The NRMP Match: the complete guide to the residency Match.

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) runs the Main Residency Match, the process most U.S. MD and DO graduates, and many international medical graduates, use to obtain a first residency position. This guide puts the USMLE and the Match on one timeline: what to have done before you apply, what the Match calendar looks like for 2027, how rank lists and the algorithm work, what it costs, and what happens in Match Week. For the full detail on each part, follow the links.

How the Match works

1. You apply to programs through ERAS (or ResidencyCAS for participating specialties).
2. You register separately with the NRMP. ERAS and the NRMP are different organizations with different fees.
3. Programs interview you, usually from October to January.
4. You rank the programs where you interviewed, in true order of preference, and certify your rank order list before the deadline.
5. In Match Week you learn whether you matched, SOAP runs for those who did not fully match, and Match Day tells you where you matched.

Where the USMLE fits

Passing Step 1 and Step 2 CK is what makes it possible to enter the Match for most applicants, so plan exam dates so that results are available when programs review applications, and check each program's requirements. Start with the Step 1 and Step 2 CK exam pages, the complete USMLE guide, the Step 1 and Step 2 CK guides, and the passing standards. International graduates also need the ECFMG steps; see our international graduates and visa guide. For score release timing and sending your USMLE transcript to ERAS, read results, rechecks and transcripts.

The 2027 Main Residency Match calendar

The algorithm in plain language

The Match uses an applicant-proposing algorithm. It tries to place you in your most preferred program first; if that program has ranked you and has room, you are tentatively matched there, and otherwise the algorithm moves down your list. The practical rule is to rank programs in the order you truly prefer them, and to rank every program you would be willing to attend. Read the ranking algorithm and rank-list strategy for the detail.

What it costs

• $85 registration, covering up to 20 unique programs on your primary rank order list and up to 20 on any supplemental lists combined.
• $30 for each additional unique program beyond 20, with an extra fee for very long lists.
• $45 per partner for couples, and a $50 late registration fee after January 29.
• NRMP fees are non-refundable; ERAS fees are separate and charged per program.

A match is binding

When you register you accept the Match Participation Agreement. If you match, you are committed to start at that program, and backing out without an NRMP waiver is a violation that can bring penalties, including being barred from future Matches. Programs may not ask where you intend to rank them, and you should never promise something you do not intend to do.

If you do not match: SOAP

The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) runs during Match Week and lets eligible unmatched or partially matched applicants apply to unfilled positions. You learn your status on the Monday of Match Week, apply through ERAS to a limited number of programs, and receive offers in rounds. Accepting a SOAP offer is binding, like a match.

Preparing the rest of your application

• Residency interview strategies for the interview season.
• Saving money on interview travel.
• The residency program directory and the Interviews and Travel hub.

For the detailed walkthrough, read The NRMP Residency Match, explained. Dates and fees come from the NRMP and AAMC, so confirm them on their sites.