Medical Residency for US Graduates
The medical residency application process requires early preparation and guidance. 
We simplified the process to create an overview and a plan for successful match.

If you are interested in the details of each of these steps, we encourage you to download and read the AAMC guide to US residency. 
This is guide is for physicians who obtained a medical degree from a medical school located within the United States and Canada that is accredited by a U.S. accreditation system. 
If you are International Medical Graduate, please refer to the IMG guide. 

10 Steps Toward Residency (US):
1 - Maintain a Strong GPA and Academic Standing
  • Many medical schools have a pass/fail system in addition to honors.
  • Your clinical rotations are very important in showing your clinical skills and competency. Their performances will be added to the Medical School Performance Evaluation letter or Dean's letter.
  • It is important to perform well to increase your chances of matching into residency. 

2 - Take the USMLE STEP Exams (register here).
  • Please check with your school timeline on when to register for each Step exam.
  • Prepare early and do many practice questions, UWorld is a great tool. 
  • The USMLE Step 1 is currently pass/fail; however, performing well on the STEP 2 CK exam plays a major role in matching into competitive specialties and programs.
  • Step 3 is not required to take before residency. 

​3 - Mentorship
  • It is very important to find mentors in your areas of interest. 
    • Your mentor or mentors can help you find opportunities and network with those in the field you are interested in. 
  • Read the recent data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to find out about Match data in your specialty of interest. It will help you in targeting your goals and requirements. 
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4 - Research
  • Academic research has become more important over the recent years, especially now that Step 1 is pass/fail. It can be a positive asset to your application.
  • Find an area of interest that you are passionate about and contact appropriate faculty members for further assistance.
  • Be realistic with your goals given your personal timeline.
  • Explore summer research programs between the first and second years of medical school. 
  • Try to attend and present at a medical conference, help with data collection, write abstracts and learn about research skills and publishing. 
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​5 - Away Rotations (Externships)
  • During your final year of medical school, students can fill their schedule with electives in their area of interest.
  • This allows you to explore other programs to see if you are a good fit while auditioning your skills, strength and interest. 
  • Check with your schools on logistics for doing Away Rotations. Some programs use their own application or Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS).

6 - Explore Extra-Curricular Activities
  • Volunteering or leadership skills can highlight diversity and involvement in community service. 
  • Get engaged and immerse yourself in academic activities that you find enjoyable.
  • It is also great opportunity for networking and meeting people.

7 - Choosing a Specialty and Residency Program
  • Read the AAMC guide for residency application and preparation (link).
  • Your clinical rotations in 3rd and 4th year will help you in finding your passion. Our advise is to journal your experiences during these rotations and look back on these journals when choosing a specialty to assess your feelings. 
  • The AAMC also offers tools on choosing careers in medicine (link).
  • Talk to mentors and faculties in your specialty of interest. 
  • After choosing a specialty, it's time to consider residency programs to apply to. Factors to consider are location, size, perks, family and future goals. FREIDA is a great search tool of residency programs to use.  ​

8 - Sign up for ERAS (register here)
  • The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) usually opens in June and allows you to upload your documents (CV, Personal Statement, photo, etc), send your letter writers the appropriate directions to upload your letters of recommendation and apply to residency programs. 
  • Your Medical School Performance Evaluation letter or Dean's letter will be drafted by your program and released to the programs of your selection.
  • ERAS submission is usually in September. 
9 - Interview 
  • Once you have completed your ERAS application, you will be considered for interviews.
  • Learn about the residency program and be ready to ask the questions that matter to you, as this is also the time for you to see if the residency program you are interviewing at will be a good fit.
  • Here is a great resource on interview preparation. 
  • Make sure you follow up with programs and send personal, handwritten preferred, thank you cards highlighting your visit.

10 - Match and Rank List
  • Once you have completed your interviews, you will be asked to rank residency programs based on your interest. 
  • It is important to discuss with your mentors about your choices and reasons for choosing programs. 
  • Important factors are location, size of program, family, interview experience and future goals. 
  • Remember, the Match is in your favor. Therefore, do not rank based on reputation but rather where you truly want to go and where you believe you will fit best. Remember, all programs have the same ACGME guidelines, what it comes down to is whether you will be happy at that location and will enjoy working with the residents you encountered during your interview day.  
  • You will rank your programs on the NRMP website.
  • The Match usually occurs in mid March and you will be notified on the Monday of Match week whether you have matched and be notified of the program you have matched at on that Friday, which is Match Day. 

Acceptance
We believe in your success. We look forward to hearing about your acceptance and future plans. Remember, it is a journey and you WILL get through this!