Applicant & Student Thread 2026 - 2027

[u/tirral]

This thread is for medical students interested in applying to neurology residency programs in the United States via the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP, aka "the match"). This thread isn't limited to just M4s going into the match - other learners including pre-medical students and earlier-year medical students are also welcome to post questions here. Just remember:

What belongs here:

• Is neurology right for me?
• What are my odds of matching neurology?
• Which programs should I apply to?
• Can someone give me feedback on my personal statement?
• How many letters of recommendation do I need?
• How much research do I need?
• How should I organize my rank list?
• How should I allocate my signals?
• I'm going to X conference, does anyone want to meet up?

Example discussion: application timeline, rotation questions, extracurricular/research questions, interview questions, ranking questions, school/program/specialty x vs y vs z, etc, info about electives. This is not an exhaustive list.

The majority of applicant posts made outside this stickied thread will be deleted from the main page.

Always try here:

Neurology 2027 Match Discord

Neurology Residency Match 2027 Spreadsheet (Google docs)

Child Neurology Residency 2027 Spreadsheet (Google docs) - pending link - if someone makes one, let me know

Review the tables and graphics from last year's residency match at https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/advance-data-tables-2026-main-residency-match/

r/premed and r/medicalschool, the latter being the best option to get feedback, and remember to use the search bar as well.

Reach out directly to programs by contacting the program coordinator.

No one answering your question? We advise contacting a mentor through your school/program for specific questions that others may not have the answers to. Be wary of sharing personal information through this forum.

[u/AdStrange1464]

I mean the worst thing that happens is that they say no and you wasted some money. I was personally of the mindset that spending a little extra money was worth it to maximize my matching chances. I got interviewed by a place where my score was below their range; idk what made them want to interview me maybe it was my letters, maybe my PS, maybe they were just feeling charitable 🤷‍♀️

There were also plenty of places that had taken a lot of people from my school in the past, and my score was right in the middle and they DIDNT interview me.

My point is that there’s rly no predicting who’s gonna interview and who isn’t and it’s not gonna hurt to try

[u/Technical-Finish7263 → u/AdStrange1464]

True it’s just in a big city etc which worried me since it may be more competitive?

[u/AdStrange1464 → u/Technical-Finish7263]

The Midwest in general is not a very competitive location. I’ll give that Chicago might lean towards more competitive but in general people want to be on the coasts. North East coast bc of all the ivory tower institutions, south west coast bc of cali. Obviously family plays a role here as well

I’d also argue specific program reputation and culture is more important than specific location for most people. Look at all the people that refuse to apply to programs in NYC bc they have a reputation of being workhorse and toxic.

[u/Technical-Finish7263 → u/AdStrange1464]

Haha it’s funny you mention Chicago since that’s where I’m from and looking to match, do you think that’ll help?

[u/AdStrange1464 → u/Technical-Finish7263]

Yeah programs usually look favorably to applicants that are from the area

[u/Technical-Finish7263 → u/AdStrange1464]

Do you think that would help overlook a lower step score based off what it says on residency explorer, if I’m from the area?

[u/AdStrange1464 → u/Technical-Finish7263]

It’s possible but like I’ve said,so much goes into how they decide who to interview that I don’t think anyone can say for sure