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...
Matching Into Orthopedic Surgery 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 Orthopaedic Surgery.
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...
Acceptance Factors for Matching into Pediatrics 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 Pediatrics.
How to Match into a Dermatology Residency Program in 2025
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 Dermatology.