This is directed at incoming interns who just went through the match. There was a lengthy debate about how many interviews was enough during our interview season. What do you guys think in hindsight?
This is directed at incoming interns who just went through the match. There was a lengthy debate about how many interviews was enough during our interview season. What do you guys think in hindsight?
I think 5-8 is plenty
Of 90% is pretty damn good. I think 8 is a solid number
I did 20. It cost 10K, which I had to borrow. I went to all regions and I am glad I got to know each program a little better. However, between my aways and my home program, I don't think I would have been in danger of not matching if I had only done 5. My curiosity got the best of me during interview season and I just couldn't bring myself to cancel some of programs. There were some surprises in terms of places I ended up liking and not liking. I think 10-12 would have given me room to explore a little, but have plenty of programs close to my home state/medical school state that would have been likely to rank me in addition to my home/aways. By doing tons of interview, it just drives the cost up and the program's uncertainty that you're actually interested.
I did 14 interviews (my goal was 12-15) and I think it was plenty. My last couple of interviews, I was really dragging and I don't think I got anything out of going to them. Plus it was definitely more expensive than I thought it'd be. If I could do it all over again, I'd stick to 12. I have no idea how people do 18, let alone above 20. I know several people from the trail who did 18-23 interviews (and they all matched very well), so I'd love to see those folks write in with their experience and whether it was worth it.
I went on I think 17 interviews and ended up matching at my top choice. However I think it's ridiculous that people on there are recommending others to go on 5 interviews. Plenty of people fall down to spots 10-15 or so on their rank lists and you honestly never know how things will work out in the end. Why would you risk canceling a bunch of interviews and only going on 5-8 and then find out that you didn't match at all. You will end up kicking yourself in the ass for cancelling interviews or not applying to enough places. Even if it costs money and even if it's exhausting, wouldn't you rather match than have to go through this all over again? I say go on as many interviews as you can.
If you have 12-15 or so and you want to cancel an interview for a place you really don't think you want to go to, that's fine. But I really think it's better to be cautious because you never know how the match will work out. Please don't listen to people telling you to go on 5 interviews. Even people applying for internal med to go on more interviews than that.
I know people who went in the 14-16 range and didn't match. You'll be upset if you don't match and left interviews on the table...
Yes, we can all agree I think that 5-6 is crazy, but why isn't 18-22 also considered an extreme? It's tough to say, I know, but everyone I know who had that many interviews (both in our specialty and others) who didn't match has personality issues (difficult, annoying, irritating, extremely quirky, etc.) which unfortunately killed their chances despite 12-16 interviews and despite them sometimes being really great people overall. I don't think there's many people who fit that category each year, and especially since taking all those interviews keeps other people (the people who only have 5 interviews, for example) from getting them, I think it's silly for everyone to freak out and take on way more interviews than anyone thinks is necessary. Everyone has heard the story of "someone" who matched at 17th or 20th on their list...but a) it's anecdotal and I wonder if this person really exists and b) even if it DOES happen to 1-2 people a year, is the answer really that the hundreds of other applicants should all spend 10K, exhaust themselves, and screw up the system and take interviews away from others b/c of the *slight* risk (or a mythical story)? I know I'm preaching here against everyone's terror of not matching, but we all take much greater risks with our lives every day...I'm not saying to not do 15 interviews. But if you've got 20 offers, you don't need all of them.
go on as many as you can. dont listen to what anyone else says. if you are going to cancel, then cancel early to allow other applicants a fair shot...but dont cancel just to free slots for others. if you can go, then definitely go. you are getting terrible advice if someone tells you to go on only 5.
I'd say no matter what your qualifications you should try for at least 12. If you are a mediocre candidate, you should do as many as you possibly can. The extra time and expense is nothing compared to losing a year and the costs of reapplying. If you are a stellar candidate you can take it a little easier.