The Role of Competition in the Residency Matching Process
Match data illustrate the fact that every graduate of a US medical school can be assured of a residency position. The range of residency options open to any individual in the match process, however, is a function of their "competitive position," their interviewing skills, their match strategy, and the unique dynamics of each year’s matching process

There are few firm rules about the match process, beyond the obvious reality that a USMLE Step I score one point above pass level precludes any possibility of matching in a highly competitive field. Each match process is a unique event governed by the supply and demand forces in the existing residency market. While there are some clear trends from year to year, what was true last year may not be the case for this year. Students are well advised to have a well thought out match strategy that is based on good intelligence on competition in the current "market" and a realistic assessment of their own competitiveness.

What makes a program competitive?
The definition of competitive programs is a complex combination of factors:

• NRMP Fill Rates. In some cases, the level of competition of a program is defined by the numerical details in the match results. Where the number of candidates unsuccessful in obtaining a match exceeds 15% the specialty is usually considered competitive. These programs often screen the large number of applicants by setting numerical (MCAS or USMLE scores) cutoff levels for granting interviews. Extensive match data, by specialty, is conveniently organized in the Specialties section of the AAMC Careers in Medicine website, accessible only to students with CiM accounts.To create your confidential student account, contact OSA for the UIC access code.
• Geography and hospital type. Generally University-affiliated hospitals are considered to be more desirable. The east coast, the west coast ,and the south are generally considered to be more competitive locations.
• Program reputation is another factor to consider. A program with a strong reputation located in a competitive geographic area becomes even more desirable

What makes you competitive?
Defining your "competitive position" is key to this process. You need to gather in-depth information about the specialties and programs that interest you and work with trusted advisors to realistically assess the potential match. In some specialties or programs within a specialty outstanding clinical evaluations and excellent interviewing skills can compensate for modest test scores. In some specialties and programs this is not the case. You need to do the research to know the difference. These are some of the factors that will contribute to your level of "competitiveness."

• Your application
  • your test scores
  • your academic record
  • your clinical evaluations
  • the strength of and source of your letters of recommendation
  • significant research and scholarships
  • volunteer record and leadership
  • previous degrees or work experience
• Your interview
  • your preparation (advanced research on the program)
• the quality of questions asked
• your level of self confidence
• the clarity of your responses
• your personal comfort level
• Your body language, eye contact, composure

• About the AAMC NRMP http://www.nrmp.org
• About the Match Process: http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/about_res/
• Historical fill rate information: http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/data_tables.html
• UIC Match History

AAMC Careers in Medicine Information
Extensive match data, by specialty, is conveniently organized in the Specialties section of the AAMC Careers in Medicine website, accessible only to students with CiM accounts.To create your confidential student account, contact OSA for the UIC access code.