Match Day traditionally represents the conclusion of medical school education, occurring on the third Friday of March. Students learn where they will complete residency training after submitting ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) applications, attending program interviews, and ranking programs by mid-February through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
At 10 a.m. on the Monday of Match Week, students find out if they matched but not where they matched. This notification allows students to begin preparing emotionally before receiving their full placement.
For unmatched students, the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) provides an alternative pathway to secure residency positions through the NRMP by filling unfilled positions at participating programs.
Match results are shared at 12 pm EST for all matched students, including those who found a match using SOAP. In 2024, students receive an email with their match information rather than the traditional envelope ceremony format that had been central to Match Day celebrations.
Match result documents are typically read bottom-to-top, revealing: institution name, specialty/program, ten-digit Program Code, a congratulatory message, school code, and the student's AAMC ID number.
Celebrations typically include a ceremonial meal — traditionally lunch on the East Coast but breakfast on the West Coast — with slideshow presentations and family activities marking the occasion.