Interview preparation guide
Building an interview budget: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC says interviewing is likely the biggest cost of the residency process and costs vary by specialty and location. A budget made before interviews begin helps you choose where to spend.
How to prepare
- 1
Start with the drivers AAMC names
AAMC says the main drivers are specialty choice, which can influence how many interviews you complete, and location, because of travel. List your likely interview formats and any regions where travel would be needed.
- 2
Add the incidental costs
AAMC says there are likely incidental expenses such as cabs or ride-shares, attire and meals, as well as travel and accommodation. Put them in a simple table so you can see the total. Check with your financial aid staff if you need help with the expenses.
- 3
Use the range as context, not a forecast
An AAMC page dated October 2, 2024 reports school-reported MD interview costs, from a survey analysed in 2024, ranging from $400 to $7,000 with a median of roughly $3,000. Costs and fares may have changed since then. The data is not broken down by travel, lodging or meals and individual costs will differ. Treat it as a reference point and replace it with your own estimates.
A practical exercise
Interview: [program/format]. Travel: [..]. Lodging: [..]. Meals and local transport: [..]. Attire: [..]. Total: [..]. Funding source: [..].
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC's October 2024 page describes interview costs as the biggest cost of the residency process, with a wide reported range that depends on specialty and location.
The exercises and checklists are editorial applications of the cited guidance, not required program procedures or predictions of interview outcomes. Costs and formats vary by program, so follow your actual invitation and school guidance.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the median as a personal estimate.
- Forgetting incidental costs.
- Waiting until after accepting interviews to budget.
Check your preparation
- Have I listed each expected interview?
- Are incidental costs included?
- Have I asked financial aid about options?
Questions for your practice review
- What is the cheapest practical travel option?
- Which costs are optional?
- Who can advise on funding?
Common questions
How much does residency interviewing cost?
AAMC says there is no absolute data. An AAMC page dated October 2, 2024 reports school-reported MD costs ranging from $400 to $7,000, with a median of roughly $3,000. Current costs may differ.
What drives the cost?
AAMC names specialty choice and location, because of travel.
Where can I get help with costs?
AAMC suggests checking with your financial aid staff about financing options.
Related guides
Sources
This page is general editorial guidance based on the sources above. It is not a prediction of any program's questions or a statement of its current policies.