only 39, know there are more people who matched out there ... your telling me that 50% of orthopaedic applicants get their 1st choice ... i think if we probably look at the statistics ... this study would have 2 major flaws .... 1. it lacks power ... although i did not do the power analysis 2. i think there is probably a selection bias .... ie people like to look good .... those who ranked well respond come on prove me wrong folks

1. roughly 1000 apps for 650 or so spots. 2. Match algorithm works for an applicants advantage. 3. Most people are realistic in choosing where they want to go (at least, i hope so) So is 44% really that unbelievable?

i don't know. i do think our sample size is low.