Program Signaling Explained: How to Use Your Signals

A program signal lets you tell a specific residency program, at the moment you apply, that you are particularly interested in it. Each specialty gives you a fixed number, programs see which ones you sent them, and AAMC advises using all of them.

How signaling works (rules) #

• You can send signals only for specialties you apply to and to participating programs. You cannot signal a program that has chosen not to take part.
• Signals go to the institution, not a track. You cannot signal the preliminary versus categorical track separately.
• Only programs you signal and apply to see your signal. Standard signals show as "Yes"; tiered signals show as "Gold" or "Silver". Programs that you did not signal receive no signal information.
• Tiers. Some specialties use gold (most preferred) and silver (preferred) signals. In 2027, AAMC lists tiered signaling for internal medicine (3 gold, 12 silver), anesthesiology (5 gold, 10 silver), dermatology (3 gold, 25 silver), diagnostic radiology (6 gold, 9 silver), and some fellowships.
• Editing. For programs you have applied to, you can edit the signal until the cycle's opening date, after which it locks. Signals for saved programs can be changed, and are not final until submitted with an application. If you withdraw an application, the signal cannot be reassigned.

Signal counts for common IMG specialties (2027 cycle) #

Other counts are in the AAMC table linked in the sources.

The optional signal explanation #

For some specialties (anesthesiology, plastic surgery - integrated, PM&R and radiation oncology were listed in the 2027 guide), you can add a Program Signal Explanation of up to 300 characters saying why you are signaling that program. In those specialties AAMC says a signal without an explanation will not be saved. The explanation must not be used to state ranking preferences or intentions.

What programs do with signals #

Programs are told to use signals as one piece of information and not as the only screening tool, but programs can filter by signal. In AAMC's survey of the 2026 cycle, 96% of responding programs said they used signals to help decide whom to interview, and 90% said signals helped them find applicants they would otherwise overlook. AAMC also reports that sending a signal was associated with a higher probability of an interview in all participating specialties, and that programs varied widely in how they used it.

AAMC says to contact a program directly if you want to know how it is using signals in the 2027 cycle.

How to decide where to spend signals (practice) #

AAMC advises considering your application strength, career goals, personal circumstances, and each program's competitiveness, mission and goals. For IMGs, the following adds structure (this is our opinion, not a rule).

1. Start from a realistic list. Build your list first. See building your program list.
2. Spend signals on programs that fit and could realistically say yes: programs with a record of taking IMGs, that sponsor your visa type, and whose exam requirements you meet. See identifying IMG-friendly programs.
3. Prioritize programs where you have a real connection: you rotated or did an observership there, have a mentor or letter writer there, or have family or geographic ties. AAMC specifically says to signal home and away rotation programs.
4. Do not waste signals on programs that will not interview you anyway: for example, programs with a hard USMLE cutoff you do not meet or that do not sponsor your visa.
5. Do not signal only the most competitive programs. A signal does not rescue an application that fails a program's screen.
6. Use gold on programs where you most want to train and have a plausible chance; use silver on the next group, if your specialty is tiered.

Common mistakes #

• Leaving signals unused.
• Signaling a program that is not on your final application list.
• Signaling a program that does not accept your visa or exam history.
• Assuming a signal can be changed after the lock date.
• Using the explanation field to promise you will rank a program first.

Geographic preferences versus signals #

They are different tools. A signal goes to specific programs. Geographic preference is a statement about up to three US Census divisions, and programs in other divisions do not see it. Some specialties do not receive geographic or setting preference answers in 2027 (otolaryngology, orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery - integrated). See the MyERAS walkthrough.

Where signaling fits in the season #

Plan your signals after you finish your program list and before you certify and submit. The ERAS timeline shows where this falls. Signaling is a decision to make with a mentor in your specialty if you can find one, since specialty norms vary.