How many programs to apply?

[coca]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm new to this forums. but I am really anxious about coming EM match, and really would like to know if I've applied appropriate number of programs as most program deadlines are Nov 1. I'm from one of top 30 US med schools. My stats are:
Step 1: 217
Step 2: 228 and passed CS
Class rank: bottom third
3 EM sub-internship grades: High pass, pass and still waiting..
# of programs applied so far: 62
# of interviews so far: 1
# of rejections so far: 0
Should I apply more programs at this point? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!!

 

[SepulvedaMD]

Do you have a specific place you want to go? I.E, are you bent on going somewhere competitive? Your scores look ok with regard to matching, but I'm not sure at what point to cap it

 

[EM_Rebuilder]

You do not need to apply to anymore programs. You have already applied to enough...

I would relax; I bet you interviews will start rolling in before long.

Is there some bad mark somewhere on your application? Those step scores are fine, sounds like you are at a decent school... I don't think 'bottom third' of your class is a big deal, unless it stemmed from multiple class fails?

 

[coca]

Thanks for reply. I didn't fail any class or step. The thing that worries me was because I only have one high pass in my third year core clerkship (surgery), and the rest are just pass.
In terms of location, I wouldn't mind too much as long as I match. But CA is my top priority, then other big cities (chicago, NYC, philly, boston, DC, etc).
Thanks guys. I am hoping to get at least 20 interviews.

 

[Nervous Ned]

You don't need to go on twenty interviews. Ranking somewhere around ten programs is a lot more reasonable based on prior years' match statistics and also considering time and money logistics. So, you should apply to enough programs to get at least eight interviews, and you should rank around ten programs. It might be a good idea to go on a couple of extra interviews in case you decide that you don't want to rank one or two programs, but going on more than 12 interviews is probably a waste unless you're couples matching.

 

[iDoc1]

Agreed twenty interviews is waaaaay too much - probably, 10-12 interviews is good (especially if you rank every place you interivew...which most do)

 

[Braves123]

I don't know, the old 10 interview rule doesn't apply any more I hear its more like 15 now if your less competitive.

I would continue to apply to some more programs as your stats are below average for EM, and get some more small names and rural/community places in there just in case. CA will be very difficult with your numbers if you're not from CA. And big cities are always tough, except maybe NYC which has some not so endearing programs in brooklyn/queens/staten island/etc.

 

[coca]

I applied broadly, and a lot of less competitive programs everywhere in the country. So far, I got 12 interviews and 5 rejects. No interview from any west coast. Most interviews are from less competitive programs. I'm hoping to go 15 interviews.

Starting around what time we could start to assume there is no more chance to get interview invite?

 

[shoal]

More competitive programs are likely full right now. Its unlikely to get an interview from them unless they have not offered any. As for less competitive programs, most are starting to fill up pretty good. After this week, I wouldn't expect very many interviews except for spots people drop.

12 is a good number, I am at 12 as well and very happy.

good luck!

 

[eas90596]

.

 

[coca]

Hey, just wondering, did you get any interviews to Chicago schools? My step 1 is a similar number and really want to go to Chicago. I'm an M3, so I'm not applying for a bit, but I'm trying to gage my shot at EM in Chi. Thanks!!

So far, I got 1 interview and 1 reject from 5 Chicago schools I applied.