Acceptance Factors for Matching into Pediatrics Residency

This blog was originally published on September 23rd, 2019, and updated in August of 2024.

How to Match into a Pediatrics Residency Program

Residency application season is here and today we are looking at what it takes to match into a Pediatrics Residency Program! The NRMP conducts annual surveys to determine what factors Program Directors consider when deciding which candidates to interview and rank for their pediatrics residency program. The results were compiled into a “at a glance” tool, which is extremely helpful in gauging where your application packet stands compared to the applicant pool, and whether adding additional components, like a letter of recommendation (LOR) in the specialty, could give you a leg up as programs review your application.

The most recent program director’s survey was conducted following the 2024 residency match cycle. We recommend taking a look at the specialty you’ll be applying to before submitting your ERAS packet.

Selection Criteria for an Interview for Pediatrics Residency

A passing Step 1 score and your MSPE/Dean’s Letter rank highly among the most important factors pediatric program directors cite when granting interview invitations. Step 1 pass was cited as most important, and notably any USMLE/COMLEX failure was ranked as the #5 most important factor.

Step 2 Scores

Interestingly, 17% of program directors said that they do not consider Step 2 scores at all, and an additional 36% said they prefer, but do not require a score. An additional 32% said they require a pass, and only 15% said they require a target score.

The Step 2 score does seem to be more important for IMG applicants, but still only 26% of directors require a target score.

It should be noted, that while Step 2 scores don’t seem to be a major concern for directors when selecting who to interview, 59% of directors still cite it as an important factor for ranking. This still falls behind other aspects such as interactions during the interview and interpersonal skills, but should be kept in mind.

Step 2CK – Timing of Taking the Exam

Only 47% of programs required at least passing Step 2 CK at the time of applying. This means that for many programs, though certainly not all, you may wait to take Step 2CK until after you have submitted ERAS.

Failing Step 1 or 2 will hurt you, but won’t sink your chances:

Failing any step of the USMLE is a BIG deal in ANY specialty, and pediatrics is no exception. So, if you’ve failed an exam, you can still apply, but you should consider applying to MANY (40+) programs. 79% of programs seldom cited a Step 1 failure as an important factor when considering who to interview.

Types of Applicants Considered:

International Grads (U.S. and non-U.S.) have more difficulty matching in pediatrics than domestic applicants, but it’s not impossible: Approximately one-third (31%) of programs consider interviewing U.S. IMGs on a routine basis, and approximately half (53%) seldom do; only 16% never do. For non-U.S. IMGs, chances are worse, but still possible: 21% routinely interview and rank non-U.S. IMGs, 49% seldom interview and rank them, while 30% never do.

We recommend doing your homework to determine which programs may be more likely to consider IMGs to maximize your chances of success. IMGs who have completed their training and residencies abroad may consider applying to work in Tennessee under the new HB1312 law to bypass the need for redundant residencies.

Osteopathic graduates have a good chance of matching: 71% of programs will routinely interview DO applicants, while only 7% never do. This still pales in comparison with U.S. Seniors (91%), so it is still important to do your research to identify these programs so that you can best increase your chances of matching.

Pediatrics Residency Interviews

• Interviewees Get Ranked!: If you get an interview invitation, you are likely to end up on the rank list if you interview. In 2024, the likelihood of matching for applicants who ranked just one program was 80%. Additionally, out of 206 applicants interviewed, 194 were ranked in the 2024 cycle. That likelihood was nearing 100% only at 4 contiguous ranks. We recommend ranking at least 8-10 programs to be safe, so once you receive 10 interview invitations, you can feel okay with starting to prioritize and cancel as more come in given you are likely to get ranked.
• Expect to receive interview invitations in September and October: If you have not heard from programs within several weeks of submitting your application, this likely means you are not a competitive applicant in pediatrics. 
• Expect to interview in October-December: Few interviews will occur in January or later, which means you should plan to have free time in October-December to maximize your chances of being off during peak interview season. For further discussion on how to prep for your interview, see our blog post on how to Crush your Residency Interview: https://elitemedicalprep.com/preparing-for-your-residency-interview/

Certain factors less important for Pediatrics than for other programs:

• Research isn’t particularly important for Pediatrics — again, it can strengthen an application, but was not in the top 10 most important factors listed by all PDs.
• AOA status isn’t as important in Pediatrics in other specialties. Again, it can certainly strengthen an application, and is likely important at more competitive programs, but is not expected or required to match.
• Having an LOR from a pediatrician is definitely important, but is not quite as important as some other fields (e.g., neurosurgery, dermatology). This likely means that a strong application could easily feature LORs from 1-2 pediatricians with additional letters from practitioners outside of the field. 
• Achieving awards or honoring clinical rotations in the desired specialty is not as important.

Summary for Pediatrics Residency Applications:

• A solid pediatrics application would include a passing score on Step 1, a strong MSPE or Dean’s letter, at least one LOR from a pediatrician, and demonstrating strong interpersonal skills during your interview.

• Pediatrics is somewhat more IMG friendly, than other fields, but matching as an IMG is far from certain. Be sure to do your research to identify programs with active IMG residents and establish proper connections.

• If you’ve failed an exam, you can still apply in Pediatrics, but you should apply very broadly and consider applying for a back-up specialty.

• Expect Interviews in October-December. Reach out to programs you have high interest in if you haven’t heard from them by mid-November. Once you have about 10 interview invitations, you can consider being a bit more selective about which ones you actually take (but not before).

Good Luck! ☺ 

If you need further or specialized assistance understanding which residency specialties you are best suited to apply to, you can contact us or visit our residency advising page to learn more about how Elite Medical Prep residency advising services.