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Intro to The Match
Intro to The Match
The Match is currently the only way to readily obtain a residency program in the US after successfully completing 4 years of medical school, passing all board examinations, and completing an ERAS application. The Match works by allowing applicants to rank their preferred programs and programs to rank their preferred applicants. The system favors the applicant, so students are advised to rank their programs based on how they would want to match (i.e. don't try to play the algorithm).
If a student does not match on match day, the student will have approximately 3 days to apply and SOAP a residency position through the NRMP system. This is not an ideal situation, but some students do have success with SOAPing. If no position is fulfilled in the SOAP, applicants can still access the remaining unfulfilled programs and contact them directly to apply, interview, and accept a residency position, just like a "normal" job.
Below is a timeline of residency applications on ERAS*, interviewing, and matching**, that begins with your 4th/final year of medical school:
*This timeline excludes ResidencyCAS system, a new application system beginning with the Class of 2025, for applying OBGYN
**This timeline excludes any early matching programs i.e. Military Match, Urology, Ophthalmology
Residency Applications & Match Prep for Class of 2025:
June 5, 2024: ERAS Application opens for applicants
September 4: Residency Applicants can submit MyERAS beginning at 9 AM EST
September 16: Registration for NRMP opens at 12 PM EST
September 25: Residency Programs can begin viewing MyERAS applications, supplemental ERAS applications, and MSPEs beginning at 9 AM EST
Interview Season
September 29: Residency Programs can begin sending out interview invitations
October - December: Most interviews are conducted during this time period
January 2025: A few interviews may be concluded during this month
The Match for Class of 2025:
February 3, 2025: Access to Rank Order List begins on R3
March 5: Rank Order Certification ends by 9 PM EST
2nd Monday of March/March 17: Match Day - at 10 AM EST, you find out if you matched, partially matched, or did not match; SOAP begins at 11 AM EST on this day
2nd Tuesday of March/March 18: Programs have access to your SOAP applications at 8 AM EST
2nd Thursday of March/March 20: 4 rounds of SOAP are conducted at the following times:
9 AM - 11 AM EST
12 PM - 2 PM EST
3 PM - 5 PM EST
6 PM - 8 PM EST
SOAP applicants find out where they SOAPed into after accepting an offer
2nd Friday of March / March 21: MATCH DAY! Applicants find out WHERE they matched at 12 PM EST via email and R3
Match Resources
DO students* have access to prior DO only residencies. The list can be found below and may be helpful when deciding what residencies are more "DO friendly".
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