Interview Stats 2011, How many apps? How many invites? etc

Note to B4B]

Honestly can't tell here if you are trying to flame me or really are just curious. So, I think I'll give you the benefit of the doubt assume curiosity rather than douchebag.

To answer the question. Of course there was a strategy. This whole process is all about strategy. However, that being said my strategy is not what you would think. I have a family, hence cost of living and family safety are important. I chose not to apply to programs in large cities (i.e. NY, Chi, etc), so that immediately eliminated a good number of programs. Next, I stratified most programs into 1 of 3 groups; top tier, mid tier, low tier. This was more or less arbitrary as there is no true ranking system as you already know. I then picked programs based on word of mouth, researching websites, and geography. In the end I had 60 programs. I will admit, however, that the majority of programs fell into the middle tier group (go figure... upper tier programs in small towns are scarce). As for my invites. I have been invited by programs from all three tiers. Completely, random with one invitation from my one AI (Iowa). That's it. Pretty much the norm for most people I guess.

I guess I don't understand why that would be so unbelievable ortho-fx?

B4B out

**note to all browsing this thread.. don't be intimidated or for that matter, reassured by this.. the number of interviews, and when you get them really has no bearing on whether or not you match.. You just have to impress one program

and remember, you can interview at a lot of places.. be really tired and have a cruddy attitude towards a few of them because you're thinking you're the cats meow... this can be hurtful..

so be aware...

Thanks Iliizarovian.

As you well know this is a very exciting time for us. Exciting, but anxiety provoking...

B4B

just doin my part in it all

Total Apps: 50 (3 Military)
Programs applied who have offered interviews: 11 (14 including military)
Rejections: 1 (Wake)
Interviews: 4 (7 including military)
Waitlisted/Alternate: 1 (UNC)
USMLE: Step I 250, Step II 270
Grades: Basic science- All H with 1 HP (bitter...) 3rd year- All honors
AOA: Junior
Publications: 1 Ortho case report, 2 Ortho projects without pubs yet
Letters: 3 orthopods (2 Military), 1 Surg Chairman (No home ortho program, No home ortho chairman)

Military HPSP, did no civilian away rotations...I'll find out if all of his ERAS was worth it in 5 weeks if i'm allowed to defer...

Lots of Ortho Deferments this year

Note to B4B]

Honestly can't tell here if you are trying to flame me or really are just curious. So, I think I'll give you the benefit of the doubt assume curiosity rather than douchebag.

To answer the question. Of course there was a strategy. This whole process is all about strategy. However, that being said my strategy is not what you would think. I have a family, hence cost of living and family safety are important. I chose not to apply to programs in large cities (i.e. NY, Chi, etc), so that immediately eliminated a good number of programs. Next, I stratified most programs into 1 of 3 groups; top tier, mid tier, low tier. This was more or less arbitrary as there is no true ranking system as you already know. I then picked programs based on word of mouth, researching websites, and geography. In the end I had 60 programs. I will admit, however, that the majority of programs fell into the middle tier group (go figure... upper tier programs in small towns are scarce). As for my invites. I have been invited by programs from all three tiers. Completely, random with one invitation from my one AI (Iowa). That's it. Pretty much the norm for most people I guess.

I guess I don't understand why that would be so unbelievable ortho-fx?

B4B out

Thanks. No, I didn't mean to imply that it was unbelievable nor was I trying to be sarcastic. In fact I thought it was interesting that of the initial wave of 30 programs, you had applied to a high percentage of them despite an overall (relatively) smaller-ish number of programs. Anyway you're doing something right, so congratulations. Look forward to seeing you on the trail.