Reviewed by:
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 4/12/24
If you’re at that stage in your medical career where you’re deciding on a specialty, you may be wondering how many residency programs to apply to. Read on to learn more, because the number may surprise you!
Imagine spending countless hours perfecting your residency application, only to discover that you didn't apply to enough programs to secure a spot. It's a nightmare scenario for any medical student, but one that can be easily avoided by understanding how many residency programs you should consider.
In this guide, we'll dive into the ideal number of residency programs to apply to, provide tips for crafting a standout application, and answer frequently asked questions to help you navigate this critical step in your medical career.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), on average, students apply to between 21-58 residency programs. With at least nine students vying for each available spot, it's no wonder that the average is so high.
In general, the more competitive a specialty, the more applications students submit. Here’s a breakdown of the average number of programs students applied to per specialty:
We recommend that you apply to a maximum of 30–35 programs. The ideal range would be between 15–35 programs.
Considering the students that submitted the above number of applications had a 94.8% match rate, it’s safe to say you can follow these averages as guidelines during your own residency application process.
The quality of the programs you apply to is more important than the quantity. Don’t waste your money – apply to programs that match your interests and that you genuinely want to join.
Here is an idea of how much residency applications cost:
Source: ERAS
In case you’re confused by these fees, consider the following examples:
While reducing your applications can help you save some money, applying to too few programs can limit your options and chances of matching. To balance these risks, it’s generally recommended students submit at least 20–25 residency applications.
Submitting these many applications will give you enough opportunity to match with at least one residency while preventing you from spending money on programs that you have little interest in!
Applying for residency is a huge step in your medical career. Get a competitive edge with these top tips:
Don't just look at rankings. Dig into program websites, faculty research interests, and resident testimonials. Seek programs that align with your specific goals and values for training.
Start working on the ERAS residency timeline early by asking recommenders who can speak to your clinical skills, teamwork, and potential in your chosen specialty. Provide them with your CV and discuss qualities you'd like them to emphasize.
Avoid generic stories that admissions committees have heard in every personal statement. Show how your experiences and passions make you a perfect fit for each specific program.
Don't just list accomplishments. Demonstrate how you've learned from challenges, research projects, or volunteer work. Show the program how you'll be an asset.
Research common residency interview questions and practice with peers or mentors. Focus on clear, concise answers showcasing your knowledge and personality.
Use spreadsheets to track deadlines, application requirements, and specific notes about each program. This lessens stress and prevents errors.
Remember to take your time and pay attention to the details. A well-prepared and thoughtful application can make a big difference in your chances of matching with your top residency program!
If you still have questions about how many residency programs you should apply to, read our FAQ section below.
The average number of residency programs that students apply to is 21–58. The maximum number of residency programs you should apply to is 35.
You should interview with all of the programs that invite you. On average, students are invited to interview for 12 out of the 21–58 programs they apply to.
To increase your chances of getting into residency, follow these tips:
Overall, spend time and effort on each of your applications to increase your chances of matching with your top choices!
Consider these factors when deciding how many residency programs to apply to:
Apply to at least 20 programs, adjusting based on your preferences, to increase your chances of matching.
Yes, you can apply to more than one specialty for residency. Keep in mind that applying to multiple specialties may result in higher application fees.
When selecting residency programs, consider:
Higher-ranking programs can open more doors of opportunity.
The residency application process typically begins in the summer of the medical student's fourth year. Start preparing your application at least six months before the deadline by gathering the required application materials and researching top programs.
Applying to residency programs is a big step in your medical career. While the process can be time-consuming and costly, applying to a good amount of programs increases your chances of the perfect acceptance.
Remember, the quality of the programs you apply to matters more than the quantity. Research each program thoroughly, considering factors such as structure, faculty, location, resident experiences, training opportunities, match rate, and reputation.
By starting early, tailoring your application materials, securing strong letters of recommendation, and preparing well for interviews, you can make yourself a competitive candidate and increase your likelihood of matching with your dream residency program!
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