How do I find residencies?
There is a valuable tool called Residency Explorer, created by the AAMC. You can access it by going to www.aamc.org > Students and Residents > Applying to Residency > Researching Residency Programs and Building an Application Strategy > Explore Residency Programs. It will provide a list of programs in your desired specialty, as well as how your credentials compare to those of residents in the program.
Should I tell a residency that they are my number one choice?
It's fine to tell a program that they're #1 on your list, as long as that's a true statement and you don't tell that to more than one program. Programs aren't allowed to ask you where you're going to rank them and you're not allowed to ask them where they're going to rank you. Both are match violations. However, both applicants and programs are allowed to tell the other voluntarily where they plan to rank them. Be truthful, though: program directors do talk with each other.
For programs that aren\'t #1 on your list, tell them how much you liked their program and illustrate that with specific examples. (\"I\'m going to rank you highly\" has become shorthand for \"You\'re not my #1 program\".)
How should I rank programs?
Rank programs in the order of your preference, not on how you feel the program will rank you. The algorithm is set up so you will be matched with the highest program on your list that has an opening for you. If you have questions on this, review the NRMP video on the matching algorithm.