General Information | Match Overview | Frequently Asked Questions

More Information Register for the match

Applicant Question: I already plan to participate in the NRMP at the PGY-1 level. What influence will this have on that match?

Answer: None. The result of this year's urology match will be reported by January 26, 2009 leaving plenty of time for you to complete your papers for the NRMP PGY-1 match, either to your urology program's surgery program, or another, depending on your agreement with the program and their arrangements with their surgery program.

Applicant Question: Is this match limited to fourth year students?

Answer: No. Any qualified applicant can enter the match.

Applicant Question: Is there a limit on the number of programs an applicant can list or applicants that a program can list?

Answer: No. However listing programs where you did not interview most likely will not increase your chances of being "matched."

Applicant Question: What is the number of interviews needed to secure at least one offer?

Answer: Whether or not you receive an offer depends on the impression you create during your interviews and on your credentials, not on the number of interviews. Some applicants obtain a position from a single interview. An occasional applicant may conduct more than 20 interviews and obtain no offers.

Applicant Question: Where should I apply and interview?
Answer: That depends on many personal factors. You should contact faculty members at your medical school and current and past residents to learn more about various programs before you interview. Different programs use different criteria. Try to assess your chances realistically.

Applicant Question: How should I decide whether to list a program on my preference list?
Answer: Ask yourself: "If this were my only offer, would I accept it?" If the answer is positive you should list the program. We anticipate several applicants will remain unmatched because they did not list the programs that offer them a position and will receive no offers from programs they do list.

Applicant Question: I like Program X, and I believe the program director likes me. Should I list more than that single program?
Answer: Yes. That program director might change his/her mind. There is no disadvantage whatsoever in listing alternative choices as a safeguard.

Applicant Question: Can I optimize my chances by listing a program first for which I think I have the best chance of acceptance?
Answer: No. You should list your true preference first, regardless of probability estimates. You cannot match unless you receive on offer. Whether you receive an offer depends on your position on the program's list. Program directors never see your list. The only purpose of your list is to determine which offer to accept, should you receive more than one offer.

Applicant Question: Could I end up being "matched" to a program I do not really want?
Answer: No. We can only accept on your behalf offers from programs you have listed. The Matching Program does not question your judgment and cannot in any way guarantee that you or the program director will remain satisfied with each other's performance. In the years between your interview and the completion of your residency it is possible that some programs will experience changes in their faculty, in funding, or even in accreditation. The Matching Program promises you diligence in processing your ranking lists, but neither it nor the AUA can accept any responsibility whatsoever for any such changes or for their consequences.

Applicant Question: I have had second thoughts about my career goals. Can I withdraw from the position I accepted through the Matching Program?
Answer: Because of your acceptance, another applicant was prevented from obtaining that position. Withdrawal is possible only in exceptional circumstances. See "Contractual Responsibilities" for more details.

Applicant Question: My circumstances do not allow me to apply through the urology match one to two years before my residency. Are all positions closed for people like me?
Answer: No. Your choices will be severely limited, but additional vacancies may become available if other applicants withdraw. These positions are listed on the vacancy area of the AUA web site.

Applicant Question: I want to transfer to a second- or third-year residency position in a different program. Can you help me?
Answer: See "Contractual Responsibilities" for the necessary steps to do this. Once you complete the necessary steps, you may then list yourself on our vacancy applicant list. Please note that very few such openings occur. You may e-mail resmatch@AUAnet.org with any questions.

Applicant Question: I did not match. Can you provide me a list of programs that did not match so that I can contact them?
Answer: No. The AUA cannot disclose which programs did not match. If a program wishes to list their vacancy, they will do so in the vacancy area of the AUA web site. Please do not call the AUA requesting this information.

Applicant Question: I am a foreign medical graduate and would like to participate in the Match. What steps must I take?
Answer: You will need to register for the Match through the AUA web site. You are also encouraged to register and submit your application materials through The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). For additional requirements for foreign medical graduates, contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) at www.ecfmg.org.

Applicant Question: I've submitted my on-line preference list through the AUA web site. Is there anything else I need to do?
Answer: No. You should receive an e-mail confirmation of your final list. If the list is correct, you do not need to do anything further. Faxing or mailing your preference list is not necessary. If you need to change your list for any reason, you must contact the Match Office at resmatch.org or 866-746-4282 (x3913). No list changes will be made after the final preference list deadline.

Applicant Question: What are the minimum United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores an applicant must have to be considered by a program?
Answer: The AUA does not have this information. You may want to contact the programs directly.