If you are anything like me, I entered medical school with only a vague idea of the process of applying to get into a residency program. I have had some incredible mentors that have helped answer my questions and demystify the process, and I want to share a general overview of the process and some tips for preparing from my personal experience. I am applying for family medicine, so this advice may not apply to other areas of practice.

Letters of Recommendation

For me, the match process started early in third year. As you start rotating at different places with different preceptors, one of the best things you can do is for any rotation you thought went well is to ask the preceptor for a letter of recommendation. Some may say no or ghost you, and that’s okay! You want quality letters. You eventually need four letters of recommendation by September of your fourth year, but there is no upper limit. You can assign up to four letters to any program you apply to, and you can assign different letters to each program if you’d like.

Sub-Internships/Personal Statement

If you have specific interests or specific location preferences, it's great to do a few sub-internships, aka audition rotations, in the programs you are most interested in early in your fourth year. The ideal time for sub-internships is July through September. Doing a sub-I October through December/January is also okay, but you might be contending with taking some time off for your interviews. (Interview season is October through January.)

Many sub-I applications open in January of your third year, so if at all possible it’s ideal to have a rough draft of your personal statement by January 1. It does not have to be perfect, but this is a part of the application for many programs. It’s also nice if you can personalize it to include a few bits about each specific program you are applying to. Some programs open up much later (as late as March or April) for sub-I applications, so be sure to look on websites or email program coordinators with questions. Many programs are on VSLO, some are on Clinician Nexus, but many programs have their own application and just require an email/completed application.

I think the closer you can apply to when the sub-I application opens, the better chance you have at getting the sub-I. You may not hear back from some programs for a few months. Most people would recommend trying to aim for 2 to 4 sub-Is, but again if you are more location or program specific it could only benefit you to do more. The only reason not to do a ton is because it can get exhausting being your best self for months and months, but it’s a great way to prepare yourself for intern year (your first year of residency). During sub-Is, the program is observing you, but you are also shopping for a program and observing them.

Residency Application Timeline

Third Year

  • November: Access to VSLO is granted
  • January–April: Apply to audition (sub-I) rotations
  • June: Take COMLEX 2 (and Step 2, which is optional)--this can vary by school

Fourth Year

  • July–January: Participate in audition rotations
  • June 4, 2025: 2026 ERAS season begins (application system for residency)
  • [June 4, 2025: EM and OB/GYN students receive access to ResidencyCAS]
  • September 3, 2025: Residency applicants may begin submitting MyERAS® applications to programs at 9 a.m. ET.
  • September 24, 2025: Residency programs may begin reviewing MyERAS applications and MSPEs at 9 a.m. ET. **Be sure to have application completed by this time, as programs will grant interviews based on what apps are in at 9 a.m. on this day** Note: This date will be different for the 2027 ERAS season!
  • October–December: Interview season
  • February: Rank order lists are created and submitted
  • March: NRMP match week

Application Elements You Can Prepare

  • Up to four letters of recommendation: can be uploaded as early as fall of third year
  • 10 meaningful experiences (750-character limit), 3 of which are the most meaningful (300 extra characters)
  • Personal statement
  • Location preference

Please don’t get overwhelmed if you are still in your first, second, or even third year. You have plenty of time, and if you are reading this, you are ahead of the game. Know that everything will work out and you will end up where you are supposed to be. If anyone has any additional questions about anything I’d be happy to be a contact for those of you going through this crazy process. Email me at [email protected].

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