--Board scores: step 1 201 (this is NOT a typo)
--Clinical grades: Cores rotations all Advanced so far (currently on FM), x3 Dermatology rotations all Outstanding
--Med School: Not top 25
--Research: Structural biologist, PhD (went back to medical school), 4 first author papers (e.g. Cell), currently carrying out postdoctoral research on the side, further characterizing the protein systems I work on (including structures I have solved), independently working towards a new class of skin cancer therapeutics (the hope). Will continue research post residency. My research track record also includes a MS in Physics back there somewhere.
--# of aways: 2. In my opinion I had to do this, not having an academic Dermatology program at my institution.
--# of programs applied to: 80 Dermatology + 4 IM/Derm. No plan B.
--# of interviews: 4 (all very different places, one being rated in the top 3 in the nation for medical research, some surprises, well worth the money), went to all 4 (fortunately they didn't overlap), academic heavy, research and clinical aspects equally focused on.
--letters: 2 from Dermatology program chairs/PDs (my away rotations), 1 from another academic Dermatologist, and 1 from my PhD advisor.
--thanks you letters: first interview i went over the top and sent paper letters, others were emails (I think this really is a matter of personal taste).
--programs that contacted me post-interview (pre-ROL deadline): 1 phone call from the top rated research institute.
--Where match: Where I wanted to go, a place I did an away rotation!
--Anything that helps app: Do not be discouraged. Find your niche, create one if you must. I was warned by some in my program about going "all out academics", which is what I am all about (clinical, research, teaching, volunteerism...), while others encouraged me to simply be myself (the route I went, I can't fake anything, nor would I want to do so...). Fortunately, some programs saw that I am not pulling their leg. I honestly cannot see myself doing anything other than an academic combination of clinical teaching and basic research for the better part of the rest of my medical life, with Dermatology being the best match for both my clinical and research career goals.
Have faith, take the leap, pray, and go for it!