Interview preparation guide
Disclosing changes that affect your application: residency interview preparation guide
The NRMP 2027 agreement makes applicants responsible for complete, timely and accurate information. It lists the ability to satisfy program requirements, circumstances that may delay starting, and licensure or visa status.
How to prepare
- 1
Compare your record with what you submitted
Before interviews, reread the application, CV and interview answers. Notice any change in education, professional status or personal circumstances that may affect your ability to start. Do not guess whether a change matters. Ask your school advisor or program contact how to report it.
- 2
Use accurate, timely wording
State the change plainly, with the date and what you know. Do not exaggerate certainty or remove facts that matter. The NRMP Code also says applicants must inform programs at any time there are changes that could affect their ability to begin training. The agreement says the obligation extends through the 45th day after the start date in the appointment contract for a matched position.
- 3
Choose the right channel
Check the program's instructions and use the contact listed there. Keep a record of what you sent. If unsure about school, licensure or visa implications, speak to the appropriate office, not social media forums.
A practical exercise
Change: [factual change]. Date: [..]. Effect on start date or eligibility if known: [..]. Documents available: [..]. Contact: [..].
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 2027 agreement sets out disclosure responsibilities and their duration; it is not legal advice.
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
- Waiting until the issue becomes urgent.
- Giving a partial or optimistic account.
- Using an informal channel for formal changes.
Check your preparation
- Is the information accurate and complete?
- Could the change affect starting training?
- Who is the correct recipient?
Questions for your practice review
- Which change should I report?
- When did it happen?
- What documents are needed?
Common questions
What must I disclose?
The NRMP 2027 agreement says applicants are responsible for disclosing information regarding, among other things, the ability to satisfy program requirements, circumstances that may delay or affect starting training, and licensure or visa status.
How long does the obligation last?
The agreement says through the 45th day after the start date listed in the appointment contract for a matched position.
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.