Tips for ranking :
Find a balance between “going with your gut” and being systematic by building a spreadsheet. Speak with as many people as possible about the decision: mentors, family and friends outside of medicine and anybody who can provide a deeper perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of various departments. It is OK to receive conflicting advice but the information and reasoning behind that advice will still prove valuable to carve your own decision.
Ask yourself where you really have chances and chose those that have more spots. Remember is a numbers game. Criteria to consider
- How well you did in the interview if you think you clicked with them . Your intuition and reaction to the faculty and residents you meet is the best barometer for a good fit.
- Your competitiveness as a residency candidate such as: Scores, papers, Gap in medical education.
- Competitiveness of the specialty and/or program.
- Your Personal Preferences. Geographic location.
- How much you liked the program/ Happiness of the current residents/faculty.
Real case from today former medical school application client and ERAS application in USA. He was accepted in USA in DO school but got one of the steps in the second attempt We still got about 12 interviews (Internal, FM and Psich) putting a lot of effort in the application, statement, building Cv, publishing papers etc Things to consider everybody wants New York for location and prestigious schools for opportunities later on for fellowships and jobs but is he the right candidate or rather choose Detroit and Michigan or Texas, visa (if they sponsor or not Canadians), huge difference between the specialites (ask any passion for any of them ) etc etc etc