Why is Post-Match Scramble getting Tougher ?

One part of the reason is logical in that there are simply more applicants.

But there are other more confounding reasons that add to reducing the overall probability getting a scramble position

a. The number of positions available for the scramble will be lower this year- why ? coz year 2006 saw a significant number of programs making earlier prematch offers pretty early and candidates were more prone to accept them in face of the high-competition induced uncertainty.

b. A huge spill-over of candidates with 90-plus scores that did not match the last year (which again made these 'once-burnt-twice-shy' candidates focus on prematch offering programs this year - during the time a lot of them (know through friends) invested their time wisely in securing US clinical experiences and / or research.

c. Again, the UK Visa Bust, which has more IMGs in the pool this year

d. The candidates that did not apply for the match also take a shot at the scramble and further add to the pool