Applying for Residency

“How to” Article about Researching Programs

The AAMC CiM article How to Research Residency Programs (CiM > Land Your Residency > Research Programs> How to Research Residency Programs) describes an approach for researching residency programs.

Databases

FREIDA Online Residency & Fellowship Program Search available through the American Medical Association (AMA) outlines over 10,000 program profiles accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduation Medical Education (ACGME).

The AAMC CiM section on Residency Programs (CiM > Land Your Residency > Residency Programs) provides additional resources to find and research residency programs

Online Assessment Tool

A Residency Preference Exercise is also available on the Residency Programs webpage through the AAMC CiM website to help you decide which programs you will apply to and rank.

Preparing your residency application requires time and there are deadlines and instructions specific to the medical specialty you choose. At times the process can be daunting, however, the Student Affairs House Deans and additional resources are available to assist you throughout this process.

Advising – Specialty Advisor

Obtain a Specialty Advisor who can help review your CV, personal statement, and assist the Student Affairs House Deans and the Office of Student Affairs staff, as well as your Societies mentor, in helping you through the residency application process.

ERAS – Electronic Residency Application Service

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is an AAMC service that transmits residency applications, letters of recommendation, Medical Student Performance Evaluations (MSPEs), transcripts, and other supporting credentials from medical schools to residency program directors via the internet. The application requires information about you that is typical to any application process, but in addition, there are specific documents and associated instructions like the instructions for submitting letters of recommendation, for example, that are unique to this process. 

MyERAS

There are two major sections in MyERAS. These pages include brief descriptions of the key information required in each section, but students are strongly encouraged to review the MyERAS User Guide for more detailed instructions: 

• MyERAS Application Section
• MyERAS Documents Section

MyERAS Registration

Your first step in completing your residency application is to register for MyERAS. In order to do so, you must obtain an ERAS token from the Student Affairs Office, which they will distribute in September of your Clerkship Year. 

ERAS Timeline for Residency Applicants

Each year, the AAMC publishes a timeline of important dates, such as when the application season opens, when schools begin generating/distributing ERAS tokens to applicants, and when the MSPEs are released to the residency programs. Find the ERAS Timeline for Residency Applicants here.

ERAS Checklist

Review the ERAS Residency Applicant Checklist [PDF] to make sure you completed all the tasks for successfully submitting your application.

ERAS Application Cost and Fees

The cost of the applications depends on the number of programs the applicant is applying to per specialty. There is also a one-time fee for the USMLE transcript. For the most current fee structure, see the ERAS Application Fees website.

Application Resources

Check out the Tools for Residency Applicants page, which hosts the following useful MyERAS application resources:

• MyERAS Residency User Guide: The guide includes instructions and helpful descriptions of information appropriate for each application field. It also provides tips on how to complete the online application form successfully.
• Residency Application Timeline: The timeline provides important dates in the application process and about Match.
• MyERAS Application Worksheet: This is a blank worksheet that includes all the required fields in the application. This allows the applicant to preview the application and collect all necessary information before completing the actual online form.
• ERAS Residency Applicant Checklist: This list of tasks helps the applicant ensure that s/he does not miss a requirement for the successful submission of the application.
• ERAS for Residency Applicants FAQ: This page is updated throughout the application season so only information relevant to your experience with the residency application service/system is posted.

The MyERAS application portion requires information that comes directly from your CV. Download the MyERAS Worksheet found on the Tools for Residency Applicants webpage to prepare you to complete the actual MyERAS application. (You may also access this blank worksheet from the Dashboard tab in MyERAS under Resources.)

Here is an outline of the information required for your application:

• Personal Information (Contact Information, Mailing Address, Citizenship Information, Match Information, etc.)
• Biographical Information (Language Fluency, Military Information, Hobbies & Interests)
• Education (Higher Education, Medical Education, Other Awards/Accomplishments, Medical School Awards/Honors, Membership in Honorary/Professional Societies)
• Experience (Current/Prior Training and Experience)
• Licensure
• Publications

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Have your CV handy to aid you in completing the application section of MyERAS. For this reason, students are strongly encouraged to begin building their CV during their Pre-Clerkship time and continue updating it thereafter as they participate in clinical, research, community service opportunities, and other extracurricular endeavors. Make sure to note honors and awards along the way.

You should review the sample CV ( cv_template_uacom-_tucson.docx) to develop your own CV.

Within your MyERAS account, there is a document section where you are able to upload and manage required documents that are specified by the programs you are applying to. The documents are listed below. Refer to the MyERAS User Guide for more details.

The following are documents that you may upload to your MyERAS account and assign them to programs to which you are applying.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement will be the most significant opportunity to present a glimpse of the ‘real you’ and as such should be taken very seriously. It is important not to rush this process and allow sufficient time to craft a statement which not only explains your aspirations and personal values but also highlights the characteristics about you that enable you to stand out from other applicants. This is also the opportunity to personalize the application to a specific program or to different specialties.

Questions to ask yourself when writing your personal statement:

• Why have you chosen your specialty?
• What are your experiences and commitments to your chosen specialty?
• What skills do you possess that are valued by your specialty?
• What are your personal and professional strengths?
• How has your education helped shape your chosen specialty?
• What are your personal and professional goals?
• What experiences outside of school were significant to you personally and/or professionally?
• What are some of your interests outside of medicine and how do they demonstrate your values and your unique individuality?
• How to write your best personal statement
• Write multiple drafts
• Write concisely and to-the-point, but also be artful and creative
• Ask a friend or colleague to read your work and give you feedback
• Carefully check spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Please also take a moment to review the personal statement guide here  personal_statement_how_to_guide_2019.pdf.

Letters of Recommendation (LoRs)

The applicant must share the ERAS token (ERAS number) with letter writers. The letter writer, not the school, submits letters of recommendation (LoRs). Letters of recommendation should be submitted via the ERAS Letter of Recommendation Portal before September 15th, when your initial application is released to programs, and at the very latest before October 1st, when your MSPE is released. Waive your right to review the letters of recommendation; program directors take that seriously. 

For emergency medicine residency applicants, you are required to submit the Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE). 

Requesting LoRs

Up to four (4) LoRs may be assigned to each program; the number of letters each program wants varies – you will need to review the individual program application instructions. When requesting letters of recommendation, ask the faculty member if, based on your performance, they feel that a strong letter can be written. If the faculty member feels they can write a strong letter, offer to provide your CV and Personal Statement (when available). 

USMLE Transcript

Many residency programs require the USMLE transcript as part of the application packet. Applicants must sign an Authorization to Release the transcript. There is a one-time NBME fee. After releasing your transcript you must assign your transcript to each of the programs you are applying to. 

Medical Student Performance Evaluation

The purpose of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), formally known as the dean's letter, is to provide an evaluation of a medical student’s performance. It is not a letter of recommendation or prediction of future performance. It describes in a sequential manner, a student’s performance as compared to that of their peers. It includes an assessment of academic and professional attributes that spans the students’ performance for the first three years of medical school and as much as possible, the fourth year.

MSPE Writers

Your Student Affairs House Dean drafts the MSPE upon the student’s completion of all core clerkships.

Components of the MSPE

1. Noteworthy Characteristics: bullet points outlining significant experiences during medical school (student submits by Mat1^st)
2. Academic History: Description of leaves, dual degrees, research or remediation
3. Chronological Clerkship narratives
4. Summary Paragraph drafted by your MSPE writer
   • Academic
   • Medical Knowledge & Clinical Skills
   • Communication and Interpersonal Skills; Personal Attributes; Teamwork; Professionalism
   • Summary Comments

MSPE Release Date and Review

The UA COM-Tucson Student Records Office is responsible for uploading your MSPE into ERAS. The MSPE release date is October 1. The MSPE is considered a component of the student academic record, thus available for student’s review. A student is permitted to correct factual errors; however, the student may not revise evaluative statements in the MSPE.

Medical School Transcript

The UA COM-Tucson Student Records Office is responsible for uploading your transcript into ERAS.

Photograph

While not mandatory, many programs will ask you to submit a photo. The programs most often use the photo to help identify applicants when reporting for an interview. Others might use it on their websites. You are encouraged to research programs individually to verify their requirements and use of the photo.

• You must wear professional attire. Remember, this is a job interview.

• It must be a clear full front view of your head and shoulders. Your face should be in the middle of the photograph, and your expression should be natural with your eyes open looking directly ahead.

• You should use a plain white or light-colored background.

The photo requirements and instructions to upload the photo can be found in the MyERAS Residency User Guide.

Applications are only words and numbers. Interviews are an opportunity for you to turn your two-dimensional application into something more personal and human.

Interviews are a major source of stress for some future residents. Remember that this isn't an interrogation—it's a mutual experience. Your interviewers are doubling as salespeople for their program, and it's in their best interests to help you feel welcome and comfortable.

You will be asked a lot of questions during your interviews. This is your opportunity to ask questions as well. The people interviewing you may be your colleagues over the next few years.

Believe it or not, interviews can be an enjoyable experience. You get to take a break from your clinical work, explore locations around the country, and meet people with whom you have a lot in common (other hopeful candidates). Every interview that you attend will help you decide where you really want to spend your time building your professional career.

Step 1: Getting interviews

There are two types of programs: those that interview every applicant and those that offer interviews only by invitation. Many programs make contact with applicants electronically once they have received your ERAS information. Be sure to submit your ERAS information early, and check your email regularly, so you can secure convenient interview dates.

Tips for Scheduling Interviews

• The key times for scheduling interviews are from mid-October through January. Some programs will continue to interview into February; it recent years, this seems to be especially true for Dermatology and some other competitive specialties, which tend to start their interview season later. The mid-October dates seem to be utilized more by Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Family and Community medicine. Do not schedule an intensive rotation during these times.
• Accept all interview offers quickly. Dates fill rapidly, and you may cancel later if you need to.
• Be flexible with dates. Work with administrative staff to schedule interviews, and keep your own schedule organized.
• Never miss an interview without cancelling it ahead of time. No-shows are unprofessional and irresponsible.
• Ask to be put on a waiting list if a slot you want is full. You may still get it.
• Ask about the interview schedule. Are interviews held only on certain days?
• Submit your application and transcripts early for the best chance to interview at this time.

Step 2: Arranging travel

Travel can be expensive and stressful, and attending 8-12 interviews in a short period of time can be one very costly headache. The cost of travel ranges roughly from $2,000 - $5,000 dollars, depending on where you are going and when. The best way to cut costs and make your life on the road easier is to plan.

Save money and reduce stress when traveling

• Organize your travel in a circuit to minimize expenses, rather than returning to Arizona after each trip.
• TIP: There are numerous free housing resources online to offset travel costs. Below are just a few to help you begin your search.
  • ​Swap and Snooze: Medical students at UC Davis created a free social hospitality community among medical students with the goal of decreasing interview costs. Students can collaborate to offer places to stay on the interview trail.
  • Smart Med Travel: Medical students at Vanderbilt developed this site to help make interview travel costs affordable. Information about hotels, airline tickets and rental cars can be found here.
• Factor in time to see the community around the area in which you will be interviewing.
• Are you a bundle of nerves? Consider interviewing first with your lesser desired programs, and working your way up to the ones that excite you most. The anxiety of interviewing will work itself out once you know what you’re in for.
• Try to avoid scheduling more than two interview days in a row.
• Get rest as you travel so that you’re sharp for your interviews.

Step 3: Preparing for interviews

You have spent a number of years now working very hard and you are finally ready to interview. You know a great deal, and you have probably had some interesting and powerful experiences along the way. Now it is time to convey all of that to other people.

Residency interviews tend to be relaxed. As you prepare, keep in mind that your interviewers want to get to know you beyond what you have submitted on paper. They will also want to see that you are serious and prepared, so don't get too relaxed.

Sample interview questions [PDF]

Interview prep you can do at home

Mock Interviews

The Student Affairs Office schedules mock interviews in July and October as an optional resource for rising Year 4 students to hone their interviewing skills. During the mock interviews students interview with a faculty mentor in their career of interest if possible, and have an opportunity to discuss their specific strengths, challenges and receive specific feedback that may be present during both the formal and informal residency interviews in the months that follow.

Questions You Can Ask

Asking questions is a way for you to signal your interest in a program, and your seriousness about it. Try to have two or three questions prepared before each interview. Brochures, websites and other departmental publications are one place to look for ideas.

Questions to ask during residency interviews (AAMC) [PDF]

Interviewing Resources

Click here for sample interview questions [PDF].

For more information and tips about interviewing, see the AAMC Careers in Medicine website.

• Review your submitted information thoroughly.
• Practice mock interviews with a friend or another applicant.
• Revisit the information that you received from the interviewing department.
• üemember to take copies of your applications with you on your interview trips.
• Avoid looking surprised at questions that may have been answered on your application already.

Step 4: Following up after interviews

After each interview, take notes on the people you met: full names, impressions, roles, etc. If you are very interested in a program, strongly consider a hand written card to every interviewer (and the program director or chairperson) sharing your specific interests in their program.

A Word of Caution

Unless a program director or faculty member is prepared to document an official offer in writing, please do not assume their offer will be upheld in the MATCH.

There are three (3) types of residency matching services in the U.S. to secure a residency position. You will determine which match program to register for depending on your medical specialty choice.

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is the primary matching program in which almost all specialties participate. However, two (2) medical specialties that participate in another type of residency match program, referred to as Early Match Programs for urology and ophthalmology. The military also has its own match program, Army and Navy Military Match.

Each program has its own requirements, task list and timetable.

For a good overview of the match process, check out the Match Process (AAMC CiM > Land Your Residency > The Match).

The way the matching programs work is with a computer algorithm that matches the applicants’ preferences for residency positions with programs’ preferences for applicants. For more information, see section, Rank Order Lists for Match.

NRMP - Main Match Program

The NRMP is the single largest matching program. It offers PGY-1 and PGY-2 level residency training positions in most specialties. The results of the match program are made public in March.

NRMP Registration

In addition to registering for MyERAS, residency applicants must register for the NRMP. Step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial is available on the website to guide you through the registration process. NRMP registration typically opens mid-September. Late registration begins December when a late fee is added to the standard registration fee. To view additional dates, deadlines and additional details, see the NRMP Main Residency Match Calendar.

NRMP Match Calendar

See the NRMP Main Residency Match Calendar to view important dates and task to help you stay on track.

NRMP Couples Match

NRMP Couples Match is a program in which couples can link their program choices together so that they can be matched into a combination of programs suited to their needs. Partners register individually for a Match Program and then specify the Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system, i.e. Main Residency Match or Fellowship Match in which they want to participate. There are step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial to guide you through the registration process successfully. The page also has information about match fees and helpful tools such as the couples rank order list worksheet, faq’s, and tips for registering.

Early Match Programs

Early Match Programs are a collection of specialties that operate outside the main match. There are two (2) specialties, in particular, that participate in an early match: ophthalmology and urology. The match results are made public earlier than the NRMP match results typically mid- to late-January.

Early Match Programs include the San Francisco Match, American Urological Association Match, the Military Match and the Canadian Residency matching Service. Each specialty handles the process differently. Some are affiliated with the National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP) and some are not.

Below is a brief description of each program. For comprehensive details, visit Learning About Early Match Programs on the AMA website.

San Francisco Match - Ophthalmology

Students interested in ophthalmology both apply and match through the same service, San Francisco Match (SF Match). The application is electronic, but submitting supplemental documents is entirely a manual process. Students are solely responsible for assembling the application packet and submitting the documents.

American Urological Association Match - Urology

Students interested in matching to a urology residency program apply through ERAS & match through the American Urological Association Match organized by the American Urological Association (AUA). Each individual program has their own requirements, application deadlines and policies regarding pre-urology training, and application submission guidelines. Some use ERAS and others do not. Check ERAS for a list of participating urology programs.

Army and Navy Military Match

Students who apply for military residency positions work through the military system. This match program sponsored by the US Armed Services. Students apply through ERAS & match through the Military Match.

Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS)

Applicants interested in residency programs in Canada must apply through the Canadian Residency Matching Service. The website gives an overview of the Match Process as well as timelines, FAQs, match tips and resources. The timeline is different from the U.S., so it is important to understand the process and deadlines in advance. Students are responsible for their application.

Rank Order Lists for Match

As you’ve already learned, by participating in a match program, the preferences of residency applicants for residency positions are matched with programs’ preferences for applicants. This is done through rank order lists (ROL) that are submitted by each party. Again, the timeframe is dependent on the match program you participate.

The Residency Preference Exercise on the AAMC website can help you compare programs based on the things that matter to you.

To read more about the Rank order lists, see the overview of rank order lists on the AAMC CiM website (Land Your Residency > The Match > The Match Process > Overview: Rank order lists for the match).

Match Resources

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)

The NRMP provides a succinct match process overview (click on “Residency Overview”). In addition, you will find a robust Residency Applicant Toolkit. In it, you will find newsletters, calendars, checklists, FAQs, video tutorials, and more.

AAMC Match Process (AAMC login required)

This section of the AAMC Careers in Medicine site hosts many articles and resources that can help make your Match experience successful.