I keep forgetting this thread is here. I don't have the magic 10 number yet but I'm sitting on 7 IR, 8 DR , and 7 TY, and I feel like my interviews have all gone really well. Didn't know how my previous work experience was going to fly, but I've had everyone comment on it being impressive and one PD said he was "obsessed" that I had the job I did. I know better than to completely believe anyone, but I think I'm finally feeling good enough to drop my last IM backup interview.
Have an interview this morning for a program that I think I may not rank after the things I heard at the social last night. Wish I'd done more research ahead of time so I could have dropped this interview and not wasted their space and time as well as mine, but I really don't know how we're supposed to be able to find out the nitty gritty details until we talk to someone at the program, either.
I haven't been following here - have you sent out a bunch of LOIs yet? I thought my cycle was over but I've gotten 3 invites in the past week, all out of region, so I feel like maybe programs are finally deciding to look outside of their local applicants. It might be a good time to reach out.