MS4 – Residency Application & Match Support

Welcome to MS4

During your fourth year of medical school, OCRA provides individualized guidance throughout the residency application process and your transition to residency. Students work closely with career advisors to prepare competitive applications, navigate interviews, participate in the Match, and successfully transition into graduate medical education.

MS4 Career Advising Curriculum

The OCRA Career Advising Curriculum consists of three key components designed to support students throughout their medical training: Workshops, Resources, and Career Advising. During MS4, students focus on successfully navigating the residency application process, interview preparation, rank order list development, Match strategy, and transitioning from medical school into residency training.

MS4 Workshops

Residency Application Workshop

Learn how to prepare a competitive residency application, organize application materials, and understand the residency application process.

• ERAS Preparation
  • Review ERAS timelines, application requirements, supporting documents, and submission best practices.
• VSLO & Residency Application Workshop
  • Learn how to apply for visitng rotations, understand VSLO requirements, and prepare for the residency application process. 
  • Watch Session 1: VSLO & Residency Application Workshop
  • Watch Session 2: VSLO & Residency Application Workshop
• Interview Preparation
  • Learn strategies for successful residency interviews, including tips for preparation, communication, and presenting yourself effectively.
  • Watch the Interview Preparation Video
• Rank Order List Preparation
  • Learn how to evaluate residency programs and develop a thoughtful rank order list based on your professional goals, personal priorities, and program fit.
  • Watch the Rank Order List Preparation Video
  • Access the Rank Order List Template
• Introduction to the MSPE & Noteworthy Characteristics
  • Learn about the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), understand the purpose of Noteworthy Characteristics, and prepare a strong submission for your residency application.
  • View the MSPE Template
  • Watch the MSPE & Noteworthy Characteristics Video
  • View How to Write Noteworthy Characteristic 
• Transition to Residency
  • Prepare for the transition from medical student to resident physician, including graduation requirements and onboarding expectations.

Resources

AAMC Careers in Medicine: Residency Preference Exercise (RPE)

The Residency Preference Exercise (RPE) helps students identify factors that are important when selecting residency programs and developing their application strategy.

Complete the AAMC Residency Preference Exercise

Submit Your AAMC Assessment

UCR SOM Guide to 4th Year

A comprehensive guide to navigating your fourth year, including scheduling, personal statements, residency applications, interview preparation, program communication etiquette, rank order list formation, and the Match. Read the complete guide on our blog. 

How do I find specialty-specific application recommendations?

Residency application strategies vary by specialty. The Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) Program Directors Association provides specialty-specific guidance, including recommendations related to:

• Letters of recommendation
• Application expectations
• Program signaling strategies
• Specialty-specific considerations

Access the Program Directors Association Guides for Residency Applicants

Residency Program Research Tools

Residency Explorer

Use Residency Explorer to compare residency programs and review available program data, including:

• Interview data
• Applicant characteristics
• Program signaling information
• Geographic preferences
• Program-specific details

Access Residency Explorer

FREIDA

Use FREIDA to research residency programs, compare program characteristics, and explore training opportunities.

Access FREIDA

Program Signaling & Geographic Preference

Program signaling and geographic preference are important components of the residency application process. Review OCRA and AAMC resources to understand how to develop an application strategy that aligns with your goals.

Program Signaling and Geographic Preference Resources

Residency Application Systems & Match Resources

ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service)

ERAS resources provide guidance on residency applications, timelines, fees, and submission requirements.

Resources include:

• ERAS User Guide
• Residency Application Timeline
• MyERAS and Program Signaling Information
• Application Fees

Access ERAS Resources

ResidencyCAS

Explore ResidencyCAS resources for specialties that participate in this application system.

Access ResidencyCAS Applicant Resources

NRMP (National Resident Matching Program)

Review Match requirements, important deadlines, and Match data.

Resources include:

• Main Residency Match Applicant Calendar
• Match Fees
• Charting Outcomes in the Match

Access NRMP 

Specialty Matches

Some specialties use alternative matching systems.

• San Francisco Match
• Military Match

Career Advising

OCRA provides individualized career advising to support MS4 students as they navigate the residency application process, interviews, rank order list preparation, and the transition into residency. Advising focuses on application refinement, program communication, interview preparation, residency decision-making, and strategies for successfully completing the Match process.

MS4 Career Advisor

Jennifer Wilson
MS4 Career Advisor

Jennifer provides guidance on residency application support, interview preparation, program communication, rank order list formation, Match strategy, and navigating the transition from medical school to residency.

MS4 Career Planning Timeline

June–August | Residency Application Preparation

• Finalize your curriculum vitae (CV) and personal statement.
• Request and confirm letters of recommendation.
• Complete and review your ERAS application.
• Meet with an OCRA advisor to review your application.
• Submit residency applications by specialty deadlines.

September–January | Interview Season

• Participate in residency interviews.
• Research and compare residency programs.
• Maintain communication with mentors and advisors.
• Track interview experiences and program impressions.
• Continue meeting with OCRA as needed.

February–March | Match Preparation

• Evaluate residency programs.
• Finalize and certify your NRMP Rank Order List.
• Prepare for Match Week and Match Day.
• Meet with an OCRA advisor if additional guidance is needed.

April–June | Transition to Residency

• Complete graduation requirements.
• Finish residency onboarding and credentialing tasks.
• Prepare for relocation, orientation, and the start of residency.
• Celebrate graduation and your transition to graduate medical education.

MS4 Goals

• Submit a complete and competitive residency application.
• Successfully prepare for and complete residency interviews.
• Develop an informed rank order list.
• Successfully match into a residency program.
• Transition confidently from medical school to residency.

MS4 Checklist

☐ Meet with an OCRA advisor

☐ Finalize your CV and personal statement

☐ Request letters of recommendation

☐ Complete and submit your ERAS application

☐ Attend the Residency Application Workshop

☐ Attend ERAS Preparation sessions

☐ Participate in Interview Preparation workshops

☐ Complete residency interviews

☐ Evaluate residency programs

☐ Submit your NRMP Rank Order List

☐ Prepare for Match Week and Match Day

☐ Complete graduation requirements

☐ Complete residency onboarding requirements

☐ Prepare for the transition to residency