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The table below shows 2026 NRMP Match rates by residency specialty for U.S. MD applicants, comparing the number of applicants with the number who successfully matched in each specialty:
The table above is based on data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) 2026 Main Residency Match Report, which summarizes match outcomes for U.S. MD seniors.
The figures reflect the number of residency applicants, the number of applicants matched to a residency program within the specialty, and the corresponding percentage of positions filled (the match rate).
The table below shows the number of U.S. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) senior applicants, matches, and match rates by specialty in the 2026 Main Residency Match:
The table below shows the 2026 specialty-specific match outcomes for U.S. International Medical Graduates (U.S. IMGs) and Non-U.S. International Medical Graduates (Non-U.S. IMGs), based on the 2026 Main Residency Match day report.
Take a look at the table below to find the best IMG-friendly residency programs.
Based on 2026 NRMP data, non-U.S. international medical graduates had higher match rates in:
These least competitive specialties have more positions available each year and have accepted more international graduates.
Non-U.S. IMGs had lower match rates in more competitive specialties, such as:
These fields tend to prioritize high board scores, strong research backgrounds, and extensive U.S. clinical experience.
The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, or SOAP, is a process run by the NRMP that allows unmatched applicants to compete for unfilled residency positions after Match Week results are released. SOAP gives all unmatched applicants (DO, MD, IMG) a second opportunity to secure a position before the cycle ends.
SOAP typically includes unfilled positions in specialties that historically have lower fill rates, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and preliminary or transitional year programs. Applicants with lower overall match rates, including many international medical graduates, often benefit the most from SOAP.
While matching through SOAP can limit specialty options compared to the main Match, it still provides a viable pathway into residency training and keeps applicants on track toward becoming licensed physicians.
If you want to improve your chances of matching into your preferred specialty the first time, work with an Inspira Advantage expert to strengthen your application strategy, refine your personal statement, prepare for interviews, and position yourself as a top candidate.
A good residency match rate is typically above 90%. According to the NRMP, the 2026 PGY‑1 match rate was 93.50% for U.S. MD seniors and 93.20% for U.S. DO seniors. Any match rate close to or above these numbers is good.
No, it’s not common for U.S. medical graduates to go unmatched, although it does happen. According to the NRMP, 6.5% of U.S. MD seniors and 6.8% of U.S. DO seniors did not match to PGY-1 positions in the 2026 Main Residency Match. This means that more than 9 out of 10 U.S. MD and DO seniors match into PGY-1 residency positions each year.
According to the NRMP’s 2026 Main Residency Match data, 73.5% of U.S. MD seniors and 76.4% of U.S. DO seniors matched into one of their top three-ranked residency programs. This means that most U.S. MD and DO seniors who match secure a position at one of their highest-ranked programs.
Your chances of matching a top choice depend on factors such as specialty competitiveness, application strength, interview performance, and the number of programs you apply to and rank. Applicants who apply broadly and rank programs strategically generally have the best chance of matching high on their list.
Yes, MD and DO applicants have slightly different residency match rates, but both groups match at high rates. The 2026 PGY-1 match rate was 93.50% for U.S. MD seniors and 93.20% for U.S. DO seniors, as reported by NRMP.
While overall match rates are similar, outcomes can vary depending on specialty competitiveness and application strategy. MD applicants historically have slightly higher match rates in certain highly competitive specialties, but DO graduates match successfully across a wide range of fields each year.
No, couples participating in the Match typically have similar or stronger match outcomes than individual applicants. According to the NRMP, 1,258 couples participated in the 2026 Match. And 93.0% achieved a match when counting couples in which at least one partner matched. This means most couples successfully secured at least one residency position through the Match.
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