Return to Blog
Homepage
What I Wish I Knew About The Match: Doctors Share Their Advice
- by
- Feb 26, 2024
- Reviewed by: Amy Rontal, MD
The journey to becoming a physician is challenging and filled with obstacles, with the Match process standing out as particularly anxiety-inducing. If you’re a med student approaching the Match, you may be wondering what it’s actually like to go through the process and land a residency program.
To take some of the guesswork off your plate, we asked three doctors who have been in your shoes before what they wish they knew before the Match (and what they learned now that they’re on the other side!).
Check out their stories, obstacles, and advice below:
Onyi Ikwuegbu, DO (@hermedseries)
Specialty: Neurology
Residency Program: Temple University Hospital – Philadelphia, PA (Class of 2027)
What challenges or obstacles did you experience when you went through the Match?
I had a lot of anxiety going into the Match process. For example, I struggled with choosing the right specialty for me, and did not end up deciding until June of my 4th year, which was right around application season. This delayed 4th year planning such as finding audition rotations, letters of recommendation, etc.
I also had doubts about matching. I didn’t feel like I was competitive enough because of my board scores, being an international student on an F1 visa, and being a DO student.
What was surprising to you / what did you not expect about the Match process?
I think one of the most surprising things was the number of programs that offered me an interview, especially programs I was convinced were out of reach. I remember crying happy tears for the first time in my life (more like bawling actually), when the interviews kept rolling in. It felt like all my hard work finally paid off and it made me realize that I’m worth much more than my scores or circumstances—that my story, passion and journey speaks for itself.
I think it was at that moment I had some sense of relief about this entire process. I knew everything was going to work out fine. Hard to describe, but it’s a feeling I would never forget.
What is your biggest piece of advice for those going through the Match currently?
Don’t sell yourself short! The worst thing you can do is to not even give yourself a chance. Dream big and apply to/rank programs you want to be at, regardless of your journey or situation. And be rest assured that you will end up where you’re meant to be!
Also, take the time to enjoy your 4th year. You deserve it!
Nicolet Hernandez, DO (@nicolet.life)
Specialty: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
Residency Program: UT San Antonio – San Antonio, TX (Class of 2024)
What challenges or obstacles did you experience when you went through the Match?
The uncertainty of it all was just mentally exhausting. Different programs have different preferences on whether they like to receive thank you notes, how they prioritize signaling, if they allow second looks, etc. It’s very difficult to keep up with and to know if you’re doing the right thing.
What was surprising to you / what did you not expect about the Match process?
I actually didn’t expect for the algorithm to truly be in my favor as the applicant—but it is! If you’re curious, watch the NRMP Match videos on YouTube to see how it really works!
What is your biggest piece of advice for those going through the Match currently?
Rank every program you interviewed at, in the order you ACTUALLY would prefer! The algorithm is truly in your favor, so don’t try to play games with it. Unless you would rather go unmatched than match at a specific program, you should rank it.
Additionally, if you applied to any intern year programs such as preliminary years or transitional years, you can rank these programs individually at the end of your entire rank list (not just in your supplemental rank list) as a safety net! Then, if you don’t match to a categorical spot, you still have a chance at matching to a one-year program.
Dr. K (@drkaydo)
Specialty: Family Medicine
What challenges or obstacles did you experience when you went through the Match?
Not being able to be in touch with people other than those who interviewed me to get a more clear idea of the program.
What was surprising to you / what did you not expect about the Match process?
Every program will be showing you their best face. It is important to do your own research and talk to graduates of the program!
What is your biggest piece of advice for those going through the Match currently?
The above. Please do your own research as well!
Further Reading
Looking for more (free!) content to help you through residency applications and Match season? Check out these other posts from Blueprint tutors on the Med School blog!
About the Author
Hannah is the Content Marketing Manager for Blueprint Test Prep. She has a B.A. in Creative Writing and Communications from the University of Michigan and is passionate about helping future medical professionals close knowledge gaps through high-quality blog content. Outside of work, she loves to take photos around her neighborhood, play the guitar, and spend time with her cat.
Related Posts
Search the Blog
Try Blueprint Med School Study Planner
Create a personalized study schedule in minutes for your upcoming USMLE, COMLEX, or Shelf exam. Try it out for FREE, forever!
SIGN UPCould You Benefit from Tutoring?
Sign up for a free consultation to get matched with an expert tutor who fits your board prep needs
Get StartedFind Your Path in Medicine
A side by side comparison of specialties created by practicing physicians, for you!
Get Started
