!!!!!

so i was wondering for an average ophtho applicant like me, how many programs should i apply to? i am most interested in programs on the east coast, most of which are very competitive. i am not interested in anything but ophtho and would be happy with any program really..

also are there any "not so competitive" programs in the NY, PA area?

thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

I applied to 47 programs. I believe the national average this past year was 42 programs applied to.

In terms of "not so competitive programs." That's very hard to define. There were only two unmatched spots this past year out of >400 spots nationwide. Competitiveness depends on several factors since each program and each applicant is looking for different things. In general if you are a foreign graduate, its super hard to match. If you're an osteopathic applicant it too is very difficult. But as an american allopathic applicant the match rate is relatively high with an above above average applicant in terms of board scores, grades, and of course interviewing skills.

Sounds to me like you should apply to every program in the NY, NJ, PA area regardless of whether it is bottom tier or upper tier, and see who offers you interviews. I found that I was offered interviews at programs I never expected to get, and was denied interviews at programs that I felt like I was a shoe in for since I felt I had a very strong application. Honestly, I was baffled and in the end was very happy that I applied broadly. Hope this helps.

 

[smiegal]

I agree with the recommendation to apply broadly. The whole process can be unpredictable and there's really no reason to limit yourself at the front end. The extra $ to SFmatch is, actually, less painful when you think about the total application costs (including flights, hotels, spending $, your time) and the possibility of being less than pleased with your 3 yrs of training or location. I applied to 45.

 

[nonperson]

i appreciate your feedback, thanks!!