Residency Match Timeline:


The 2024 NRMP residency match calendar has been released, and it's time to start planning your match strategy!

There's no doubt that Match is a long and challenging process, but you should always keep in mind that it is just the first step in your career. Once you're matched to a residency program, you'll be one step closer to achieving your dream of becoming a doctor in the US.

The Match process can be a daunting task, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier.

This timeline takes into account the additional requirements that IMGs may have to fulfill, such as obtaining US Clinical Experience, conducting Research, and obtaining ECFMG certification.

We bring some tips and guidance to ace this match season. We will tell you about the tools, which are important for Match and the deadline for this season 2024. 

For Sarthi Students, We have divided the season based on some important aspects and things that Sarthi students and you will be doing throughout the match season. 

We will discuss the details of each of these aspects in this blog.
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​Before starting with the Match Timeline let us tell you about the registration process.
  • You have to Register on ECFMG Website, where you will obtain the ERAS token and start searching for the program.
  • Then you have to go to “myERAS”, where you will complete your application form, certify and submit it, then apply for the programs.​
  • After applying for the program you have to register on the NRMP website and submit the Rank order list for the match.

​Match process month by month:​

JAN 2023 to MAR 2023

Start planning early to ensure that you have enough time to complete all of these requirements. 

Start preparing early:
As an IMG, you may need to complete additional requirements before applying for residency in the US, such as obtaining USCE or ECFMG certification. 

Obtain ECFMG certification: 
ECFMG certification is a requirement for IMGs who want to participate in the NRMP. If you haven't already obtained certification, start the process as soon as possible. The certification process can take several months to complete, so be sure to start early.

Research Residency programs: Research the residency programs that you're interested in applying to. Look at their program requirements, resident selection criteria, and program culture to determine if they're a good fit for you. You can use the FRIDA website for searching the program. At Sarthi, Sarthi students have access to the FREE SARTHI PROGRAM LIST, which is updated every year. We carefully curate the list from FRIEDA, Residency explorer, Sarthi’s own student experience, and other sources. This list is provided by the specialty. Click here to know how this program list works and what are the benefits of this program lits. 

How to increase the chance of a match? The probability of any applicant matching in the Program, IMGs is interested, is around 10% or less. Many IMGs lose the chance to match because of poor application, personal statement, or interview performance. Sarthi offers end-to-end services and guidance to help you including extensive, ERAS CV, PS, Interview Preparation, Mock Interviews, Program List, and Rank Order List. Click here to know the plan which suits you best. 

We also provide extensive classes on basis of your application, personal statement, and interview preparation. To know more Click here. ​

APR 2023 to JUN 2023


ECFMG certification is a requirement for IMGs who want to participate in the NRMP. If you haven't already obtained certification, start the process as soon as possible. The certification process can take several months to complete, so be sure to start early.

The goal of the ECFMG certificate is to assess IMG, and whether IMG is ready for fellowship or residency. The USMLE is a three-part exam that IMGs must pass in order to obtain ECFMG certification. If you haven't already taken the exam, schedule your test dates for the summer months. Once you finish the exams, do some USCE and research. 

Obtain US clinical experience: Many residency programs require IMGs to have US clinical experience. If you don't have any yet, start looking for opportunities to gain this experience and LORs. USCE with the program directors you can make the connection and build your network which will help you with program outreach. 

Sarthi works with physicians and Program Directors in New York, New Jersey, Detroit, Chicago, and many other IMG-friendly cities to offer excellent opportunities for clinical rotations including electives, externships, and observerships to our students. Sarthi has more than 150+ rotations listed on the website. Click here to know more and book the rotations. 

The next step is, to start working on your personal statement: Your PS is an important part of your residency application. Start working on it early so that you have time to revise and edit it before the application deadline. Start gathering the information and data for PS and ERAS CV. At Least you will have the first draft of your ERAS CV and PS.

Sarthi's team reviews each component of the ERAS CV and guides you with specifics on how to write each section so that you have an impactful CV. Sarthi gives you valuable tips and guidance on work experience, hobbies, volunteer activities, research, and every minor aspect of the ERAS CV, which will help you impress the programs and increase your chances of the interview. Click here to now USMLESarthi Process for ERAS CV and Personal Statement .

ERAS 2024 season begins at 9 a.m. ET on 7th Jun 2023.
ERAS token is out on 28th Jun 2023 for the 2024 match season.

​So on this date, you can purchase and register for the ERAS token.

JUL 2023 to SEP 2023

This is the time to ask for letters of recommendation: Most residency programs require letters of recommendation from faculty members or physicians who have worked with you. Start asking for these letters early so that you have enough time to gather them before the application deadline. Continue to do UCSE if you do not have enough LORs. We recommend focusing on the research for this duration. 

If you're interested in a research-oriented residency program, start working on your research projects. Reach out to potential mentors or collaborators and start conducting your research.

Sarthi offers an exciting opportunity to do real research! You will get hands-on experience in the steps involved in conducting meaningful clinical research, with the opportunity to publish in PubMed, Scopus (& others) indexed journals, and impact factor journals; as well as abstract manuscripts to be published and then presented at international medical conferences. Click here to know more about research opportunity.

If you have already started the process of ECFMG certification, now it's a good time to start with this. Register the token on the AAMC website for ERAS Application.

ERAS application opens: The ERAS application opens on Sept 6, 2023. Residency applicants may begin submitting MyERAS applications to programs at 9 a.m. ET. 

Important point to know is Sept. 27, 2023 Residency programs may begin reviewing MyERAS applications, MSPEs, and supplemental ERAS application data in the PDWS at 9 a.m. ET. 
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Submit your application:  Make sure that you've completed all of the required sections of the application, including your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores.
Once it is certified you cannot make any changes to it.  You can start applying for the programs and Sept 27th is the last day for you to apply as the program will start accessing your day by that day.

OCT 2023 to DEC 2023

Next is the Interview season, which typically starts mid-October to December and goes through Jan. This is the most important season for the students. IMGs get interviews starting in September or October. The interview season will continue through December, and also a good time to finish step 3.

Prepare for interviews: If you're invited to interview at a residency program, start preparing early. Research the program, practice your interview skills, and make travel arrangements if necessary. We suggest you start preparing early in late Aug/Sept. Sarthi provides Mock interviews and classes on how to prepare for the interviews. Which are very helpful for the students.

Rank your choices: The deadline for submitting your rank order list is February 28, 2024.  Rank the program of your choice. At Sarthi all students will be given guidance on their rank order lists individually. To know more about the ROL tool Click here.

Jan 2024 to Mar 2024

In January, you can expect a few interviews coming in. Students have to register for a match at the NRMP website.

The interview season almost ends in February. Here's when you will start working on the rank order list. 

After registering for the Match and completing interviews, applicants have to submit a program list to NRMP. You have to rank the program in order of preference, where you wish to train.
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ROL opens on Feb 1, 2024.
ROL deadline Feb 28, 2024.

The Match Week 
Then finally is the match week, which is in the third week of March i.e. the 11th to the 15th of March 2024. This is when you will know if you have matched. 

Match Day for the 2024 NRMP Match is on March 15, 2024. On Match 15th you will know if you have matched or not. 

On March 15th you will know which specialty you matched into and where exactly you matched into.
That’s all for today, we hope this blog helped you. You can use this information to plan your Match 2024 Season.
Here are some additional tips for preparing for the match
Start early! The earlier you start preparing, the better off you'll be.
  • Make a list of your goals. What do you want to achieve in your residency? Once you know your goals, you can start to develop a plan to achieve them.
  • Get involved in research. Research is a great way to show programs that you're interested in their field and that you're capable of doing high-quality research.
  • Network with people in your field. Networking can help you get your foot in the door at programs and learn more about what they're looking for in a resident.
  • Be prepared to answer common interview questions. There are a few common interview questions that you're likely to be asked, so be prepared to answer them.

Relax and be yourself. The Match process can be stressful, but it's important to relax and be yourself. Programs want to get to know the real you, so don't try to be someone you're not.

As an IMG, the residency application process can be challenging, but with careful planning and preparation, you can increase your chances of matching at a program that's a good fit for you.

​Good luck!

If you have any queries email us at contact@usmlesarthi.com

Everything You Need to Match this season

Residency Match

ERAS CV, PS, Program List, Interview Preparation, Mock Interviews and much more...

Rotation

Choose from a wide range, and best rotation in US with the LOR

Research

Get hands-on experience in the steps involved in conducting meaningful clinical research, with the opportunity to publish in PubMed, Scopus (& others) indexed journals