nullIs it like applying to medical schools or better? Do the majority of people apply for positions at teaching hospitals? Also what comes into play other than board scores and grades/class rank? I don't know why I ask, I'm just starting my first year
Applying to residencies are as competetive when compared to app's to medical school in highly sought specialties: ENT, Ophthalmology, Ortho, Derm. Other specialities wax and wane with various changes in the healthcare industry. Boards and Class Rank are important - prepare for the boards the first time
.
Another thing to consider is location and prestige of the hospital that you're considering. Highly sought programs like Hopkins, Harvard, Duke will focus on research in addition to the hard numbers. Consider your living conditions when searching for a program
Consider the different programs - Community, University Based, Private practice or other hybrids. Each has it's strengths and weaknesses.
Look at the presence of fellows and determine how they can affect your training. Who does the majority of teaching?
Get recommendations from faculty that are published or well known in their field. Resident recommendations will carry little weight. Most importantly, make sure that the person writing your recommendation knows your abilities, strengths, etc in addition to your saintly personality. Get involved in research during medical school. Even if you don't have any desire to do research, it will give you better reasons why to pursue it or not(rather than it takes too much time). Basic science prof's will only carry weight if you worked closely on a research project with them or if the area is close to your specialty of interest (eg Pathology Prof-> Pathology Res.)
Clerkships are important in your 3rd year for preparing for the boards. Enter each rotation with an open mind (Would I like to do THIS for the rest of my life?). Choose electives wisely - do not concentrate on doing all electives in the specialty of choice. Definitely do a sub-i in a program that you're interested in pursuing. Play the part, walk the walk, and talk the talk....