After Match Day 2025, we asked two newly matched physicians to share what they wish they’d known before going through the Match. Their insights cover everything from preparing your application to protecting your mental health — all grounded in their experiences of navigating the Match process.

Start Early & Stay Curious

Preparing for the Match starts well before ERAS opens. Both physicians emphasized that being intentional and starting early can make a big difference.

Give yourself more time than you think you need. Start your personal statement early and revisit it multiple times. Reflect on your most meaningful clinical experiences and be ready to talk about them clearly in interviews.

Practice for both basic and specialty-specific interview questions. Find someone—a mentor, advisor, or peer—to help you practice out loud. The more familiar your answers feel, the more confident you’ll be on interview day.

They also shared that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Ask questions, even the ones that feel obvious or awkward. Curiosity is a strength, not a weakness.

“Protect your curiosity. Ask the ‘dumb’ questions. That’s how you grow.”

How to set yourself up for a strong Match application:

• Start ERAS and your personal statement early. Don’t wait until deadlines are near.
• Reflect on clinical experiences and how they’ve shaped your goals.
• Practice your responses to common and specialty-specific questions.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarity.

Don’t Try to Game the System

When it comes to interviews and ranking, the advice was clear: don’t try to play the system; be honest with yourself.

Rank programs based on where you actually want to go, not where you think you’re “most likely” to match. Trying to strategize can backfire and lead to a poor fit. Your rank list should reflect your true preferences.

If you’re able to visit a program in person, either for an interview or a second look, it can make a big difference. It shows commitment, and it gives you a much better feel for the people and environment.

“Going to the trouble and expense of traveling to meet people in person is now a distinguishing statement.”

The emotional intensity of Match Day also came up. It’s easy to get caught up in prestige or pressure. But ultimately, you’ll be happiest where you feel aligned with the culture and supported in your growth.

How to create a rank list you’ll feel good about:

• Rank based on true preferences, not strategy.
• Attend in-person visits if you can.
• Ask thoughtful, well-researched questions.
• Consider where you’ll thrive—professionally and personally.

Plan for the Financial Side

Match season comes with hidden costs, and they add up quickly. Between application fees, travel, lodging, interview attire, and time away from rotations, it can be a surprisingly expensive time.

One doctor recommended creating a financial plan before you even apply to medical school. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid unnecessary stress or debt. Some also found it helpful to set aside a small fund specifically for interview season.

“Fourth year is way more expensive than you think, so start putting aside a fund early. Your credit card will thank you.”

Start researching scholarships, travel stipends, and grants early. Many of these resources require advance planning, and they often go unused simply because students don’t know they exist.

How to stay on top of match costs:

• Think about budgeting for Match-related expenses before your fourth year.
• Research scholarships and travel stipends early.
• Prioritize interviews that are a strong fit to minimize costs.
• Talk to recent grads about how they managed expenses.

Build a Support System

Med school can feel isolating, and the Match process can amplify that. Both physicians emphasized how important it is to have a strong support system in place.

Build that support early and intentionally. Friends, family, mentors, advisors, and therapists can all play a role in helping you stay grounded. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your purpose, especially during stressful or uncertain moments.

“Build your support system early. You’ll need people who can sit with you in the mess and still believe in you.”

Humility also came up as a valuable mindset. You don’t need to present yourself as perfect. Programs want people who are curious, teachable, and self-aware, not those who have it all figured out.

“Programs want teachable students. Highlight your strengths but stay humble.”

How to stay grounded during the Match process:

• Connect with mentors who support your goals.
• Lean on peers who understand what you’re going through.
• Seek counseling if you need it. Your mental health matters.
• Stay humble and open to feedback.

Final Thoughts

The Match process is challenging—emotionally, financially, and mentally. But with the right mindset and support, it can also be a time of growth. Start early, ask questions, stay grounded, and remember that your goal isn’t just to match. It’s to build a career that reflects your values, supports your well-being, and allows you to become the kind of physician you set out to be.

If Match Day is on your horizon, now is the time to prepare, and we have resources to help! Find Match Day articles, guides, and important dates on our Match Day page.