2025-2026 Match Cycle Residency Application Timeline
The final year of medical school marks the start of your residency application journey. To succeed, you need a clear understanding of the application process and its key milestones. For this purpose, we’ve created a detailed timeline to help you navigate the application process! This valuable resource includes: Key...
The Most Difficult Residency Specialties to Match Into & Why They’re So Competitive
This blog was originally published in 2023 by Dr. Alina Khil and updated for accuracy in February 2025 by Dr. Coco Stewart. The Hardest Medical Specialties to Match Into Choosing a medical specialty is a challenging task, especially when it comes to many of the more competitive specialties. Is it...
SOAPing Into a Competitive Residency Program
The last thing on most students’ minds going through the SOAP is, “how do I match into a competitive program?” The truth is, most SOAPing medical students just hope they Match into a residency program at all. But, the best applicants make the most of this tough situation. Sometimes, these...
Excelling as a Woman in Surgery: Insights From an Orthopedic Resident
I distinctly remember the day I first considered a career in orthopedics. Prior to medical school, I worked as a scribe in a small orthopedic clinic. While the other scribes grew tired of their days repeatedly evaluating arthritis, I was fascinated by the nuances and surgical options that orthopedics offered....
When to Take Step 2 CK for the 2026 Residency Match
The Step 2 CK exam score is one of the top factors residency programs use when selecting candidates to interview. Most students in the United States take the USMLE Step 2 CK after their third-year clinical rotations—typically between May and July—to align with residency application timelines. This schedule ensures you...
US Doctor Specialties by USMLE Step 2 CK Scores
With the change of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 transitioning to an entirely pass-fail examination, more emphasis has been placed on the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) score in the residency selection process. While your Step 2 score is not the only factor that programs...
How to Match into Anesthesiology for Residency
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 Anesthesia.
The Benefits of Mentorship: Building a Support Network in Medical School
Mentorship is a vital part of medical education, shaping the future of medicine. Aspiring physicians have the drive and intelligence to succeed, but they need guidance from experienced professionals to excel in education, clinical practice, and research. A strong mentor provides crucial support and inspiration to medical students, residents, and...
What to Look For in a Residency Program
Residency application is fast approaching and students need to decide which programs they want to apply to and ultimately interview at. When compiling a list of these programs, there are several key factors that ought to be kept in mind.
Post Interview Communication: The Residency Thank You Letter or Email
Feeling the silence and uncertainty between your last interview and Match day? If you’re wondering if you should or shouldn’t reach out to send a quick residency thank you letter to the program for their time during interview day, here’s what you need to know.