Interviews for most specialties are well underway! Please keep your lead advisor updated about the interviews that are offered and the numbers that are accepted. We use this data to help ensure everyone is on track and identify those at risk. You should have received an email today asking for your interview numbers. You will receive a separate email for every specialty you apply to this cycle. Please update this! You will receive 2 more requests for your interview numbers – one on December 2 and one on January 6.
If you are concerned about the number of interview invites you have received being too low, there are a few things you can consider doing now.
- You could reach out with a letter of interest to programs you are still waiting to hear from.
- Start with the programs you signaled. Send the email to the PD and copy the program coordinator on it.
- Express a sincere interest in the program and let them know that this institution is one you are excited about!
- Add a few tidbits about why you are interested in this particular program.
- Tell them you would be honored to receive an opportunity to interview with them and thank them for their time. Do not ask questions, and do not be disappointed if you do not get a reply. - - You could also consider expanding your program list by applying to additional programs. However, this adds more expense, and you may not see much bang for your buck.
Please talk with your specialty career mentor, your lead advisor, or Dr. Rusk if you have any concerns.
Not sure how many interviews are the right number? There is not an exact magic number of interviews for an applicant to be successful in matching to a program in their preferred specialty. However, we do have information about the range of interview numbers that are likely to lead to a successful match for each specialty.
Check out the NRMP Charting Outcomes 2024.
Find your specialty and look at Graph 1. This graph lists the probability of matching on the Y axis and the number of contiguous ranks on the X axis. Find where the graph crosses the 90% probability.
You want to receive AT LEAST this number of interviews to feel confident about your Match. Now find the number of programs ranked where the graph approaches 1. If you have more than this number, you could consider canceling a few of your offers at less desirable programs or locations.
Speak with your Lead Advisor, Debra Rusk, MD, or Anthony Shanks, MD for more information.
