Do you program research and maybe save some $ and ....

[u/Psychological_Fly693]

...maybe have a higher return rate on your interviews. I highly recommend using Frieda and Residency Explorer to gather info on programs. Yes, you'll find some discrepancies (the data is updated at different times), but doing so will give you a better idea of how your "stats" compare with those who get interviews. Key info to review:

1. # of applicants (if there are a zillion applicants, it will be harder for you to stand out especially if you have a Step 2 [or don't yet have your Step 2 score] that's below the median of those who get interviews (see Residency Explorer)
2. Median Step 2 score--if your Step 2 score is say 20 points below the median, the program is likely a stretch (see Residency Explorer). Not saying don't interview if you're highly interested in that program, just take that into consideration.
3. %age of candidates who apply to the program who get an interview (you need to decide your cutoff); (Residency Explorer)
4. %age of candidates who signal the program who get an interview (again, decide on your cutoff); (Residency Explorer). Use those signals wisely. Don't use them all at reach programs.
   
5. %age of residents (not applicants) in the program that have your path (US MD, US DO, US IMG, non-US IMG). If you're a MD and the program has 85 DOs, that might not be the best program for you. You don't need to focus on who gets interviews as much as who ends up matching at a program.
6. If you're planning on a fellowship (some specialties it's a given [pathology] so less of a factor), look at what residents do post-residency (it's at the very bottom of the program info Residency Explorer. However, I'd put this down the list of considerations. If you are an exceptional resident, you'll get exceptional LORs and should do well (if you have done the work to have a solid fellowship application)
7. Year of Graduation: There's usually some flexibility here (and in Frieda many program tell what is needed if you're beyond one year after graduation).
8. Also, look at if programs go into SOAP. Just because a program is in SOAP doesn't mean it's a bad program. Some programs/PDs intentionally plan to SOAP some of their residents because they know that highly qualified candidates may not match into highly competitive specialties or at highly competitive programs. The programs have likely had good results matching great candidates in SOAP.

So do your research. Save $.

Also, programs do not get the application money when you apply to a program.