10 Tips for Residency Applications

Maybe it only seemed like yesterday when you were applying for medical schools, awaiting anxiously for invites, trying to keep track of all the deadlines, getting the documents and letters ready....somehow 4 years have passed by, and now it's time for a new round of applications, this time for residency programs. For some, applying for residency programs may be more stressful compared to medical school. Indeed, getting accepted into medical school opened the door to the medical field, however, getting into a desirable residency program, one where you will be spending the next 3-6 (or more) years at to train to become a practicing physician is even more important. Needless to say, a well-prepared residency application is important.

Here are my top 10 tips for residency applications, some of these are of course, similar to tips you would get for any kind of application process. Regardless of whether you are just thinking about applications, actively working on your ERAS application as we speak, or have already submitted (woohoo), you will find tips that will apply to you.

1. Start Early

This cannot be emphasized enough. There is never a time that is "too early" to start. A well-prepared application is not only preferred over a last-minute application that may be incomplete or contain errors, it also shows that you are an organized, punctual and responsible applicant.

2. Make a checklist

There are a lot of dates, a lot of documents, a lot of signatures, a lot of everything to be submitted, even missing one piece can cost the entire application to be delayed. Make sure to have a checklist handy and to cross things off as they go. Having a calendar will also be handy to include the due dates (and in the future, for interview dates)

3. Do your research 

What kinds of programs do you want to go to? The options are broad, be it a tight-knit community-based program or a large academic institution, location in an urban metropolis or in a small college town, being research-focused or public health-focused,  or opportunities to work with a special population (such as underserved, immigrant and refugees, or rural), every program boasts different strengths and weaknesses. It's important to do the research beforehand (which can take more time than you think) to pick programs that would be suitable for you. FREIDA is a good place to start.

Note: for international applicants, it's also important to find out which programs offer what kind of visas.

4. Apply broadly Residency applications are getting more competitive year by year. Unfortunately, this means candidates have started to apply to more and more programs. I am not suggesting for you to apply to 100+ programs, however, I would make sure to talk with your mentors and students who have applied in the past to your specialty to decide on the right number of programs for you. Amongst those, make sure to have roughly 1/4 reach programs, 1/4 "back-up" programs, and the rest in between. For international students, in general, I would say apply to 20% more programs than your classmates who are citizens.

5. Thank your letter writers

Your letter writers have taken a lot of time and effort to write something nice for you. Remember to thank them via email or a personalized thank you card. Also remember to keep them updated on your match results! My mentors and letter writers were just as excited (if not more) to hear about where I ended up than I was.

Another quick note on reference letters, make sure you ask your letter writers *at least* 1 month in advance to make sure they have time to write a letter for you. Provide your letter writers with a copy of your personal statement (if available), CV, and any relevant grades, transcripts etc. Make things as easy for your letter writer as possible!

6. Spend time on the personal statement

Make you the personal statement reflects who you are as a person and why you want to apply to the specialty/program of your choice. The personal statement doesn't have to include ​a detailed recollection of all of your accomplishments (that's what the ERAS experiences sections are for!), rather highlighting a few are enough. Make sure it is easy to read, program directors review hundreds-thousands of personal statements, and you want to convey your message in the most sincere, yet simple and direct way as possible.

Again, you can only spend time if you have the time, so *start early*

7. Double check, triple check, quadruple check

Make sure your application is free of errors. Have multiple people check and read over it. Make sure your application and personal statement are formatted consistently, is ready to read and has no spelling/grammar errors. Don't be shy to ask your mentors, school faculty, friends and family to read it, the worst they could say is no.

Do keep in mind though, other people can make endless suggestions on how to improve your application, however, at the end of the day, it is still your application, make sure it reflects who you are.​

8. Don't hesitate to ask for help

There are more people who are willing to help than you may think. Ask your friends, family, and mentors. Reach out to upperclassmen who have applied in your specialty and faculty members in your specialty, even if you don't think you are very familiar with them. Those people have all been in your shoes once before and know how tough of a process it is, chances are they are very willing to offer advice and help, you just have to ask!

9. Don't overwrite, but also include the pertinent

As mentioned before, program directors go through a lot of applications, so you want to make sure that your application stands out and is not overwhelming to read. Focus on including the major experiences and accomplishments that you want to highlight to the program, you don't have to include every single thing you did in medical school, and maybe that award in high school is less relevant to include now. Again, use simple language and avoid jargon. Finally, remember to include your hobbies and interests! These often become talking points in interviews.

10. Submit on TIME!

Really, do submit on time. Try not to obsess over last-minute details and plan to submit in the very last minute possible (FYI, servers can crash!). Just submit the application.

Hope this helps.