The Interview

Interview Release Date	Specialty
October 6, 13, 20, 27	Neurosurgery (Fridays in October after 4pm EST)
October 10	Pediatrics suggested earliest date, then rolling
October 10	Ophthalmology
October 17	Emergency medicine (6 pm EST) – participating programs
October 27	Urology
October 24	Obstetrics and Gynecology
October 26 - November 1	General Surgery (suggested)
November 6, 20, December 4	Dermatology
November 10	Plastic Surgery (8 am – 12 pm PST)
November 9	Otolaryngology (12-6 pm EST)
November 13	Orthopaedic Surgery (12 pm EST)

Interview Tips

We recommend all applicants participate in at least one Mock Interview
Plan on interviewing from October through January – interview release dates vary by specialty and are noted above
Anticipate a potential mix of virtual and in-person interviews
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

Interview Information

How to ACE Residency Interviews: A PD Perspective

Virtual Interview Prep

AAMC Virtual Interviews: Application Preparation Guide

Interview Skills

Balanced Power Pose

Interview Facts

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.

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.

What is my target number of interviews to get?

12 – 14. Statistically, if you are able to rank about 11 programs a match is more likely.

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.

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.

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 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. A letter of intent does not offer a guarantee, but can help programs understand your intent when they are creating their rank list.