How many residency programs should I apply to?

There is no magic number for residency applications. Based on 2024 data from the NRMP, the average number of submitted applications differs by specialty. Here’s what they found (rounded to the nearest whole number):

• Internal Medicine: 78
• Radiology-Diagnostic: 72
• Surgery: 71
• Neurological Surgery: 70
• Psychiatry: 68
• Obstetrics & Gynecology: 67
• Urology: 66
• Orthopaedic Surgery: 62
• Anesthesiology: 60
• Dermatology: 57
• Otolaryngology: 57
• Pathology: 53
• Neurology: 52
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: 50
• Family Medicine: 47
• Emergency Medicine: 46
• Pediatrics: 44
• Vascular Surgery: 44
• Interventional Radiology: 37
• Radiation Oncology: 37
• Plastic Surgery: 28
• Child Neurology: 26
• Internal Medicine/Pediatrics: 23

In general, if your desired specialty is more competitive, you should apply to more programs. If it’s less competitive, you may not need to apply to as many.

Do more applications increase my chances of matching?

According to 2023 data from the NRMP, applying to more programs doesn’t necessarily translate to better chances of matching. For U.S. MD seniors, matched applicants applied to an average of 68.5 programs, while unmatched applicants applied to an average of 80.

U.S. DO seniors saw similar results. Matched applicants submitted an average of 66.5 applications. Those left unmatched submitted an average of 82. Other applicants (like IMGs) who matched applied to an average of 133.5 programs and unmatched applied to an average of 149.5.

For each type of applicant, matched individuals had a lower average number of applications submitted than those who were left unmatched. Submitting more applications does not seem to necessarily increase an applicant’s chances of matching.

Residency application tips

Applying to residency programs can be time-consuming and nerve-wracking, but these tips can help you submit your applications with confidence.

Start early

Residency applications are complex, requiring multiple components like personal statements, letters of recommendation, and other documentation. Starting early gives you ample time to gather materials, refine your application, and avoid the stress of last-minute submissions. It also allows you to reflect on your experiences and present them in the best light, ensuring a more polished application.

Be strategic with letters of recommendation

Choose your letter writers carefully, selecting those who know you well and can speak to your strengths and potential as a resident. A strong, personalized letter from a faculty member you know well carries more weight than a generic letter from a well-known name. Consider what each letter adds to your application and how it reflects your fit for the specialty.

Don’t wait until the last minute to gather your letters of recommendation. Ask your letter writers well ahead of time to ensure they have time to provide them to you.

Customize your personal statement

Tailoring your personal statement to your top programs is a powerful way to demonstrate interest. Highlight how the program aligns with your career goals and why you are interested in the location. Any research you do to understand each program could help you later as you begin interviewing.

Though you can, you don’t have to change your personal statement for every program you apply to. Choose your top programs and focus on changing those personal statements. These don’t need to be full rewrites, but instead focus on changing a few sentences to reflect your interest in the program.

Ask faculty and peers for advice

Seeking input from faculty and peers can be invaluable in the application process. They can provide feedback on your personal statement, offer guidance on program selection, and share insights from their own experiences. Their perspectives can help you refine your application and make more informed decisions.

Quality over quantity for research

When it comes to research, depth can be more important than volume. Focus on a few significant projects where you made meaningful contributions rather than trying to pad your CV with superficial experiences like conferences and seminars you simply attended. The more in-depth you can get into the research, the more natural it will be for you to discuss and answer questions during a potential interview.

Don’t forget about the hobby section

The hobby section of your application might seem insignificant, but it’s an opportunity to showcase your personality and interests outside of medicine. Including meaningful hobbies can make you stand out and provide great talking points during interviews.

Have something to say

Don’t simply include things on your application because you think they will make you look interesting or accomplished. Whether it’s a research project, a hobby, or a personal statement anecdote, you should be able to elaborate on its significance and what you learned from it. This shows that your application is a true reflection of your experiences and not just a checklist of accomplishments.

If the hobby section of your application says you enjoy watching a certain baseball team but you don’t know the names of their top players while interviewing, you likely won’t make a good impression on the interviewers, and the integrity of your application may be called into question.

Proofread, proofread, proofread

Proofreading is crucial to ensure your application is free from errors. Typos and grammatical mistakes can distract from your achievements and create a negative impression. Take the time to review your materials carefully, and consider asking a trusted peer or mentor to give your application a final read-through. A polished application demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

Also, it is fairly easy for programs to look at your personal statement to see if it was generated by AI and not actually written by you. This is certainly something programs are beginning to look at as well, so be very careful at utilizing AI to create your statement.

Applying to residency

Match Day is on the horizon! The next few months of applications and interviews will impact where you will spend the next few years in training. While this is an exciting time, we know it comes with a lot of stress and uncertainty.

We’ve created resources to help you navigate this time. Find tips for interviews, pre- and post-Match Day considerations, and more on our Match Day page.