Interview preparation guide
Clarifying questions and interest messages after an interview: residency interview preparation guide
Two NRMP documents apply. The Code of Conduct says applicants may request and exchange clarifying information after an interview but must not use post-interview communication to influence or learn a program's ranking intentions. The 2027 agreement allows voluntary expression of interest.
How to prepare
- 1
Define what you need to know
Review your notes and mark facts that are genuinely unclear, such as a published schedule, a program structure or a document mentioned by staff. Choose the program contact who handles that kind of information. AAMC recommends notes immediately after each interview.
- 2
Ask for information, not signals
Write a neutral question that can be answered with facts. Avoid asking where you stand or whether the program will rank you. The NRMP Code says applicants must not solicit or engage in post-interview communication for the purposes of influencing or ascertaining a program's ranking intentions. The 2027 agreement adds that applicants may not solicit statements implying a commitment to rank them.
- 3
Keep the message proportionate
You may express interest in a program. Keep that separate from the information request, do not imply an expected reply, and follow the program's published contact instructions. If you are unsure, ask your advisor.
A practical exercise
Hello [name]. Thank you for the interview. Could you clarify [specific published or factual item] so I can understand [training detail]? Thank you for your time.
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
The NRMP Code of Conduct and the 2027 agreement both address post-interview communication; they are separate documents and both are cited here.
The exercises and checklists are editorial applications of the cited guidance, not legal advice, required program procedures or predictions of interview outcomes. NRMP statements were checked against the 2027 Match Participation Agreement for applicants and the Match Code of Conduct for Applicants, which the NRMP applicant code page (updated November 21, 2024) links as its current document. They are separate documents. Follow your actual invitation, school guidance and the current NRMP documents.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hiding a status question inside a factual question.
- Contacting several staff members about one issue.
- Treating silence or a friendly reply as a ranking commitment.
Check your preparation
- Is the question factual?
- Would the answer help me decide how to rank programs?
- Does the message avoid asking about ranking intentions or commitments?
Questions for your practice review
- Is this documented anywhere?
- Who is the right contact?
- Can you confirm this detail?
Common questions
May I contact a program after an interview?
The NRMP Code of Conduct says applicants may request and exchange clarifying information, but must not use contact to influence or ascertain ranking intentions.
May I say I am interested?
The NRMP Code says applicants may freely express interest in a program, and the 2027 agreement says they may voluntarily communicate interest before the rank order list deadline.
Related guides
Sources
- NRMP: Match Code of Conduct for Applicants
- NRMP: 2027 Match Participation Agreement for applicants
- AAMC: preparing for interviews
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.