The residency application process is a pivotal moment for any medical student. Matching with your desired program hinges on a well-crafted personal statement, stellar recommendation letters, and, of course, an outstanding ERAS CV. This document serves as your first impression to program directors, so crafting a compelling and informative ERAS CV is crucial. Building the Foundation: Essential Elements of an ERAS CV A strong ERAS CV starts with a solid foundation. Here’s a breakdown of the must-have sections you should include: Personal Information: Present your contact details in a clear and p ..read more

As we near the end of the 2024 Match season, you may be tempted to relax a bit. You have worked tirelessly for months, and you deserve to feel proud. However, there are still a few important steps and deadlines you must remember to finish out the season strong! In this blog, we will discuss the final steps for the 2024 Match that you don’t want to miss! Registering for the NRMP® Deadline and Post Match SOAP It is very important you have registered for the 2024 Main Residency Match and paid your fee by January 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET. This will ensure that you are among the first round of appli ..read more

The journey to practice medicine in the United States for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) begins with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Achieving ECFMG certification is a vital step for IMGs seeking residency and licensure in the U.S. This certification process ensures that IMGs meet the standard education and credentialing requirements necessary to provide quality healthcare. In this article, we will delve into each ECFMG pathway, outlining their specific requirements and processes. Understanding the Importance of ECFMG Certification ECFMG certification ..read more

Residency interviews are an important step in the selection process. Crafting an impressive CV or obtaining stellar LORs can get your foot in the door, but how you present yourself in the interview is crucial.  During a residency interview, programs evaluate more than just your credentials. They assess your interpersonal skills, passion, and alignment with their culture. Balancing the display of your achievements with interpersonal finesse is key. Remember, first impressions last—aim for a positive one. This article aims to guide you through the intricacies of the process and help you pre ..read more

As we get further into the post-application season, we know that all applicants are feeling the pressure of interviews; especially the candidates who have not received as many interviews as they had hoped. This is not the time to give into panic, it is instead time to evaluate what you can do to improve your chances at a Match. Despite the chaos around application, Match A Resident is here to remind you that it only takes one successful interview! In this blog, we will discuss how to gain interviews and be prepared to knock them out of the park. How Can an Applicant Gain More Interviews? A use ..read more

Once you are done applying, candidates often experience anxiety over the waiting period. Many applicants believe that all you can do is wait to see if you receive interviews and ultimately a Match. However, there are some methods that can be used to increase chances at an interview, or a successful Match. Letters of Interest are a helpful tool to make your application stand out post applying! What is a Letter of Interest? Letters of Interest are typically sent out about a month after the ERAS application gets released to programs. If applying late, you should wait at least 1-2 weeks after you ..read more

What is Program Signaling? Program Signaling is a new feature of the ERAS application that has been introduced for the 2024 Match. This section was previously part of the Supplemental ERAS application that has now been eliminated and combined with the main ERAS application. This feature allows applicants to select programs they would like to send a signal to which would inform them of their extreme interest in their program. Each specialty has a different amount of signals that can be sent to programs, as well as some even have multi-tiered signals (gold or silver) which indicate your level of ..read more

Why did ERAS make changes to the application? The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) has undergone significant changes for the 2024 Match, impacting how applicants showcase their skills, experiences, and preferences. These changes not only provide applicants with new ways to express their interests and qualifications, but also offer program directors more targeted criteria for selecting candidates. The goal was to provide program directors with a more holistic view of an applicant. This blog will guide you through these ERAS changes, emphasizing the importance of strategic applica ..read more

As we near the end of the 2023 Match season, you may be tempted to relax a bit. You have worked tirelessly for months, and you deserve to feel proud. However, there are still a few important steps and deadlines you must remember to finish out the season strong! In this blog, we will discuss the final steps for the 2023 Match that you don’t want to miss! Registering for the NRMP Deadline and Post Match SOAP It is very important you have registered for the 2023 Main Residency Match and paid your fee by January 31, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. This will ensure that you are among the first round of applic ..read more

While it may be tempting to take a break after submitting your ERAS Application for Residency, it is important you do not lose focus! Following up with residency programs using Residency Letters of Communication during the Match cycle is extremely important and can help garner more interviews, higher rankings, and ultimately, increase your chances at a successful Match.  Generally speaking, there are three types of residency follow-up letters: Letters of Interest Thank You Letters Letters of Intent Letters of Interest Sent to programs you’ve applied to but have not yet heard back from t ..read more