Each applicant submits their own ERAS application in their chosen specialty and interviews independently.

When completing the ERAS application, there is a field to indicate that you are participating in a Couples Match where you can enter your partner’s name and specialty.

• Target metro areas with multiple hospitals and residency programs. Large cities increase the odds that both partners receive interviews and match nearby.

• Look for academic hubs. Cities with several university-affiliated systems provide more pairing combinations.

• Check commuting feasibility. Being 30–60 minutes apart can still work well.

• Be transparent but professional. It’s appropriate to mention you’re couples matching.

• Leverage. If one partner receives an interview in a location, the other partner should reach out to that program and surrounding programs to indicate that their partner in the Couple Match received a nearby interview and express their interest. (e.g. Partner 1: Gets interview at UPenn; Partner 2: Reaches out to Philadelphia and surrounding programs)

• Emphasize independence. Programs want to know you are committed to their program for your own reasons.

• Know your partner’s specialty basics. Be prepared to answer simple questions about logistics or location preferences.

• Avoid ultimatums. Don’t imply a program must take both of you.

• Stay flexible. Express enthusiasm for the program itself, not just the city or your partner’s opportunity.

If you and your partner are both applying to residency programs in specialties that participate in the Main NRMP Match, you have the option to participate as a couple. 

• When registering for the NRMP match, both partners will link their participation and pay an additional Couple’s Fee.
• NRMP | Couples in the Match 

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It is important to understand the specifics of the Couples Match before you get started. The NRMP has excellent informational resources to explain the Couples Match Process. 

• When two applicants participate as a couple, their rank order lists form pairs of program choices that are considered by the matching algorithm.
• A couple will be matched to the most preferred pair of programs where each partner has been offered a position.  
• Applicants have the option of entering a “No Match” code, where one partner may match at program on their list corresponding to the other partners “no match”. 
• • This option should be used as last resort and would be at the bottom of the list. 

• Alert your OSA and Specialty Advisors early in the application process that you are consider residency applications as a couple – even if your partner is at another medical school and regardless of whether or not you are formally couples matching.
• Planning and communication are key throughout the process
• Seek advice from prior couples in the match – OSA can help make a connection if possible.
• Be informed about the process 
• We recommend diversifying your program list; couples often find they need to or want to apply to more programs than the average applicant to give both partners the opportunities they are looking for to find the right program fit.
• Communication between both partners is essential.
  • Start the process by having honest conversations with each other regarding priorities and preferences. 
  • Be sure to discuss whether you would consider matching in separate locations.
• Consider creating your application programs lists separately and reviewing together before arriving a final list.
• Coordinate program signals and geographic preferences if possible.
• Communicate with programs throughout the application cycle, including letting programs know your plan to match as part of a couples match and providing updates throughout the cycle regarding interview offers.