AMA guide to applying for residency programs

Program directors list 4 red flags for residency applicants to avoid

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Which residency programs to apply to, how many to apply to and what should be in your Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) packet are all key questions, and the AMA is here with timely and compelling advice.

Make your residency application exceptional

1. How to make your ERAS residency application stand out

   1. Here's how to craft a standout ERAS application, from personal statements to organized medicine activities, and interview tips. That includes preparing the info that would be in your curriculum vitae (CV) and requesting letters of recommendation.

2. Here's how many residency programs medical students really apply to

   1. How many residency programs should a medical student apply to? While it’s not the million-dollar question, considering that application totals cost applicants both time and money, it is one with high stakes. Looking at figures from recent residency application cycles, the numbers of applications filed—while varying widely by specialty—is higher than it was five years ago. But interventions implemented by many physician specialties are showing promise as strategies to lower application numbers and improve the process for residency applicants and residency programs.

3. The do’s and don’ts of CV writing for residency applicants

   1. Showing is better than telling. And when it comes to applying to residency programs, a medical CV can show your strengths and accomplishments in your relatively short career in medicine to date. A CV is used by professionals in the fields of academia, medicine, teaching and research as an overview of accomplishments that are relevant to the academic realm. Accordingly, it should be updated frequently to reflect the development of your career. Get up to speed on the do’s and don’ts.

4. Physician residency virtual open houses—what you should know

   1. Residency applicants should arm themselves with as much information as possible to help them determine where to apply. Residency program open houses taking place virtually before the application-submission deadline offer medical students another way to ask questions and determine their fit with a program. Find out what they are for, and how to make the most of them.

5. What to know about the ob-gyn physician residency application

   1. Beginning with the 2024–2025 application cycle, the application—dubbed the Residency Centralized Application Service—replaced ERAS for those applying to train in ob-gyn residency programs. The service is meant to reduce costs and permit holistic application review. Dive into the details.

6. Follow these tips to wisely use residency program signals

   1. A residency application feature that allows applicants to express targeted interest in a program is growing in popularity. Since the feature was first used in 2020 as part of the otolaryngology application process, program signaling—which allows applicants to indicate interest in a limited number of residency programs—has expanded rapidly. Here’s how to make the most of this option.

7. When it comes to submitting residency applications, cast a wide net

   1. Depending on the physician specialty being pursued, there might be several hundred residency programs to which a future physician can submit an application. Narrowing those options takes time and research. Doing so effectively also takes an awareness of where you stand as an applicant and your own career goals. Two keys: Ask around for recommendations and don’t put too high a priority on perceived prestige.

8. The top questions to ask before you submit your residency application

   1. Do you have all the information you need to include? Do you know your standing? Is your application well-rounded and do your letters of recommendation sparkle? These are among the questions covered in this great AMA checklist for applying to physician residency programs.