Residency Prep 101: Expert Tips for Interviews, Program Ranking, and Transition Planning

Ranking Residency Programs: Making Informed Decisions

After completing interviews, the next challenge is creating your rank list. While it might seem straightforward, many applicants struggle with conflicting opinions about how to prioritize programs. Here’s how to approach this task strategically.

Trust Your Gut

One of the best pieces of advice from past matched applicants is to trust your instincts. An applicant might initially prefer a university-based hospital but change their mind after a positive interview experience at a community hospital—or vice versa. Reflect on how comfortable you felt during the interview, whether the interviewer seemed genuinely interested in your responses, and whether the environment felt welcoming. Don’t let others’ opinions overshadow your gut feeling; the people you’ll train with will become your future colleagues.

Small vs Large Programs

Residency programs vary widely in size and structure. Smaller programs often foster tight-knit communities where residents form close bonds over the years. Larger programs, on the other hand, expose you to diverse patient populations and unusual cases. Consider what kind of experience you want. For example, in a small surgery program, you might perform hundreds of routine procedures like appendectomies. In contrast, a large program offers variety, allowing you to diversify your portfolio. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and goals.

Gain a Different Perspective

If a particular program sparks your interest, reach out to current residents to gain insight into the work culture, living costs, and neighborhood options. Ask about teaching methods, daily motivation techniques, and what excites them about finishing training. One aspiring emergency medicine physician narrowed his choices to two programs. By asking residents about case types, he discovered that one hospital was located near an area with frequent road traffic accidents. Realizing this would give him hands-on experience with trauma cases beyond the typical emergency room scenarios, he ranked that program higher.

Sort Out Your Priorities

According to a 2021 survey by NRMP, applicants consider several factors when ranking programs: overall fit (89%), interview day experience (82%), geographic location (77%), quality of residents (75%), and program reputation (71%). Create an Excel sheet listing your priorities and fill it out as interviews progress. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of your initial thoughts and rankings, which will reduce stress and lead to a thoughtful final list.

Submit Early and Avoid Impulsiveness

Waiting until the last minute to submit your rank list is risky—thousands of applicants could overwhelm the system, leading to potential crashes. As soon as you finish interviewing with a program, add it to your list based on your priorities. Schedule ample time (about two weeks) before submission to review, ask around, and finalize your decisions. Resist the urge to make impulsive changes; instead, base your list on careful deliberation.

At the end of the day, trust your intuition. If you feel drawn to a certain program, evaluate your odds, seek input from residents, and communicate your interest clearly. And remember, mentors and advisors can provide valuable guidance during this process.

Making the Most of Your Time Before Starting Residency

Congratulations—you’ve matched! Now that you’ve completed interviews, submitted your rank list, and graduated from medical school, you likely have some free time before starting residency. This unique period offers an opportunity to rest, recharge, and prepare for the next chapter. Here are eight meaningful ways to use your time wisely.

1. Tackle Your Bucket List

Now is the perfect chance to achieve personal goals you’ve put on hold due to medical school demands. Whether it’s traveling solo, exploring iconic restaurants, learning an instrument, or revisiting favorite books and movies, this time allows you to pursue passions that may become harder to focus on later in life.

2. Connect with Family and Friends

Medical school can strain relationships, leaving loved ones feeling neglected. Use this time to reconnect with family and friends who supported you throughout your journey. Schedule video calls, plan visits, or simply express gratitude for their presence in your life. Strong relationships are vital for emotional well-being, especially during residency.

3. Learn a New Language

With increasing diversity in patient populations, speaking another language can enhance your ability to connect with patients. Spanish, for instance, is the second most spoken language in the U.S., making it a practical choice. Learning a new language challenges your brain in a refreshing way and equips you with valuable tools for your career.

4. Establish a Self-Care Routine

Residency can take a toll on mental health, so establishing self-care habits now is crucial. Develop a sustainable routine that includes sleep, exercise, hydration, mindfulness practices, and social interactions. Start small—a single daily habit done consistently is better than an unsustainable overload.

5. Connect with Future Residents

Starting residency with familiar faces can ease the transition. Join texting groups with your incoming class or organize meetups if anyone lives nearby. Building camaraderie early fosters teamwork and support once training begins.

6. Handle Paperwork and Logistics

While not glamorous, planning logistics is necessary. Secure housing, arrange transportation, create a budget, and complete onboarding tasks like licensing paperwork. Tackling these responsibilities ahead of time reduces stress and ensures a smoother start to residency.

7. Engage in Research

If you’re passionate about a topic, consider diving into research. Reach out to faculty members at your institution to discuss potential projects. While starting early isn’t mandatory, it demonstrates initiative and sets the stage for future opportunities.

8. Prepare for Step 3

Although studying for another exam might sound daunting, preparing for Step 3 now can save you time later. Taking the test before or early in your intern year allows you to focus fully on residency without worrying about additional exams.

Final Thoughts

From acing interviews to thoughtfully ranking programs and using your pre-residency time productively, every step of this journey shapes your path toward becoming a physician. Stay curious, stay resilient, and embrace the challenges ahead. Good luck!