That's a good question. I would like to know what kind of numbers one needs to interview at chicago programs, whether it's worth for me to apply or not. Trying to cut down my number of apps next year.

Also, Chicago is a fun city but it's also very expensive on a resident's salary. Do those two factors even out as far as people's desire to go there?

chi-town rivals nyc on the competitiveness of matching there. after applying to all of the programs in chicago, the only interview i got was at uic (and i am from illinois!). there are a ton of people that want to stay in chicago to do their residency but only a relative handful of ortho spots compared to a place like nyc. good luck!

One thing to consider, as has been previously pointed out, that to have a shot at Northwestern I would say you almost have to do a rotation there. That does not, however, mean that a rotation guarantees an interview. But, this year they interviewed only 45-50 people for 9 spots and of those around 35 were rotators.
:smokin: