After the Match

Transitioning from medical student to resident is both exciting and busy. Below are key tips and resources to help you prepare for the next steps.

Celebrate Your Success

Take time to celebrate with loved ones, reflect on your journey, and share your Match news with mentors and supporters—they’ll be thrilled to hear from you.

Medical School Requirements

Use this time to complete any remaining medical school tasks and requirements.

Confirm that you have met all Graduation Requirements
Complete Financial Aid Exit Interview
Submit the AAMC Graduation Questionnaire
Join the UMSOM Alumni Network (via MedScope Career Tab)

Update your contact information (email/phone) in SURFS
- NOTE: your UMSOM email expires 12 months post-graduation

Residency Onboarding

Expect communication from your residency program soon. Onboarding typically includes:

Signing and returning your acceptance letter and contract
Applying for a state medical license
Completing program-specific pre-training requirements

Medical Education Verification Forms: To request verification for licensing, credentialing, or residency, when a Dean or Registrar signature is required submit the Medical Education Verification Request Form. For more details visit our Medical Education Verification page. 

Degree Verification: Students can verify their enrollment (when a signature from a Dean/Registrar is not required), including degree/graduation status, through the Office of the Registrar via MyHub.

Official Transcripts*: Official transcripts (electronic and physical) can be requested via Parchment and can be sent to you or third parties (e.g. employers or licensing boards). More information can be found at Office of the Registrar – Transcripts.

Diplomas*: Diplomas are issued by the UMB Office of the Registrar and will be mailed 6-8 weeks post-graduation to the address on your graduation application. Certified e-diplomas are available via CeCredential Trust; students will receive a secure download link when available. More information can be found at https://www.umaryland.edu/registrar/graduation/

Note: Transcript and diploma delivery may be delayed due to outstanding student account balances or incomplete exit counseling.

Certifications: Residency programs may require certifications such as BLS, ACLS, and/or PALS and while some will provide these trainings during orientation, others will expect you to complete them before your arrival. Programs should provide a full list of requirements along with a list of training resources/opportunities. The American Heart Association offers all courses; you can search their course catalog here. Depending on availability, students may be able to access training at a reduced cost from the UMMC MASTRI center (https://mastri.umm.edu/). NOTE: SOM does not offer BLS/ACLS/PALS training.

Personal/Wellness

Take this time to ensure readiness and success in residency. Plan your move, reach out to your program and new co-residents to learn more about the city and consider living options. Reserve the time to plan your move in advance. Learn more about financial wellness and create a budget for residency, consider discussing these topics during your Exit Interview with Financial Aid and learning more through the AAMC resources provided below. Prioritize your own health and wellness, use this time to shift into the mindset of residency, spend time with family and friends, and arrange personal health appointments in your new location.

USMLE STEP 3

Some students begin planning for the USMLE Step 3 examination before starting residency. We advise you to contact your residency program, as many have resources and dedicated time for preparation. To be eligible for Step 3, you must have an M.D. Degree conferred and verified. The Federation of State Medical Board oversees the verification process and states that examinees should anticipate up to 12 weeks post-graduation to verify a student’s eligibility. Verification is to the FSMB is done directly by the UMB registrar.

External Resources

NRMP – After the Match
AMA – So you matched to a residency program – what now?
AAMC FIRST
AAMC Financial Wellness