Skip to main content
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Medical Student Portal

Career Development in Phase 3 (Year 4)

Checklist

☑ Meet with the career development team as needed

  • Work with the team to review a sample CV and optimize your application and CV materials.
  • Update the team on your interview progress once you begin accepting interviews.

☑ Stay on track

  • Follow the Preparing for Residency Timeline below and stay up to date with Match on My Mind updates.

☑ Take time for self-assessment and reflection

  • Schedule recurring check-in meetings with your lead advisor.

☑ Explore careers

  • Schedule recurring meeting with your career mentor(s) and the career development team.

☑ Work on Professional Development

  • Attend group mentoring sessions
  • Introduction to ERAS and NRMP, CV preparation, personal statement preparation, how to select and evaluate residency programs

☑ Practice for Residency Interviews

☑ Prepare for Residency

  • Attend Transitions 3

Preparing for Residency Timeline

  • April: Research Residency Programs

    Choosing a residency program is a big decision. It is best to begin narrowing options as soon as a specialty has been decided. Research residency programs and use the AAMC’s tool to search for specific programs.

  • Early June: Begin Residency Applications

    Begin your residency application in ERAS. You must have a token from the Registrar’s Office to begin your ERAS application.

  • Late June: Procure Letters of Recommendation

    Letters of recommendation will need to be uploaded through the ERAS Portal.

    Visit the AAMC's letters of recommendation for more advice.

  • July-August: Begin Refining Application Materials

    Your lead advisor and career mentor can help to refine your materials. For additional assistance, seek out consultation services from the career development team.

  • September: Register with the National Residency Match

    Register with the National Residency Match Program. Applications are due in ERAS by September 15.

  • October-December: Interviewing Process

    MSPEs and transcripts will be released around October 1. Mock interview sessions will be available through the career development team. Review interview trail etiquette to prepare, and visit AAMC Interviewing for more advice.

    You can also use the residency program evaluation guide and residency preference exercise to make your decision. Don’t forget to update your interview progress so the career mentor team and your lead advisor can help you ensure your residency match.

    Worried that a program is in violation with NRMP match and interview policies? The NRMP has created a Violation Report Form for Applicants to make it easier to report program violations.

  • January-February: Submit Rank Order List

    Rank order lists are available in the beginning of January. The list must be certified by the February deadline.

  • March: Match Week

    Students across the country learn their match placement during Match Week. Learn more about the Match Day process, FAQs and more at the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) website.

Quick Resources

Career mentor request form
Request a mentor in you chosen specialty.

HOST Program
The Help Our Students Travel (HOST) program connects IU School of Medicine alumni with fourth-year medical students to provide free housing in residency interview cities, local insight, networking and mentoring.

NRMP
National Resident Matching Program, a private, not-for-profit corporation established in 1952.

Residency Resources
A collection of links, data and reports that provides a good starting point for residency selection and applications.

ERAS
Electronic Residency Application Service, a program of the AAMC.

FREIDA
Online database with information about more than 8,700 graduate medical education programs.

Careers in Medicine
A career planning program designed to help you choose a medical specialty as well as select and apply to a residency program. This is a highly recommended resources produced by the AAMC specifically for medical students.

Resident Ambassador Program
IU School of Medicine has a robust alumni network! Connect with an alumni who has an affiliation with a residency program you are considering to have your questions about the program answered.

Preparing for Virtual Residency Interviews
Webinar Recording. Sign in using your AAMC account.