Number of Programs to Apply To

[JP2740]

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Have great letters of rec, decent research and step numbers - how many programs should I apply to? Some people are recommending like 40-50, but I think that's overkill. Would 20 be too little?

 

[IM2GI]

I was similar.

I took the attitude of, you can only apply once, and you never know how things will shake out. There seemed to be quite a lot of realistic triage by programs, in that I did not get interviews at some of my "safeties." You can always cancel interviews. So IMO it is better to over apply than to under apply.

 

[kjamess]

At a high ranked academic program, have great letters of rec, decent research and step numbers - how many programs should I apply to? Some people are recommending like 40-50, but I think that's overkill. Would 20 be too little?

had a couple of buddies who fit this bill, both applied to ~20 (not sure if they applied broadly or not, but got good # of IVs). one didn't match, other went down his rank list. you never know, so I would be on the safe side.

 

[JLC]

had a couple of buddies who fit this bill, both applied to ~20 (not sure if they applied broadly or not, but got good # of IVs). one didn't match, other went down his rank list. you never know, so I would be on the safe side.

I think the reason was probably also the accuracy of your description of their application and the programs they applied to. A high ranked (as opposed to top) IM program is at least a top 20 IM program, decent research should at least mean 2+ GI publications, and decent step means higher than avg IM step. "Everyone" has strong letters. If you're in that group, 20-30 should be fine. If you're coming from a top IM program or have extensive research in GI you can get away with 10-15 applications. As Kjamess said, at a certain point, some programs will not offer interviews for those overqualified.

 

[kjamess]

at least a top 20 IM program

check

2+ GI publications

I know it was at least 1. cant say for sure if 2+

higher than avg IM step

check. But w/e. Point was that you only get to do this once, so if it were me, I would dish out more cash for peace of mind.