AAMC Residency and the Match Process 2

Question 1

What are USMLE Step exams and how do they relate to residency?

Accepted Answer

United States Medical Licensing Examinations used by programs to evaluate residency applicants

Answer

AAMC-administered clinical skills exams

Answer

Elective exams taken after residency

Answer

State-level medical licensing exams

Question 2

Which residency specialty is typically the most competitive to match into?

Accepted Answer

Dermatology

Answer

Family Medicine

Answer

Internal Medicine

Answer

Psychiatry

Question 3

What is a 'away rotation' or 'audition elective' in the context of residency applications?

Accepted Answer

A clinical rotation done at an outside institution to demonstrate interest and fit

Answer

A mandatory clerkship at your home institution

Answer

A research rotation required before applying

Answer

A virtual interview simulation

Question 4

What is the purpose of the Dean's Letter (MSPE) in residency applications?

Accepted Answer

A confidential assessment of the medical student prepared by the medical school dean

Answer

A letter confirming MCAT scores

Answer

A letter from the program director confirming a match offer

Answer

An AAMC-required ethics disclosure

Question 5

How does the NRMP rank order list work?

Accepted Answer

Applicants and programs independently submit rank order lists, and the algorithm produces a stable match

Answer

Programs submit their rankings first, then applicants rank programs

Answer

Only applicants submit rankings; programs accept or reject

Answer

Rankings are submitted jointly by applicants and program directors

Question 6

What is a preliminary year in residency training?

Accepted Answer

A one-year training position, often in internal medicine or surgery, required before certain specialty residencies

Answer

An extra year added to all residency programs

Answer

The first year of fellowship training

Answer

A year of research before starting residency