The Interview
Residency interviews are a critical part of the application process because they allow programs and applicants to evaluate fit beyond what is written on paper. While grades, scores, and experiences demonstrate qualifications, interviews assess communication skills, professionalism, personality, and alignment with a program’s culture and values. They also give applicants the opportunity to ask questions, gauge the learning environment, and determine whether the program is a place where they can thrive for the next several years.
Typical Interview season: Late October -Early January
Types of Interviews:
- In-person
- Virtual
- Hybrid
- Multi-Day (typically for Research Pathway programs)
- 2nd Look Days (typically post-interview season, after programs have "locked" their rank list)
Release Dates
2026-2027 Application Season
| Specialty | Interview Release Date/Information |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | Rolling |
| Dermatology |
1) November 3 - First interview release date 2) November 17 - Second interview release date 3) December 1 - Third interview release date |
| Emergency Medicine |
Rolling |
|
Family Medicine |
Rolling |
|
Internal Medicine |
Rolling |
|
IM/Peds |
Rolling |
|
Neurosurgery |
TBD |
|
Neurology |
Rolling |
|
OBGYN |
October 28 - LINK |
|
Ophthalmology |
Offer Date 1: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM (noon) EST Offer Date 2: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM (noon) EST |
|
Orthopedics |
November 17 - LINK |
|
Otolaryngology |
Offer Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026 Acceptance Date: Monday, November 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon) EST |
|
Pathology |
October 15 (earliest date and then rolling) - LINK |
|
Pediatrics |
October 6 (earliest date and then rolling) - LINK |
|
PM&R |
Rolling |
|
Plastic Surgery |
November 7 - LINK |
|
Preventive Medicine |
Rolling |
|
Psychiatry |
Rolling |
|
Radiation Oncology |
Rolling |
|
DR/IR |
Rolling |
|
General Surgery |
October 22 - October 31 - LINK |
|
Thoracis |
October 21 - LINK |
|
Urology |
Offer date: Friday, October 23, 2026 anytime during business day ACCEPT/DECLINE Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026 between 8am-2pm EST FLUSH DAY: Tuesday, October 27th from 8am-2pm EST |
|
Vascular |
October 30 (earliest date and then rolling) - LINK |
Virtual Open Houses
Updated periodically
| Open House | Information |
|---|---|
Interview Tips
Interview Tips
- We recommend all applicants participate in at least one Mock Interview
- Actively monitor email and interview broker programs for interview invite offers
- Consider scheduling interviews for programs lower on your list first
- Research programs before you go
- Treat everyone you encounter with civility and respect
- Prepare for the interview – review your application materials and prepare a list of questions
- Show enthusiasm for the residency program and specialty
- Turn your phone off
- If an interview asked prohibited questions (e.g. plans to marry, have children) you do not have to answer
- Talk about yourself – use examples and real life stories so the interviewer can get to know you
- Consider keeping notes or a journal of your interview days
Preparation
General Prep
- How to ACE Residency Interviews: A PD Perspective
- 5 Mistakes on Residency Interviews and How to Avoid Them: A PD Perspective
- How to approach challenging residency interview questions: A PD Perspective
- Navigating the Interview Season, American College of Physicians, Maryland Chapter
- "Pick Me!”, A Residency Interview Information Session with Dr. Laura Buchanan
Virtual Interview Prep
- AAMC Virtual Interviews: Application Preparation Guide
- Preparation Guide for Applicants Participating in Virtual Interviews
- Prep for Success in your Virtual Interview Webinar (Vimeo) and (PDF)
- Top 10 Tips for Virtual Interviewing Season (2021)
- UMB and SOM Virtual Backgrounds for Webex, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
- Workshop | Maryland ACP
What is my target number of interviews to get?
In general, most applications aim for 12 – 14.
- Statistically, if you are able to rank about 11 programs a Match is more likely.
- Taking all specialties and applicants into account, 70% of students will Match within their top 5 ranks.
Should I accept all my offers?
It is OK to accept offers and turn them down later as you review all options and decide how many interviews you actually care to attend. However, it is polite to give programs a week or two’s notice, if possible, so that they can fill your spot with someone else who is anxiously awaiting offers. It is never OK to not show up and not let anyone know in advance.
Can I cancel an interview?
You may need to cancel an interview. This should be done in a professional manner, preferably at least 2 weeks in advance. We recommend you contact the program coordinator by phone or email as soon as you know you intend to cancel. Confirm with an email to the program coordinator and ensure the cancellation in the interview broker portal.
Cancelling on short notice can be seen an unprofessional and may reflect poorly on you as an applicant as well as the school and other students.
AAMC | Canceling Interviews
What would an example email template for canceling interviews look like?
These emails are generally addressed to the Program Coordinator.
The student provides their name and AAMC ID, date scheduled to interview, indicates that they are cancelling the interview/unable to attend, expresses regret for any inconvenience, and can give regards to the Program Director.
I was invited to the 'Informal Meeting with Residents' the night before the interview, should I go?
It is nice if you can go to meet the residents in an informal situation. Speaking with residents is one of the most important parts of your interview day. Most programs will arrange for you to spend time with the residents, even if you cannot attend the pre-interview social event.
Is it appropriate to contact the program after the interview?
If you have specific questions, you may contact the program at any time after the interview and before submitting the rank order list to ask your questions. Different specialties and specific programs often publish expectations for post-interview communication. You should always respect the expectations of the program. If allowed, you may follow up with programs to provide updates after your interview – e.g., a new publication or award.
Should I send a thank you note to a program after I have interviewed with them?
The most important thing to note is that if a program says they do not want any, believe them, and do not send one.
Beyond that, whether or not you send one, and whether is it an electronic or hard copy, is really a personal decision. We do not know that sending either makes a difference in how programs will perceive/rank you.
Should I send a letter of intent?
You may consider sending a note to your top program to let them know you plan to rank them first on your list.
- You should NOT send a letter of intent if it has been discouraged by the program.
- You should only send a letter of intent if you are certain of your rank list.
- It should be brief and direct. It should be addressed to the Program Director and cc'd to the Program Administrator
A letter of intent does not offer a guarantee, but can help programs understand your intent when they are creating their rank list.