Can you let a residency program know that you ranked them first?

If you send them after the big “ranking meeting” and after a program officially submits their ROL, it may be too late. Never tell a program they are your first choice if this isn't true; this is unethical and can be damaging to your professional reputation.

Can I tell a residency program they are my top choice?

Directly say that you intend to rank that program as your first choice. If you're not able to declare your decision confidently, there is no point in sending a letter of intent. Don't worry about using flowery language. This is a busy time for residency programs, so get to the point.

Can you tell a program you are ranking them first?

The key phrase to use when telling a program that you liked them is “I plan to rank your program very highly”. Don't lie and tell multiple places that you are “ranking them #1”.

Do residency programs know where you ranked them?

The programs don't officially know where you ranked them but they can tell if they weren't your first choice. If a program ranks you to match and you don't go there, they obviously were not your first choice. Expect some (polite, "for our information") letters asking why after the match day. No Way.

When must residency programs submit their rank list?

Residency programs typically submit their rank lists to the NRMP in the same time frame as medical students. The deadline for residency programs to submit their rank lists is usually in late February or early March, although the exact date can vary depending on the specific NRMP and the year in which you are applying.

USMLE Score Invalidation discussion with Dr BRYAN CARMODY

Can programs see your rank list?

Programs do not know where they were on your list, and you will not know where a program ranked you. You can certify and decertify your list as many times as you wish before the deadline, but DO NOT make last minute changes to your rank list to avoid any unanticipated system issues.

How many candidates do residency programs rank?

There is no limit to the number of applicants a program can rank. Programs do not have a limit on the number of applicants that can be ranked on the rank order list (ROL). Rank all applicants who are acceptable to your program to avoid having unfilled positions.

What is the hardest residency to match in?

What happens if you rank a program you didn t interview with?

Do not rank programs where you did not interview. Programs do not rank candidates they have not interviewed, and no match will occur. The matching algorithm attempts to place you in the most preferred program possible, so be sure to rank programs in order of your true preference and not where you think you will match.

Do residencies check social media?

Yes. Researching a candidate online is like an informal background check. It's legal, and any information found can become another factor considered in an admissions decision.

Can you match with 3 interviews?

But, if you're able to bump that up to 2 interviews or even 3 – your chances jump to 40% and then 50%. Thus, each interview you add from 1 to 3 increases your chances of matching by an average of 20%.

Do residency programs respond to letters of intent?

While a letter of intent is not required, it can give you a competitive edge when applying to your top choice program. It's a way of showing a residency program director that you are as committed to them as they are to you and convincing them to choose you over other applicants.

How many interviews do residency programs offer?

Stay patient. According to data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), the median number of interviews for matched applicants in the 2022–2023 cycle was 14, but getting those interview invites can take time.

What are red flags for residency programs?

The main red flags that residency applications look for include: Failed Step exams. Failed coursework, particularly failing clinical rotations. Having to repeat any part of your training.

What happens if you don't match into the residency you want?

What Happens to Medical Students Who Don't Match? Med students who don't receive a match through Main Residency Match are eligible to reapply for a different specialty through the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP).

Is it harder to match into residency as a DO?

Another reason is that DO students have a more difficult time matching to residencies offering specialty training. In 2023, 52 percent of DO seniors ended up in primary care specialties vs. 35 percent of MD seniors.

Do they tell unsuccessful applicants first?

Usually, yes. They might contact candidates who they have definitely ruled out earlier, but their first choice of candidate might decline the offer, so the employer will not want to inform any acceptable runner-up candidates until they have a positive response to the offer.

Should you rank programs you didn't interview?

There is no disadvantage (except fees) to having a longer list, and you want to minimize the risk of not Matching at all. Don't rank programs that you didn't interview with. Remember that in some cases, it might still be better for you to go unmatched instead of Matching to a program you really don't want to go to.

Has anyone ever given a bad interview but still got selected?

If you're lucky, they may just look past whatever snafu happened during the interview—big or small—and give you the job anyway. Of course, this is mainly likely to happen despite a less-than-ideal interview, you have relevant experience and the desired qualifications for the job.

What is the easiest residency to match into?

Which residency is least stressful?

How do I increase my chances of a residency match?

It is important to start early and be intentional.

Intelligently approach your application and spend your time and effort wisely to improve your match chances. Get involved in interest groups or research for your desired field early on. Then, prioritize scoring high on Step 2 as well as your clerkship rotations.

Do residency programs rank every interview?

Well, the short answer is no. The long answer is that it's incredibly complicated. There are various methodologies that residency programs utilize to rank their applicants.

Do second looks matter for residency?

In some cases, programs will interpret your interest in a second look as an indication of your enthusiasm for the program. In other cases, a program may discourage second looks. Try to get some insight into this issue when you talk to the residents in the program.

How do residency programs rank applicants after interview?

After registering for a Match and completing interviews, program directors submit to the NRMP a list of applicants, ranked in order of preference, whom they have interviewed and wish to train. Applicants also submit to the NRMP a list of programs, ranked in order of preference, where they wish to train.