Curious rank list with no clear bias that I can figure out. FWIW, I'm getting a little tired of people posting that they want to do some random, well-compensating specialty when they have clearly given no particular thought to any of them. If you don't have a specialty in mind, just say that...that's cool.
Here's how I see your list:
KU=Brown=USC=UTH > UTMBG=Case=Prov Portland >>> NYHQ
Since you're essentially undifferentiated from a specialty standpoint, taking that into account is ridiculous.
I agree....
Out of curiosity, gutonc, would you put KUMC on par with those other programs? I would probably put Brown #1 because it is in the East, and one would probably make more connections in the New England area. KU is in the middle of nowhere, enough has been said about USC, and UTH, while good is nothing to brag about.
I havent been to any of these programs (I cancelled a few), but from what I have heard and seen (fellowship matches), I would probably say
Brown > UTH = USC > KU.
The OP couldnt be more random (one of the reasons this post did not get replies) because these 4 places are in 4 completely different areas of the US - West Coast, East Coast, Midwest and South, and as these programs are by and large in the same tier, I would be surprised if a regional preference is not given consideration in the final ROL.
And I support gutonc's stand on people posting completely random lists in completely random places with "I want GI or Cards or Heme-Onc". But I chose to keep silent because tempers seem to be flying high in this forum currently. But yes, the ROL patterns that gutonc has described are definitely getting annoying.
Other programs: I have heard good things about Providence Portland. I would rank it at the same tier of Galveston and Metrohealth, though UTMB-Galveston is improving by leaps and bounds post the Ike destruction. As I said, again, you should be taking regional preference into account as well, because your strongest chance for fellowships are inhouse or in the surrounding areas (city/state).