Number of Programs to Apply to

[sixteenstones]

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I am thinking about applying to the following PMR programs:

1. U of Mich
2 Northwestern
3 Spaulding/Harvard
4 Johns Hopkins
5 Indiana Univ
6 Stanford
7 U of C - Irvine
8 Loyola
9 Ohio State
10 Beaumont
11 Schwab


I am a D.O. in top 15% of class and 90%ile in COMLEX I and 228 on USMLE I

Do I need to apply to more programs or do you think I will get 7-8 interviews?

Thanks

Sixteenstones

 

[drvlad2004]

It sounds like your scores are good. Don't even bother taking step 2 early. That alone will get you lots of interviews. With PM&R, scores alone are not always enough. PDs are looking for applicants who they truly believe are an excellent fit in the field. Obviously, doing multiple rotations is the key to being highly considered. I could tell that you are more interested in staying in the midwest. I would also apply to more programs if I were you. Honestly, I can't exactly guess if you will 7-8 interviews but I don't think you'll have that problem. The applicant pool is getter stronger and stronger every year, especially in terms of the unique backgrounds many of us bring into PM&R.

FYI, Johns Hopkins is only on continued provisional accreditation and they have not been fully accredited yet. Speaking to other interviewers, they were not impressed by the program.

In the midwest, also check Mayo and Minnesota (if you love the freaking cold weather 😀 ) as well as Missouri-Columbia. In the west coast, also check out UC Davis (strong peds and msk) and Utah. Most of my interviews were in the northeast (I've grown up in NYC/LI my entire life) and the south (the region where I'd most like to practice since my parents will eventually move to Florida).

Work hard in your PM&R rotations by showing how interested you are in the field. You'll find the right program for you.

I wish you best of luck!

 

[axm397]

I am curious to know how you came up with that list. I didn't see a trend in location, or even type, of residency programs. Are you going for name? What area of PM&R are you interested in? I'm sure you will get interviews from many if not most of the programs on the list but it's hard to say how competitive you would be with only your test scores. Many people get interviews but the odds of being ranked by the program is actually lower than most would think. Your personal statement, rotations, 3rd yr grades, LORs, research, and other factors play a bigger role than your test scores in PM&R. I know most of my interviewers never asked about my board scores or class ranking.

 

[Finally M3]

If you really want to hit West Coast, you should probably lob UW in there as well. I hear the resident unhappiness reported in the past has been much better since a new chair stepped in.

Personally, I would throw in a few more programs. It's only a few bucks more, and like axm said, it can be harder to match than you think.

If you have questions about UMich or Beaumont, PM me. I rotated at both. Or ask Ligament (PGY2 at UMich).

Good luck! 👍