At this point in the residency application season, many candidates have similar questions about what is normal to expect, and what they should be doing to best maximize their chances to receive and conduct interviews.

Is it too late to apply?

The short answer is no.

Your chances for receiving interview invites might not be as good as they would have been if you had applied earlier, but this does not mean the season is over. The general application and interview period runs from September until mid-January at the latest… which means you still have time to send out applications.

Please Note: Specific specialties may have their own overall timetables while others may be more open ended. For example, both Dermatology and Emergency Medicine do not start sending out interview invites until late October or early November (even December) while Internal Medicine and Family Medicine can run interviews at any time.

Can I still receive interview invitations?

Yes.

I know it feels late in the season and you may be worried if you aren’t hearing from any or enough programs. However, this does not mean you won’t hear from programs any more. Each and every program has its own schedule and deadline for reviewing applicants and extending interview invitations.

I have sent out applications, now what?

First, you must wait to give programs time to review the never-ending stream of residency applications they are receiving. Then, you have two main options.

Option 1: Contact Programs

If you sent your applications out in September or early October, it is safe for you to start contacting programs. If you are applying late October to now, give it at least two weeks before contacting any programs. (See below for more.)

Option 2: Apply to More Programs

You can apply to more programs at any time as long as they have not deadlined or indicated to ERAS that they are done accepting applications. If you are financially able, applying to more programs is a great way to increase your chances.

How do I follow up with programs about my application’s status?

If you are worried about not having any interviews or not enough, it’s wise to touch base with programs. You have three main methods of following up with programs.

You can either:

1. Mail a Follow Up Letter
2. Email the Program Coordinator
3. Call the program

In our experience, we’ve found that a Follow Up Letter is the strongest way to follow up as emails can get lost in a flood of other candidate’s emails and phone calls can be considered too aggressive.

It normal to have many questions as the season progresses, but you do not have to go through this alone. If you need any further guidance, please feel free to contact Match A Resident at 760-904-5484 opt. 2 or email us your question or phone number at support@matcharesident.com and we will be happy to assist you!