Residency Admissions: What if I Didn’t Match

Participation in the residency match process has risen steadily for the last several years, with record-high application rates in each of the last few years [nrmp.org].

But what’s next if you didn’t match?

What happens if you don’t get matched for residency?

Think about why you may not have matched, so you can strengthen your candidacy. Did you apply to too few programs? To the wrong programs? Were there gaps or weaknesses in your application? Do an honest assessment of your candidacy.

Before turning to how to spend your next year, make sure you look into the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) and FREIDA™, the AMA Residency & Fellowship Database®. You can find more information about these programs here. 

Next, think about what you might want to do in the coming year:

• Do you want to do a year of research? Spending a year researching or working in a clinical setting could be just what you need to gain more experience while you plan for next year’s Match.
  
  
• Is delaying med school graduation an option? This would allow you to pursue more rotations and reapply during next year’s Match. The viability of this option depends on your school.
  
  
• Do you want to continue searching for positions if you did not match? You could register with the AAMC’s Find a Resident (FAR) service to search for available positions.
  
  
• Are you sure you chose the right specialty? Continue to explore what you really love about medicine and consider applying for a different specialty next time.
  
  
• Are you interested in pursuing a different degree, such as an MPH or MBA, and then reapplying for the Match when you finish?

Whatever you decide, don’t be discouraged – and good luck!

Still not sure what to do if you don’t match into residency? Our experienced consultants can help you take your next steps. Don’t let this hiccup along your road to residency get you down – explore our services and work one-on-one with an advisor who will help you pave the road to residency or to another backup option for you.

By Dr. Rebecca Blustein, former Accepted admissions consultant. Dr. Blustein has a BA and PhD from UCLA in English and Comparative Literature. She formerly worked as a Student Affairs Officer at UCLA’s Scholarship Resource Center where she gained experience guiding applicants in areas of admissions and funding. Dr. Blustein’s clients have been accepted to top Master’s and PhD programs in dozens of fields across all disciplines. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• All You Need to Know About Residency Applications and Matching
• How Keeping a Journal as an M3 Can Save Your Residency Applications
• Tips and Insights for Residency Applicants from a Motivated MS4

Tags: Medical School Admissions

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