When the National Residency Matching Program, “Match” takes place in the March of every year a number of residency programs and applicants go unmatched. Two days before candidates receive their match results unmatched programs are released. Unmatched candidates can enter the Post-Match Scramble. This is a two-day period starting on 16 March.
The Post-Match Scramble allows programs to fill places left open by the “Match” algorithm and is the last chance for applicants to gain a position in that year. The Post-Match Scramble gets more competitive every year, with more and more applicants using the service to gain training program places. Planning is key for success in the Post-Match Scramble.
Candidates who wish to participate in the Post-Match Scramble must be registered with the NRMP and have completed an ERAS application form. Programs will only take documents submitted to the Electronic Residency Application Service.
During the Scramble you will be able to apply for up to 30 programs through ERAS at no cost. You may also apply to a maximum of 15 previously applied to programs if they appear in the list, again at no additional cost. To send off your application, you still need to complete the payment page, even if the total is zero.
What is the advantage of the Post-Match Scramble?
The Post-Match scramble allows international graduates to apply and potentially match to programs when they have been unsuccessful in the matching process. It also allows them to apply to programs they have not applied to before, increasing their changes of starting a US Residency Training Program in that year.
Will I have to reappear for interviews?
During the Post-Match Scramble you may be required to appear for Interviews with Programs. This depends on the individual program and they’ll notify you when you submit your application.
If you want to apply to the Post-Match Scramble you should ensure all of your documents are ready to process electronically. It is only a 48 hour period and requires prior planning. You must have applied to at least one program prior to the Post-Match Scramble.