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A Penn State Nittany Lion statue is seen in the courtyard of Penn State College of Medicine in Summer 2016. The statue is in focus toward the right side of the image. Out of focus in the background, green plants and trees are visible in the courtyard.

Phase IV: Roadmap to Residency

The schedule for Phase IV covers your time as an MS4 at Penn State College of Medicine.

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Spring

April Expand answer
  • Residency Preparation
  • Request letters of recommendation for residency application
  • Discussion of specialty based on Step 1 results
  • Request advisor in specialty in which you intend to apply for residency.
  • Start studying for USMLE Step 2 (CK & CS)
May Expand answer
  • Military Match applicants start to gather required paperwork
  • Take USMLE Exam (Step 2)
June Expand answer
  • Start researching residency programs using FREIDA and PSCOMs CiM residency resources
  • Schedule MSPE appointment
  • Full access to ERAS provided
  • Confirm specialty advisor (See below for description and contact information)

Summer

July Expand answer
  • Complete Away Electives
  • Send gentle reminders regarding letters of recommendation
  • Begin comparing residency programs and narrowing down the list of programs you plan to apply to.
  • Discuss your list of programs with your specialty advisor
  • Meet with your advisor
August Expand answer
  • Finalize personal statement & ERAS application
  • SF Match applicants submit CAS early in the month
  • Register for Canadian Match (if applicable)
  • Attend Mock Interview workshops for residency preparation (Aug-Oct)
September Expand answer
  • Submit your ERAS application to residency programs
  • Register for the NRMP
  • Submit Military Match Application

Fall

October Expand answer
  • All letters of Recommendation should be in ERAS by the end of this month
  • Start residency interviews
  • MSPE released to residency programs
  • Graduation information sent to students
November Expand answer
  • NRMP registration deadline (extra fee for registration after November)
  • Military Match rank lists due
  • Continue residency interviews
  • Complete Student Affairs survey regarding residency programs
December Expand answer
  • Military Match results released
  • Continue to meet with your specialty advisor to discuss your interviews and emerging rank order list

Winter/Spring

January Expand answer
  • Start creating Rank Order List in NRMPs R3 system
  • Rank List for SF Match & Urology Match due
  • Match results for SF Match & Urology Match released
  • Attend Rank Order List Workshops
  • Indicate intent to graduate
  • Meet with your advisor
February Expand answer
  • Rank Order list due on the NRMP
March Expand answer
  • Match Week
April Expand answer
  • Hospital Contracts
  • Licensing
May Expand answer
  • Graduation