We understand how uncertain the times are right now, but know you are not alone in navigating it. Due to the pressures of the changing climate, we wanted to put together a resource to assist DO candidates with the 2021 Match season. While it will be fundamentally different because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still plenty of resources available to make it easier to get through the Match application season successfully.
We understand how uncertain the times are right now, but know you are not alone in navigating it. Due to the pressures of the changing climate, we wanted to put together a resource to assist DO candidates with the 2021 Match season. While it will be fundamentally different because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still plenty of resources available to make it easier to get through the Match application season successfully.
Looking past the many changes brought on by the COVID-era, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the 2021 Match season, especially for DO students.
The ERAS 2021 Residency Timeline and the 2021 NRMP Main Match Calendar are great resources to help you stay on track as you take your next step on the Road to DO Licensure.
2021 Match Timeline
June 8, 2020 | Open for Business
ERAS is now open in advance of the 2021 NRMP Main Match! A token from your dean shows you are approved by your COM to enter the upcoming Match, enabling you to register with the NRMP and in MyERAS, and begin working on your applications. Check out the NRMP’s FAQs to learn about what’s new for this upcoming application cycle.
September 1, 2020 | Signed, Sealed, Delivered
At 1:00pm ET, you can begin to submit your applications to residency programs!
Keep in mind that you do not need to submit all of your applications on September 1st. Programs can’t begin reviewing applications until October 21, so you have plenty of time to complete and submit your applications. If you’re still researching programs, the AAMC’s Residency Explorer Tool can help you find programs that are a good fit for you.
September 15, 2020 | Don’t Miss a Step
The 2021 NRMP Match registration is now officially open! While it is not required for you to have an NRMP ID to submit your program applications, applicants must be registered in the NRMP’s system to participate in the Match.
October 21 – December 31, 2020 | Crunch Time
Residency programs can begin reviewing applications at 9:00am ET on October 21st. Most residency program interviews will be held between October and December.
Many specialties have recognized the unique situation caused by the pandemic this year and have changed at least some of their expectations from previous years. Find out what your desired specialty has planned for this interview season. And make sure you’re ready to ace your virtual interview with these important tips.
February 1, 2021 | Ranking Opens
It’s that time – once you’ve registered with the NRMP, you can now submit your Rank Order Lists. You have until March 3rd to figure out where you’d like to train – and remember, registering establishes your eligibility for SOAP (the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program) in this year’s Match.
March 3, 2021 | Last Chance for Rank Order List
The final days are here! If you haven’t already finalized your rank order list, you have until 9:00pm ET to do so – here are some tips from the NRMP on how to do it right. (And don’t forget to verify your COMLEX-USA scores too!)
March 15 – 18, 2021 | We’re So Excited
It’s finally Match Week! Your match status becomes available at 11:00am ET on March 15th, and SOAP begins for eligible, un-matched and partially-matched applicants to unmatched positions.
Good news for those of you that haven’t heard – the NRMP has added a fourth offer round to the 2021 SOAP process to alleviate some of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
March 19, 2021 | Drumroll Please
It’s Match Day! Celebrate with your classmates at your COM’s 2021 Match Day celebration. Match results will be made available at 1:00pm ET.
