How to be PREMATCH savvy for the Residency Match®
PREMATCH is here to stay!
If you are applying for the United States ERAS Residency Match®, you already have an insight into the complicated steps and decisions involved in navigating the residency application process. But before we dive in, congratulations on making it this far!
Although the NRMP administers the Main Residency Match® for residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), some ACGME-accredited programs still offer prematch or early positions outside the Main Residency Match® for select candidates.
For some Residency Match Applicants, a prematch opportunity eliminates concerns about not securing a position in the highly competitive ERAS residency application process.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Increased likelihood of Matching with your desired residency program and potentially avoiding the stress and uncertainty of the Main Residency Match®
- Cons: High competitiveness due to limited spots and withdrawing from the Main Residency Match once you secure a prematch offer
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
So, here are quick guides on how to be PREMATCH Savvy.
- Identify early if you want to apply to residency pre-match positions.
Many residency applicants who apply to prematch positions without prior knowledge and receive interviews often get overwhelmed when they receive prematch offers residency programs. This confusion arises because of the indecisiveness about accepting the offer after accruing many interviews in the main ERAS Residency Match®. However, making a decision early about applying to prematch programs will;
- Enable you to research ERAS Residency prematch-specific programs when creating your residency program list.
- Provide you the ease of decision-making when offered a prematch position.
- Allow you to weigh the pros & cons of participating in the ERAS residency prematch program.
- Research ERAS Residency prematch-specific programs and add them to your program list.
While a few residency programs opt to recruit applicants outside of the Main Residency Match®, researching programs early enough will;
- Enable you to learn about each program’s values, goals, and fit for the residency program.
- Enable you to know each program’s application submission, interviews, and offer timelines.
- Help you thoroughly work on your application, including your personal statement, ERAS CV/supplemental application, letters of recommendation, and letters of interest.
- Submit your residency application through ERAS, or however each program specifies.
If you’ve reached this step, you are undoubtedly interested in receiving a prematch offer when/if you are opportune.
- Ensure your experiences, interest, values, and goals are highlighted clearly in your application.
- Develop an approach for “selling your experiences” and contacting programs to express your interest.
- Put your best foot forward; in other words, “Ace Your Interviews.”
PEARLS
Remember, applying through the ERAS residency prematch is an excellent strategy for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), including applicants with red flags, to “level the playing field” with their peers. Although highly competitive due to a limited number of prematch positions, this option allows applicants to secure a residency position before the Main Residency Match®, sometimes in their preferred program of interest.
Also, keep in mind that if you accept a prematch offer, you must officially withdraw from the Main Residency Match® regardless of your number of active interviews. Therefore, weighing the pros & cons before deciding to apply to prematch programs is essential.
Think about it; while others are losing sleep over the MATCH in MARCH, you are already planning a pre-residency vacation to prepare for the next few years of sleepless nights and the joy of completing each rotation.
Want to learn more about how to submit a stellar residency application, ace your interviews, and receive mouthwatering offers for residency prematch positions? Reach out to our team at [email protected].