Will residency interviews be virtual 2024?

Yes, residency interviews for the 2024-2025 cycle were predominantly virtual, with major medical organizations like the AAMC strongly recommending virtual-only formats for equity, cost, and time efficiency, although some surgical specialties began exploring limited in-person options; the trend solidified virtual interviews as the norm, simplifying the process for most applicants.

Are residency interviews virtual in 2024?

In addition to overall trends in preference, the STAR data allowed for breakdowns within specific sociodemographic categories. The Association of American Medical Colleges has recommended that program use virtual interviews during the 2024-'25 application at least in part due to the financial costs of interviewing.

Are residency interviews virtual in 2025 and 2026?

Most residency programs will be conducting virtual interviews for the 2025-2026 cycle. However, some programs – especially in ENT, neurosurgery, and other surgical specialties – may have returned to in-person formats. Check with the specific residency program you're asking about.

Are residency interviews in-person or virtual?

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has released guidance for residency programs along with a recommendation that residency and fellowship programs continue to interview virtually for a number of reasons, including reducing the financial and environmental impact of unnecessary travel and helping to ...

Are med school interviews in-person in 2024?

Last updated: June 2024

Note: The AAMC continues to recommend virtual interviews for both medical schools and residency programs although we recognize that they may take different approaches for sound reasons. We will continue to monitor and update the recommendations as new information becomes available.

The Virtual Residency Interview

Is a 3.7 too low for med school?

No, a 3.7 GPA is not bad for medical school; it's generally considered competitive, often around the average or slightly below for highly selective MD programs, but strong enough for many schools, especially with an upward trend and a good MCAT score. A 3.7 combined with a strong BCPM (Science) GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) and compelling extracurriculars makes you a viable applicant, though lower GPAs might need more exceptional scores or experiences to compensate. 

What is the 32 hour rule in medical school?

The "32-hour rule" in medical school admissions refers to a policy where some medical schools focus on an applicant's GPA from their most recent 32 credit hours, often in science courses, instead of their entire undergraduate GPA, benefiting students with a strong upward trend or a solid post-baccalaureate performance. Schools like Wayne State University and LSU Health New Orleans use variations of this to give more weight to recent academic efforts, allowing strong performance in later coursework or post-bacc programs to shine. 

What are red flags for residency?

Residency red flags are issues in an applicant's record that can raise concerns for program directors, primarily falling into categories like academic performance (failed board exams, low scores, failed courses), gaps in education (unexplained time off, delays in graduating), and professionalism issues (disciplinary actions, legal problems, negative MSPE), along with weak application materials (generic statements, poor LORs) or limited clinical experience. These flags signal potential challenges, but can often be mitigated by explaining the context, demonstrating growth, and showing alignment with the program's values. 

How many residency interviews do most people get?

According to data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), the median number of interviews for matched applicants in the 2022–2023 cycle—the most recent data available—was 14. But getting those residency interview invitations can take time.

What to wear for virtual residency interviews?

For most residency interviews, formal professional attire is the safest and most appropriate choice:

• A suit (any gender) with a collared shirt or blouse.
• A professional dress with a blazer.
• Neutral, solid colors like navy, gray, or black are best, paired with a simple light-colored shirt.

What month are most residency interviews?

Residency interviews usually occur October through January of your fourth year, with December and January being the busiest interview months. It is important to note that each specialty, and the residency programs within them, may have their own process and associated timelines.

What percent of interviews are virtual?

Candidates with a positive interview experience are 38% more likely to accept a job offer. 82% of companies use virtual interviews, but 70% of candidates prefer in-person interviews. Structured interviews have a higher predictive validity than unstructured interviews.

Will residency interviews be virtual in 2026?

October 2025 – January 2026 | Interviewing

Some specialties, institutions, or programs will recommend virtual interviews, but others may require them in person. Make sure you are aware of the expectation and plan accordingly, and use these important tips to help ace your interview.

Is it better to interview virtually or in person?

Virtual interviews enhance flexibility and speed up the hiring process by allowing you to interview more candidates in a day. In-person interviews provide a unique chance to assess candidates' interpersonal skills and visible demeanor effectively.

Are too many interviews a red flag?

While multiple rounds of interviews are normal, too many can indicate indecisiveness or a lack of direction within the company. Excessive interviewing not only wastes applicants' time but also signals disorganization and an overly bureaucratic approach to hiring.

Why am I not getting residency interviews?

Low scores on the USMLE step exams

This one is obvious. Having a Low score and failing to adequately address it during your application process is a reason why many applicants may not receive a Residency Interview.

What is a weakness for residency interview?

To answer general weaknesses, avoid clichés like, “My biggest weakness is that I am too detail-oriented/work too hard.” Find an actual weakness you are working on to become a better person. Avoid mentioning extremely negative weaknesses.

What are 5 common interview mistakes?

Five common interview mistakes include being unprepared (not researching the company), poor non-verbal communication (bad body language, phone use), talking too much or too little, speaking negatively about past employers, and failing to prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Avoiding these common pitfalls, alongside arriving on time and dressing appropriately, significantly improves your chances of making a good impression.
 

What looks good on a residency application?

In terms of your personal qualities, your letters of rec, personal statement, professionalism, and perceived commitment to the specialty you're applying in are all frequently used and highly weighted (and about evenly prioritized with your academic stats).

What is the easiest MD school to get into?

There are no truly "easy" medical schools, but some have higher acceptance rates or lower average GPA/MCAT scores, often focusing on regional needs or specific missions, like University of Mississippi, East Carolina University (Brody), University of North Dakota, Mercer University, Meharry Medical College, University of North Dakota, and University of New Mexico. Osteopathic (DO) schools like William Carey, Arkansas COM, Pikeville KYCOM, and Lincoln Memorial are also frequently listed as having higher acceptance rates than top MD programs. 

How many W's are too many for med school?

How It Impacts Med School Admissions. One W won't impact your medical school application, but multiple withdrawals and/or those seen as part of a pattern with a low GPA may negatively influence your chances of getting into med school.

Is being a doctor a 9 to 5 job?

No, most doctors do not work a standard 9-to-5; their hours are often long, irregular, and include nights, weekends, and on-call shifts, varying greatly by specialty, with roles like ER or OB/GYN having less fixed schedules, while some outpatient or VA physicians might find more 9-to-5 opportunities, though still typically exceeding 40 hours weekly.