Question for program directors

[pingumd]

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Hi, wondering if there is any indication (based on applications received so far) of how the trend in competitiveness is for psych this year?

 

[psychattending]

Given the potential bias in who applies when and to which programs, I really have no idea.

 

[swanny]

It's still early. I have received ~450 applications in the first two weeks, (and have not yet reviewed them all ), so I can't comment on their "competitiveness" or "quality" as compared to previous years. However, the number of applications is consistent with previous years. Last year, I went through over 700 applications (for 4 spots). I expect to do the same this year...

 

[Sneezing]

Wow! I am so sorry swanny. That sounds like a monumental pain. Good luck on your important task!

 

[kugel]

Last year, I went through over 700 applications (for 4 spots). I expect to do the same this year...

That's incredible!
Can you PD's give us any general thoughts on how you begin to narrow the field?

 

[whopper]

Not that I'm a PD but here's some ways my program did it...

-USMLE scores including if the person failed multiple times.
-no mention of interest of psychiatry in the personal statement? No interview
-no LORs from a psychiatrist-no interview

 

[harmnot]

I have noticed also that AMGs with either one or more failures on either step will still get preference over IMGs who have better step scores or no failures. I don't know if this applies at all psych. programs. Just an observation.

 

[wolfvgang22]

Our residency coordinator says we've already gotten some 900 applications. She didn't say anything about the quality.
I think the NRMP data from last year pretty much shows how competitive psych is these days. My opinion is the trend will continue.