SO HOW MANY PROGRAMS SHOULD YOU APPLY TO?

We can categorize application strategies for the NRMP match into two - you can either do "wide" or go "deep" !

"Wide" Strategy

This is very much like carpet bombing - a technique that the Air-force uses to take out possible targets in a single fly-over sweep over suspicious areas. This application strategy , (some also call it the Shot-Gun Method), implies applying to AS MANY PROGRAMS as your wallet can allow - with some basic targeting. Like targeting ALL Programs in Family Medicine that are known to be IMG friendly - without consideration of what their specific application criteria are and hoping to secure a hit at least somewhere...
No wonder this approach is used by those candidates who "don't wanna take a risk" and have some $ to spend. I have known people who applied to 5 specialties with 80-100 programs in EACH specialty !

Given the fuzziness of information on program criteria and the fact that even with program with published criteria might ease down on some criteria on candidates with other proven achievements like lotsa publications or awards or contacts - this approach seems to be on the rise. This is why I really wish ERAS came up with making it compulsory for programs to give out their requirements and visa information for the year on MyERAS itself...wouldn't that make things much much easier ????


"Deep" Strategy

In contrast to the above, this strategy is kinda like a bunker bomb - in which the exact location is known, the missle burrows deep within and Boom - a hit !
Here, we apply to 30-40 programs that we know are eligible to apply based on their application criteria. This researching obviously takes more time, research and patience.

Just, for fun, Here's a Video of how a Bunker Bomb Operates !



Bunker buster bomb - video powered by Metacafe



Well, both strategies can get a hit - with differences in efficiency of course.

American Medical Graduates typically apply to 30-40 programs per specialty are more territorial in their approach, while IMGs apply (and should apply) to at least 40-50 in each specialty. I dare say that if it is Internal Medicine that you are keen on, with the ever increasing competition, 70 to 100 programs is the current norm in the 'wide-strategy' or lesser than that if you go with fact-finding, targeted strategy . Generally speaking, the Northeast, East and Mid-west Regions of USA are considered "IMG Friendly". Read more about determining IMG-Friendliness of a program Here



- Also check out : List: IMG-Friendly Residency programs With Visa Information