Here’s How Residency Programs Rank Applicants

Elite Medical Prep tutor Michael Zobel, MD discusses what criteria residency programs adhere to when ranking applicants.

[@mywaterfountain]

Completely agree with this. This is how I advise medical students also, and how I and my friends review applications. The only thing that I would slightly disagree with is that I don’t really pay that much attention to what your GPA was. Each medical school has their own set of graphs and charts and frankly I don’t have the time to figure it out. Also, not all classes are ranked the same and sometimes students will prioritize certain classes (Ex only one test determines your grade) at the expense of a GPA. I’m more interested in the board score and if there is any red flags or interruptions and the rest of the application. But early on, several years ago, I got tired of trying to figure out every schools chart. When you’re trying to go through a few hundred applications in a few hours, there just isn’t time. Also, one other thing to add. I will spend about 30 seconds to three minutes per an application at which point I decide if you get an interview. So if there’s some thing complicated going on, not going to spend a lot of time to figure it out. It’s your responsibility to make things clear, such as any gaps in education, etc. Things that I prioritize are board scores, any red flags or interrupted timeline, interests, and personal statement. I expect the letters of recommendation to be good because you were the one who asked for them. A bad letter of recommendation means no interview. Hope that helps! *Former chief resident here, currently applying to fellowship. I go through the applications with the current chief resident and she has the same thought process. *Fellowships are less concerned with your board scores. For general residency though, this will make or break your application in certain programs.

[@dr.bonedried]

Great insights, thank you for sharing this, wanted to clarify just one thing that when you mention ‘interruptions’ or ‘gaps in education’, do you specifically mean interruptions/ gaps while within the medical school (say a failed year or so)? Or does it include any gap years taken after the completion of the degree but before entering the residency? Thanks!

[@MBBSZaraHutKay]

Thanks for this Video 😊 More Power to you...

[@mywaterfountain]

Forgot to add, we are also looking you up online, so please make sure there are no major red flags on the Internet (embarrassing pictures, insulting comments). We will find them and not rank you. It’s happened in the past. Remember to always be polite and not controversial online.

[@SA-zb2rm]

Some people have multiple accounts especially KZbin Would you normally look at the email provided or find out all accounts?

[@SA-zb2rm]

I’m asking for myself honestly 5 years ago I was very immature and used to argue a lot with football fans . It was mostly banter but I understand how a 3rd party can look at it and easily go “yeah he’s rude or unprofessional or something”

[@Joe-sr2pm]

well that was really helpful. thx

[@hasanh.s5381]

Very informative, Thank you! Why didn't you mention research? Aren't publications that important?

[@mywaterfountain]

Depends if the program is researched based or community based. Researched based programs at large academic institutions will be more seeking of this. It will never hurt you though!

[@mikegrili391]

Yes, scores are important but there are also other factors. Your approach is quite unfair, unrealistic and discouraging. I hope that students who listen to this interview do not get discouraged.

[@user-yh1si5vk4x]

Every program has a cut off . Cut offs aren't very high , mostly are 215-230s There are many programs with no cut offs . All IMGs are unique are should target the program accordingly