Number of prelims?

[DrAwsome]

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What is a good number of prelims to apply for? I applied to about 12 but have only heard back from one! I applied towards the middle/end of Oct. should I apply to more?

I was also told by one of the programs that my application was on hold because I don't have step 2 scores! Have others encountered this problem?
I didn't think I would need step 2 scores for prelims.

 

[xyzyx]

I applied to 18 and only heard back from 6. (I'm also counting those that I know have given out interviews based on online forums, but I didn't get an interview, so I count that as a rejection). I don't know what's going on. Maybe some of the programs were waiting for the Dean's letter and we will hear something in the next few weeks?

My step 2 was on file, so I don't think that matters to any of the programs, because as you can see I am not getting much of a response.
I applied end of Sept which I know is not as early as some of those who pressed submit on Day 1... but I didn't think it was that late... 🙁

 

[DrAwsome]

I applied to 18 and only heard back from 6. (I'm also counting those that I know have given out interviews based on online forums, but I didn't get an interview, so I count that as a rejection). I don't know what's going on. Maybe some of the programs were waiting for the Dean's letter and we will hear something in the next few weeks?

My step 2 was on file, so I don't think that matters to any of the programs, because as you can see I am not getting much of a response.
I applied end of Sept which I know is not as early as some of those who pressed submit on Day 1... but I didn't think it was that late... 🙁

Sorry to hear that. So do you have 6 interviews lined up? Have you called? I spent part of the day doing that today. I hope to hear something sometime this week. I have heard about the whole step 2 being needed for some prelims but I even rotated at the one place they told me they had my app on hold. So odd. It seems that applications are up this year. The place where i was told that I needed step 2 scores said they had 1700 applications for about 11 prelim spots!

 

[xyzyx]

No, I don't have 6 interviews, sadly enough. As I mentioned, my total includes programs that I know gave out interviews based on online forums but they didn't give me an interview (so I count those as rejections), as well as straight up rejections.

I haven't tried calling any of the programs yet. Are you calling those programs you know gave out interviews? Or are you calling all of them on your list? Are they usually pretty nice and willing to answer your questions, or do they sound pissed off?
I was afraid that calling might irritate them and make them think "why the hell are you contacting us when we ignored you, so obviously we don't want you".

Based on your message though... I might call the 1 program I really like in my hometown... The rest I'm going to leave alone though.

 

[DrAwsome]

No, I don't have 6 interviews, sadly enough. As I mentioned, my total includes programs that I know gave out interviews based on online forums but they didn't give me an interview (so I count those as rejections), as well as straight up rejections.

I haven't tried calling any of the programs yet. Are you calling those programs you know gave out interviews? Or are you calling all of them on your list? Are they usually pretty nice and willing to answer your questions, or do they sound pissed off?
I was afraid that calling might irritate them and make them think "why the hell are you contacting us when we ignored you, so obviously we don't want you".

Based on your message though... I might call the 1 program I really like in my hometown... The rest I'm going to leave alone though.

Oh sorry. 🙁 I wouldn't count the ones you haven't heard from as rejections though. I pretty much called all the programs I applied to, but wasn't able to get through to everyone. The response was pretty good overall. Just be extra nice and the coordinators seem to react pretty well. I found out about the interview today when I called so that was pretty good news especially given I barely applied 1 week ago. Some programs I think I was under consideration but their spots were full, etc. I suggest you call and follow up.

Are you planning on applying to more programs? I think I might.

 

[xyzyx]

Thanks for your encouragement!
I PM'ed you.

Oh sorry. 🙁 I wouldn't count the ones you haven't heard from as rejections though. I pretty much called all the programs I applied to, but wasn't able to get through to everyone. The response was pretty good overall. Just be extra nice and the coordinators seem to react pretty well. I found out about the interview today when I called so that was pretty good news especially given I barely applied 1 week ago. Some programs I think I was under consideration but their spots were full, etc. I suggest you call and follow up.

Are you planning on applying to more programs? I think I might.

 

[wince]

i feel your pain. i applied to 30 prelims and transitionals and have gotten 6 interviews, 1 rejection. i submitted early on Sep 5. also it looks like at least 10 of the programs i applied to already sent out interviews a long time ago and i didn't get one. i thought things might pick up after Nov 1 but there has been nothing. not really sure whats going on, i have pretty competitive scores and good grades. i will be applying to more prelims this week. hang in there!

 

[DrAwsome]

i feel your pain. i applied to 30 prelims and transitionals and have gotten 6 interviews, 1 rejection. i submitted early on Sep 5. also it looks like at least 10 of the programs i applied to already sent out interviews a long time ago and i didn't get one. i thought things might pick up after Nov 1 but there has been nothing. not really sure whats going on, i have pretty competitive scores and good grades. i will be applying to more prelims this week. hang in there!

Did you take step 2 already as well?

 

[wince]

yeah...my step 2 results were in when i submitted eras. i've gotten 2 more interviews since nov 1, but the interviews are just trickling in sooooo slowly.

 

[artificialtears]

What is a good number of prelim interviews to go to that you'd feel 'safe' enough that you won't end up scrambling?

 

[medsRus]

What is a good number of prelim interviews to go to that you'd feel 'safe' enough that you won't end up scrambling? I have 7 interviews and I don't think I'll be getting anymore. Should I be worried, especially if the places I'm interviewing seem pretty competitive in terms of desirable location (ie California, NYC)...

I'm in the same boat.

 

[DrAwsome]

I'm in the same boat.

You have 7 as well? You may want to apply for some more. I currently stand at 8 plus one place that's considering for both a TY and a prelim, but I hear there are quite a number of people going into specialties, so I am hoping for at least 4 or 5 more. I would feel more at ease!