Do top programs in less desirable locations have more difficulty recruiting? For instance, do programs in Boston, NYC, SF, and LA get pretty much whoever they want/a more competitive class than the strength of their program would suggest?
Agree w the above, there are far too many intangibles to make a blanket statement on geographical preferences. The avg applicant is young and single and therefore prob more likely to sacrifice geography in the short term if the prospect of better clinical training would afford them more opportunities in the long term; but the same argument could prob be made for that same avg applicant looking to maximize their chances of finding a partner in a more desirable city, or live closer to their hometown. Throw in constraints by a couple's match or the desire to match at a specific institution for that one mentor or research opportunity - too many variables to list. Applicants will likely rely on more objective factors to make their rank lists since fewer opportunities exist to strike up conversations with residents and attendings during interviews (at least that is what I am doing)
Where does Step 2 CK fit into the rank/match process this year. My test date was cancelled due to site closures in the summer and then I was thrust into my away sub-Is (no home program) with no real time to study. Finally have a chance now between interviews but my scores likely won't return until end of February. It sounds like most programs rank mid- January so I'm wondering how this will be weighed this cycle.
Look up Step 2 CK due dates for each program. Nearly all of them just say it must be graded before July 1st.
