What can you do early in your medical school career to improve your chances of matching well? First, it’s important to show early and strong commitment to your chosen specialty. The NRMP surveyed Residency Directors in 2008, asking them which factors they use in selecting applicants to interview. Sixty-six percent of respondents listed “perceived commitment to the specialty” as a factor. Commitment can be demonstrated easily through membership in a medical school’s specialty interest group. If no club exists, a candidate can start one, demonstrating dedication to the field and leadership. Another almost effortless way to demonstrate commitment is to become a member in a specialty’s national organization.

More important, however, is demonstrating real commitment through accomplishments. These may include research, international work and community service in the field, and honors in multiple rotations in the specialty. It’s difficult to find the time for these activities during medical school. But as can be seen from the NRMP Residency Director survey, they are important.

To improve your residency candidacy fully and thus improve your chances of matching, contact me when it’s time to apply. Because applicants can unknowingly undermine their chances of success with poorly compiled application materials and underdeveloped residency personal statements, a qualified, personalized residency admissions consultant provides a great advantage. I do all of my own work, never farming my clients’ materials to outside editors.