BackgroundThe categorical general surgery (GS) applicant pool and trainees have evolved. The purpose of this study is to profile contemporary applicants and subsequent matriculates of GS residencies. Study designThis study is a retrospective review of GS applicant and PGY1 trainee data which were obtained from ERAS, NRMP, and AAMC for the years 2013–2016. Univariate statistics were used to compare matched GS trainees other trainees in other specialties. ResultsIn 2016 GS was among the top 5 most competitive residencies as measured by mean applications/applicant. In 2013, 2415 applicants applied for 1185 spots resulting in 99.6% fill.The 2014 PGY1 class exhibited: mean Step 1232 vs. 213 and Step 2245 vs. 226 when comparing matched to unmatched. The mean number of abstracts/publications and %AOA were 4.4 v. 2.7, and 4.4% vs.2.7% respectively. Surgical subspecialty trainees had significantly higher Step 1 and 2 scores, publications, and %AOA (p < .0001). ConclusionGeneral surgery is an increasingly competitive specialty. PGY1 trainees compare well with their CIM and Obstetrics peers, but lag behind their surgical subspecialty colleagues.