A Match Made in Cyberspace: Applicant Perspectives on a Virtual Residency Application Process

Background The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an entirely virtual 2020-2021 residency application cycle. With many specialties continuing virtual interviews, it remains essential to evaluate all stakeholders perspectives. Objective This study aimed to evaluate applicants’ perspectives on the completely virtual 2020-2021 Match. Methods An online survey utilizing Likert scale and free response questions was distributed to residency applicants in 2021 post-Match to query their perspectives on the virtual application cycle. Results Participants (n=158/2811, 5% estimated response rate) represented 24 states and applied to 31 specialties. Most were satisfied with their Match experience (73.1%) and thought virtual interviews should continue (68.6%). However, applicants felt that the virtual setting permitted interview hoarding (73.9%) and that their medical school did not provide adequate electronic equipment (66.1%). Applicants found Twitter (78.4%) and Instagram (69.1%) to be helpful social media platforms for evaluating fit. While many applicants (56.9%) did not support application limits, most supported interview limits (62.7%) and preference signaling mechanisms (59.7%). Free responses data elucidated applicants’ views on how the virtual Match impacted financial access, evaluation of program culture, and the future of residency interviews. Conclusions Our study highlights that, across geography and specialty, many applicants support virtual interviews continuing. It also offers insight into how medical schools and residency programs can support applicants in the virtual environment. Additionally, the virtual setting provides an opportunity to evaluate mechanisms for addressing congestion within the Match, with most applicants supporting interview caps and preference signaling.