How many programs should I apply to?

[PsychOhio]

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Hello, I am currently deciding which and how many psych residency programs I am going to apply to. I am an osteopathic student and only took the COMLEX. On Step I, I scored in the 70th percentile, which converts lower on the conversion scale to the USMLE. I have a significant number of psychiatry volunteer activities, helped with a few psych research studies, and presented a poster at a national conference. My clinical evals are mostly honors, and I have two psychiatry letter's of recommendation.

All programs that I am considering stated that they take the COMLEX in place of the USMLE. I am looking in the Midwest, West Coast and a few random programs outside of that area.

Is it realistic that I would get an interview at some the top 25 programs? ie. UPMC, UCSF, UCLA, U Maryland, Emory? And, what is a good number of programs to apply to, is 20 too many?

Thank you for your help and insight.

 

[rgerwin]

quick question, what do you mean by percentile? B/c I know 2 digit passing score is 75. Also, in the same boat as you, and I'm applying to 20-25 programs, but styaing away from programs I know I wouldn't be happy at but might be easier to get into. There's no point. I can't imagine 20 is too many as long as you would actually want to go to them. the mix is more important.

 

[PsychOhio]

quick question, what do you mean by percentile? B/c I know 2 digit passing score is 75. Also, in the same boat as you, and I'm applying to 20-25 programs, but styaing away from programs I know I wouldn't be happy at but might be easier to get into. There's no point. I can't imagine 20 is too many as long as you would actually want to go to them. the mix is more important.

rgerwin,

Thank you for your feedback. On the NBOME website you can input your 2 digit score and it will give you a percentile. My 2 digit score is 85.

Best of luck to you during interview session.

 

[peppy]

Is it realistic that I would get an interview at some the top 25 programs? ie. UPMC, UCSF, UCLA, U Maryland, Emory? And, what is a good number of programs to apply to, is 20 too many?

Can't speak for all of them but UMaryland seems to love DOs. I don't think 20 is too many. I think you should aim for more interviews than the average applicant if most of the programs you're aiming for are "top" programs, especially since you're a DO. I'd shoot for 12-15 interviews (not applications but interviews) in that case.
Don't be complacent in thinking anything is a sure bet. Everyone and their brother is fighting to get into the Cali programs, and even though many programs will say they are DO friendly the reality (in my opinion) is that in some cases people do carry prejudices against DOs or don't really understand what our deal is. I really don't think that most programs bother to try to "convert" COMLEX scores to what they mean in USMLE. Though places that get a lot of DO applicants probably have a general sense of what a good or bad COMLEX score is, I also experienced being asked, "What IS the COMLEX?" by one interviewer at a highly regarded program (I should have expected that though since the program only had one DO among 40 residents in a very DO-populated state).

 

[billypilgrim37]

I initially applied to 27 programs, coming from a top 10 medical school with solid board scores, solid grades, solid research experience, solid leadership experience, and a masters degree. You can apply to as many programs as you want to for whatever reason you want to. You stand to lose basically nothing.

 

[PsychOhio]

Thank you all for your replies. I have decided to apply to the 20 programs on my list, which include a wide range of programs and locations. Now I just have to patiently wait to see what happens.

 

[rgerwin]

Got it, thanks. I think the 2 digit score is becoming more looked at than the %. Is that incorrect? I just emailed a bunch of programs, and they all referenced either 2 or 3 digit scores as a min, not a %.

Good luck to you as well.

rgerwin,

Thank you for your feedback. On the NBOME website you can input your 2 digit score and it will give you a percentile. My 2 digit score is 85.

Best of luck to you during interview session.

 

[ELOVL4]

I'm an IMG and 2001 graduate. I've recently done a 5 months Psychiatry Externship. I've selected 55 programs so far. Do you think I will get enough Interview?

Credentials:

USMLE Step 1- 77
USMLE Step 2- 86
CS- 2nd- Passed
USMLE Step 3- 80

US Citizen

 

[rgerwin]

Applying broadly, I don't see why not. 55 might not be needed.