About the Author

Alexandra R., MD

Alexandra earned her Neuroscience degree from the University of Michigan, graduating with Summa Cum Laude recognition in 2014. She continued her education at the University of Michigan Medical School, earning her MD in 2019. During her time in medical school, Alex achieved honors in most clinical rotations and was very involved in the Michigan community, serving as a student interviewer for the University of Michigan Medical School Admission Committee. She graduated with a Distinction in Research Honors, having received the Young Investigator Award and Rising Derm Star Award for her research in Oncodermatology. After medical school, Alexandra completed her intern year at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a program universally considered among the most competitive medicine internships. She is completing her final year of dermatology residency as Chief Resident at Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center, a program ranked in the top 20 training programs for dermatology (Reference: Doximity). Alexandra is a published academic author, and her work can be found here.

Matching Into Orthopedic Surgery Residency

14 min

21355 Views

Orthopaedic surgeons and residents in surgery.

21355 Views

The NRMP Program directors survey “at a glance” tool is extremely helpful in gauging where your application packet stands compared to the applicant pool. Here are the major components to consider when applying into Orthopaedic Surgery.

How to Match into OB/GYN Residency

12 min

19794 Views

An OB/Gyn resident holding a floating representation of a uterus.

19794 Views

The NRMP Program directors survey “at a glance” tool is extremely helpful in gauging where your application packet stands compared to the applicant pool. Here are the major components to consider when applying into OB/GYN

Taking USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK Back to Back After Rotations

8 min

13489 Views

Medical school student studying for the USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 with multiple study books open in front of her.

13489 Views

There has recently been a wave of change where some medical students are opting to take USMLE Step 1 after clinical rotations either simultaneously or back-to-back with Step 2CK. Here are the pros and cons of taking this route.

Questions You Should Ask Your Prospective Residency Programs

15 min

10499 Views

An attending shaking hands with a potential resident at a residency interview.

10499 Views

Residency interviews are a 2-way process. The program isn’t just interviewing you (although it may feel like this); you are also interviewing the program! Here are some essential questions that you should be asking residency programs and residents during your interview.

The Ins and Outs of Virtual Residency Application Season

10 min

4379 Views

Someone using their laptop for a virtual residency application

4379 Views

Wondering how the virtual residency application season is going to be different from prior years? So are we! We asked some of our students and resident tutors the questions you want answers to.

Acceptance Factors for Matching into a Transitional Year (TY) Residency

11 min

11489 Views

A group of transitional year medical residents.

11489 Views

The NRMP Program directors survey “at a glance” tool is extremely helpful in gauging where your application packet stands compared to the applicant pool. Here are the major components to consider when applying into Transitional Year.

Scheduling Residency Interviews

9 min

5829 Views

A doctor shaking hands with a prospective resident during a residency interview.

5829 Views

You’ve submitted your ERAS application, all of your LoR are in, your school uploaded your MSPE, and now here you are, waiting for the “wave” of interview invites that you hope is going to hit you. Here are a couple tips for scheduling interviews.

Preparing for Your Residency Interview

6 min

6143 Views

Medical Student preparing for Residency Interview

6143 Views

Performing well during the residency interview is critical in maximizing your chances at being ranked well in a particular program. In order to present the best version of yourself, you must prepare!

How to Write the MSPE

13 min

13170 Views

An M3 student meeting with their medical school's dean.

13170 Views

Towards the end of M3 year, medical students meet with one of their medical school’s Deans and write the Medical Student Performance Evaluation letter (MSPE), or the “Dean’s letter”, which is sent to all residency programs. Here’s what to (and not to) include.

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