How do residencies decide who to interview?

Grades and USMLE Scores Unfortunately, there is no way around the fundamental truth that most residency programs initially filter applicants by performance in medical school and on the United States Medical Licensing Examinations.

How do residency programs decide who to interview?

Every part of the application has to be considered—USMLE scores, grades, extracurricular activities, LORs, MSPEs, personal statements, and life experience. It is essential for residency programs to prioritize their most important applicant qualities and then consistently assess every applicant for those qualities.

How many interviews does the average residency applicant get?

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.

How do residency programs filter applicants?

Across specialties, each residency program establishes its own system for reviewing applications. Approaches can vary widely. Some programs use filters with specific cut-off criteria, for example, graduation year. Family medicine residencies are leaders in using holistic processes in the Match.

How are residency interviews scheduled?

As you receive your invites, it is helpful to know that programs use a variety of different interview booking platforms – some will use ERAS, others will have you email or call with preferences, others will use interview booking websites such as the Thalamus residency interview scheduling system, or Interview Broker.

Residency Interview Tips - Update 2023

What month are most residency interviews?

Residency interviews usually occur October through January of your fourth year, with December and January being the busiest interview months. It is important to note that each specialty, and the residency programs within them, may have their own process and associated timelines.

Is it better to interview early or late residency?

First, as you review and respond to invitations, try not to be anxious about the timing of your interview and whether it occurs early or late in the cycle. Timing is not a factor in how programs rank candidates. Each interview takes some logistics planning and content planning.

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 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.

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.

Can you match into residency with one interview?

The take home is that if you have 1 residency interview – your chances of matching is around 35%. This means there is hope with only interview. But, if you're able to bump that up to 2 interviews or even 3 – your chances jump to 40% and then 50%.

How many interviews is safe for residency?

You want to go on at least 8-10 interviews. You can consider canceling some interviews if you have more than 8-10 scheduled. We recommend that you discuss this with your DOM advisor. Try to give programs as much lead time as possible so someone else can have the interview spot.

How soon do you get residency interview invites?

For the bulk of invitations, the most active weeks for interview invitations are two to three weeks after programs can access applications, according to Thalamus, a platform that residency programs can use to schedule interviews.

Do residency programs talk to each other about applicants?

During the recruitment process, residency programs and applicants actively communicate with one another to gather information to make more informed decisions. When these communications occur after interviews, but before rank order lists are submitted, they are termed “postinterview communications.”

Can you match without an interview?

Programs do not rank candidates they have not interviewed, and no match will occur.

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.

Do residencies care about case reports?

Case reports are particularly important for community-based residency programs with more limited research opportunities. Aside from benefiting the writer, training residents in case report writing serves as a way for residency programs to meet ACGME accreditation requirements and thus avoid citation.

Can residencies see your medical history?

Medical residents are physicians who are (at least provisionally) licensed by the state and often the primary person in charge of a patient's care. Trainees/medical students have full access to a patient's medical record to ensure they have the information they need to practice functioning as doctors.

Do residencies send rejections?

First, it is important to keep in mind that almost every single applicant will get residency interview rejections. It is a normal and expected part of the residency application process.

Which residency is hardest to get to?

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.

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.

What is your biggest weakness residency interview?

You should answer with a genuine weakness that isn't a deal breaker and that you've taken steps, or are willing to improve. Read on for examples. If you're applying to a program with a heavy emphasis on patient interaction, don't cite poor communication skills as your weakness.

What is the least demanding residency?

Which is the least competitive residency?

Family Medicine is considered the least competitive medical speciality. The average USMLE score for a medical student matching into this residency program is low at 221, and more than 96% of applicants will match into a program.