Applications and Matching Process

Residency Planning:  Application and Matching Process

Application Services:

ERAS

• Online application service similar to AMCAS
• Central repository from which residency programs can download applications, letters of recommendation (LOR’s), transcripts, and Dean’s Letters
• Students file applications, indicate which programs they wish to apply to, and choose which LOR’s go to which programs
• Used by most specialties except Ophthalmology, Child Neurology

CAS

• Paper-based system
• Central repository which sends out collected applications, LOR’s transcripts, and Dean’s Letters
• Students forward applications and LOR’s to the service
• Used by Ophthalmology, Child Neurology

 Urology

• May apply separately to some programs
• Programs have option to participate in ERAS

Matching Programs

National Residency Matching Program (NRMP)

• “Regular” match
• Computerized system linking applicants with residency programs
• Interviews typically from mid- to late- November through January
• Applications and programs both submit rank lists of preferences
• Results available in March
• Constitutes a contract—if you match at a given program you agree to go (do not rank any you would not be willing to attend)

 San Francisco Match

• Computerized system linking applicants with programs
• Applications usually start going out a few weeks earlier
• Interviews occur earlier (November-December)
• Applicants and programs both submit rank lists
• Results available in January
• Constitutes a contract— if you match at a given program you agree to go (do not rank any you would not be willing to attend)           

Urology Matching program

• Separate match

Couples Matches

• A means by which couples’ wishes are linked in the system to allow geographic proximity during residency training
• Available through the NRMP
• Not officially available through the SF Match, but may be discussed informally

Timelines

ERAS

• In mid-July, the Student Affairs Office sends out “tokens” which are numeric codes students use to access the system
• MyERAS website available to students at this time
• Beginning in September, ERAS post-office opensIn  to programs who can begin downloading applications
• On November 1^st, Dean’s Letters can be downloaded by programs

CAS

• “Target dates” for receiving applications and LOR’s occur in late August, early September each year
• Dean’s Letters and official transcripts mailed to the CAS via FedEx to arrive on November 1^st

NRMP

• Registration typically begins in mid-August
• In mid-January, Rank Order Lists open for students and programs to enter preferences
• In mid to late-February, Rank Order Lists close (no changes accepted after published date)
• Results of Match available in mid-March
  •   Dean’s Office notified earlier in week about unmatched applicants
  •   "Scramble” occurs to link unmatched applicants with unfilled programs
• Information on matched applicants available later in week online or at Match Day Ceremonies held annually at the School of Medicine

SF Match

• Rank lists due in early to mid-January
• Results of matches typically available in 2 weeks after rank list deadlines
• Dean’s office notified of matched and unmatched applicants
• Students notified of results of the match by the Dean’s Office