I'm an MS4 who is interviewing for pediatric programs at the moment. I've been a decent applicant on paper (steps of 25x and 26x, good ECs and research) and have interviews from multiple highly ranked residency programs however I am ranking my programs such that I can be in the same city as my significant other so chances are that I will end up at a mid or low ranked pediatrics residency. I have a few questions about applying for NICU fellowship
1. How much will not going to a top residency hurt me for fellowship applications? (I will likely still end up at an academic center where there's a decent opportunity for research)
2. For neonatology, is there a lot of benefit in aiming for the top fellowship programs like CHOP or Children's National?
3. How can I best improve my chances at landing a top fellowship program? I slacked off a lot in medical school and want to shine in residency. I've been reading a little of polin and yoder's since I have a whole lot of free time now. What can I do from now until residency starts? What can I do when residency starts?
I'm sorry for asking so many questions but thank you guys so much!!