Updated November 2026
One of the more frustrating aspects of the medical school and residency admissions processes is the lack of response from some institutions. There is no obligation for medical schools or residency programs to reply to a candidate, which leaves applicants in limbo.
If you have not heard back from medical schools or residency programs to which you’ve applied, I recommend contacting the institutions to inquire about your status, assuming they allow pre-interview contact. (Make sure to check first. See more on that below.)
A strong option is to send an effective letter of interest. I do edit letters of interest for medical school and residency applicants, but even if you choose not to use my services, I recommend sending a well-written, strategic note. Make sure it’s under a page, is crafted with professional language and formatting, immediately clarifies that you’re seeking an interview opportunity, and showcases your candidacy. See what to avoid here.
I have occasionally seen success with phone calls as well. After suggesting one to a residency applicant I was advising, she emailed me to say she obtained an interview in a competitive specialty using that phone call. Another told me that, after calling in the morning, he was offered an interview by the afternoon.
There is a risk that the person who answers will rebuff uninvited phone calls. Be courteous, and if the staff is not interested, don’t press. Again, a good letter of interest can also be effective.
Of note, for residency applicants, some specialties do not want pre-interview communication, including dermatology. Many program director associations publish a guide that includes a section called “Pre-Interview Communication Guidance,” found on the Council of Medical Specialty Societies website.
For medical school applicants, many institutions post their policies on their websites or address them in their secondary instructions or their application portals.
If allowed, it’s worth being assertive in the application process with pre-interview contact. This process is an uncertain one, but asserting some small bit of control can be useful (and comforting).
