Residency Interview Season: How It Works

Interview season is the period between submitting your ERAS application and certifying your rank order list. Programs invite a fraction of applicants to interview, you decide which invitations to accept, and both sides rank each other at the end. The season has rules, and knowing them protects you from mistakes.

The sequence #

1. Programs review applications. They screen on exams, graduation year, visa needs, letters and more. See program screening filters.
2. Invitations go out. Timing varies by program and specialty. Watch your email, the application portal and any scheduling platform around the clock during peak weeks.
3. You schedule. Slots can fill fast, so respond promptly. Offers often include a deadline to respond.
4. Interviews happen. Formats include one-to-one conversations, panels, group sessions and structured behavioral interviews, either virtual or in person. The format and any social events are decided by each program.
5. You and the programs rank each other and the match algorithm runs. See building your rank order list.

For where this fits in the full application calendar, see the ERAS timeline.

What programs weigh #

According to NRMP's 2026 Program Director Survey:

• For offering interviews, key considerations included the USMLE Step 2 CK score (89 percent of respondents), a Step 1 pass (87 percent) and specialty-specific letters of recommendation (86 percent).
• For ranking, key considerations included interpersonal skills (89 percent), interactions during interviews (84 percent) and feedback from current residents (74 percent).

In other words, scores open the door, but the interview and how you interact with everyone you meet decides much of your position on the list.

NRMP rules that apply to you #

The Match Participation Agreement governs conduct from the moment you register until the 45th day of training. NRMP's applicant materials summarize these rules:

• Accept only interviews you intend to keep, and give one to two weeks' notice when cancelling or rescheduling.
• Programs should give at least 48 hours to accept or decline an invitation, and should not offer more interviews than they have slots.
• Programs cannot ask where else you have applied or interviewed, ask you to disclose program signals or your ranking, or imply that ranking depends on a statement of intent.
• You may keep private where you applied or interviewed, your signals and your ranking. Expressing interest is allowed.
• Complete and accurate information. You are expected to disclose relevant matters honestly, including USMLE failures, delayed graduation, visa requirements and accurate research reporting. Omissions can be treated as violations.

Formats and logistics #

• Virtual or in person. Programs use video interviews, in-person interviews or both, and some offer optional visits. The format is set by each program, so read each invitation. Check your technology, background and connection beforehand.
• Time zones. Confirm every start time in your local time and the program's time zone.
• Multiple interviews in a day. Avoid conflicts. If a conflict arises, contact the program early.
• Cost. In-person interviews can involve travel and visa costs. See B-1/B-2 visas for interviews if you need a visitor visa.

What IMGs should plan for #

• Fewer invitations per application. Apply broadly and stay flexible on location. NRMP data shows that matched non-U.S. citizen IMGs had a median of 5 contiguous ranks in their preferred specialty in 2026, versus 2 for unmatched.
• Visa and certification questions. Programs will ask about your visa and ECFMG status. Answer clearly and accurately, and be ready with the timeline.
• Recent clinical activity and gaps. Have a concise, honest account of what you have done since graduating.
• Calendar management. Keep a spreadsheet of invitations, deadlines, time zones and contacts.

Preparing #

1. Re-read your ERAS application. Interviewers may ask about any line.
2. Prepare answers to the common interview questions.
3. Learn each program: its structure, strengths, patient population and resident stories.
4. Practice out loud, ideally with a mock interview and feedback.
5. After interviews, keep your own notes to inform your rank list. Thank-you notes are optional and professional; do not use them to make promises about ranking.

Ranking at the end #

Programs rank applicants and applicants rank programs, and only your honest preference matters for your list. For why, see how the Match algorithm works.