Competitive residencies?

[Prop]

I've read some posts regarding different competitive residencies, and I'm a little puzzled by that. In the data tables for this years match, I found the following data:

Neurological surgery: 43 positions offered, 37 ranked by US grads, 39 ranked by all grads. This leaves 4 positions unfilled, yet it is considered a competitive residency. Why is it so?

Otolaryngology: 42 positions offered, 36 ranked by US grads, 40 ranked by all grads. This leaves 2 positions unfilled, and it is considered very competitive. Again, why is it so?
Is it because so many of the positions are ranked by US grads, or what? Since there are more positions being offered than ranked, I would think that there would be more graduates who applied for these residencies.

My last question is this: Is urology considered a competitive residency?
The facts for urology are: 50 positions offered, 44 ranked by US grads, 52 ranked by all grads.

Thanks for Your answers.

[Nimitt]

The reason these specialties are conpetitive is because they require high step 1 and 2 scores. Not only that there are a limited number of spots available. Look in comparision to EM, surgery, IM etc...Then look at the number applicants for those spots. There may only be 50-60 Urology spots but I guarantee there are way more than 50-60 people applying for Urology. Same goes for the others.

Nimitt
4th year
SGU SOM

[Prop]

Hi Nimitt.

Thanks for Your answer. Actually I just looked at the site once more (http://www.nrmp.org/2004advdata.pdf), and I'm still puzzled.
Well, I just wanted to know if You have any idea regarding the required scores for Neurological surgery and Urology? And is it possible for a true IMG to get into one of these programs without contacts?

[teratos]

Matching is a complex process. Who the program ranks may not be the same as how the programs are ranked by the applicants. Because of the complexities, not all of the positions are filled on Match Day. I assure you that for each unfilled spot, there are probably hundreds of well qualified applicants who did not match who will be fighting for it. I would also bet that all of the unfilled spots in the competitive residencies were filled within days, if not hours, of the vacancies being known. The bottom line is that not every single position will be filled by the match. G