Prelim Applications

[Whatsupdoc2011]

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Hey guys, sorry if this has been asked before.....what is a good number of preliminary programs to apply to? I'm only applying to IM and TY programs, and I have 10 of each so far with most of the IM positions being in my home state. Just wondering if anyone could share how many programs they are applying to and why. Thanks.

 

[Chemdude]

I'm applying to 15 transitional and 10 prelim. If you have great stats (240+, good grades, etc.), you'll probably be able to match into a transitional program. If you have average/below average stats, your best bet would be to increase the number of prelim programs you're applying to. Overall, I think 10-15 of each should be more than sufficient (based on what I've heard from previous classes).

 

[Apoplexy__]

Hey guys, sorry if this has been asked before.....what is a good number of preliminary programs to apply to? I'm only applying to IM and TY programs, and I have 10 of each so far with most of the IM positions being in my home state. Just wondering if anyone could share how many programs they are applying to and why. Thanks.

I applied to 8 TY and 38 prelim meds, because I'm DO and don't want to even have to think about resorting to prelim surgery or not getting enough interviews.

As for why I chose each program, I just blindly applied to every program that:
-Was in the region I'm applying in
-Is within driving distance of where I am now
-Is a TY in a location I'd be ok with living in for a year (was highly selective with this, and didn't do this with prelim med programs)

Unfortunately, 1 TY and 9 prelim med programs I applied to require a LOR from an IM department head/chair, which I don't have. Whoops.

 

[CherryRedDracul]

I'm applying to 15 transitional and 10 prelim. If you have great stats (240+, good grades, etc.), you'll probably be able to match into a transitional program. If you have average/below average stats, your best bet would be to increase the number of prelim programs you're applying to. Overall, I think 10-15 of each should be more than sufficient (based on what I've heard from previous classes).

Whoops. Applied to 30 prelim med programs, but no TY because I thought they would be too competitive given that the number of TY spots decreases annually.

 

[Chemdude]

Whoops. Applied to 30 prelim med programs, but no TY because I thought they would be too competitive given that the number of TY spots decreases annually.

There is no harm in over-applying. You should apply to a few transitional programs; applying on 09/18 will not put you at a disadvantage.

 

[Whatsupdoc2011]

Have you guys heard back from many PGY-1 positions yet? I've heard back from more rads programs than prelims and I'm starting to get a little nervous. Is it possible that they send out interviews a little bit later?

 

[RadioRads71]

^ I am an IMG and have 8 prelim IM/TY's scheduled. I also turned down 2 prelim interviews because the programs wanted their residents to choose them outside the match, thus dropping out of the match. Seemed shady.

In general, do people usually receive rejection letters? Or does not hearing anything at all usually = rejection?

 

[DeucesHigh3]

^ I am an IMG and have 8 prelim IM/TY's scheduled. I also turned down 2 prelim interviews because the programs wanted their residents to choose them outside the match, thus dropping out of the match. Seemed shady.

In general, do people usually receive rejection letters? Or does not hearing anything at all usually = rejection?

Very few places send out rejections. Usually the only way to know is to wait until people post here about interview dates, and you can then draw your own conclusions.