2 Years Before The Match | Start here!

JAN

FEB

GET STARTED

GET FAMILIAR

Research
requirements for the
F-1 Visa

Visit ECFMG to learn

how to complete
certification

OCT-FEB

SEP

DESIGN A PLAN

COMPLETE FIRST STEP

Take Step 1 at a
testing center

Begin prepping for the USMLE Step 1

Find the right study plan by making a free appointment with a
Kaplan Medical Advisor. You can request a free appointment here

Fill out application for

I-20
Determine in what
order youll take the
USMLE exams

FEB-AUG

The ECFMG requires that

you graduated from an
accredited school listed on
the International Education
Directory.

BEGIN PREP

Begin prepping for the USMLE Step 2 CK

Average study time for Step 1 is 6 to 9 months.

NOV

DEC

SECURE YOUR SEAT

BUILD EXPERIENCE

Schedule your Step

2 CS

Research clinical work

opportunities

Create a study schedule, practice with Qbank, and master

test-taking strategies

Average study time for Step 2 is 4 to 6 months.

Plan aheadStep 2 CS
is only administered in
5 locations across the U.S.
and spots fill up quickly.

Although not required,

clinical work can boost
your application when
applying for residency.
Check out some options
on our website.

All test takers must apply to

take USMLE exams. View
application process here.

1 Year Before The Match | Keep going!

JAN

FEB

MAR

DECISION TIME

GET CLINICAL

WHO ARE YOU?

Determine what type

of medicine you want
to practice

Start working on your

personal statement
to show who you are
outside of USMLEscores and before the
interview

Take Step 2 CK

Our Residency Secrets blog

offers excellent advice on
personal statements.

JUN
GET CODED
Request your ERAS
token through OASIS
(an ERAS token is a
14- digit
alphanumeric code
that grants you
access to your
application)

JUL-AUG

PAPER CHASER

Begin uploading your documents through MyERAS

BE SURE TO INCLUDE

APR-MAY

TEST WELL

Take Step 2 CS
For the exam, be sure to bring a stethoscope, white coat, a
scheduling permit, unexpired government issued form of ID and
remember to dress professionally

Travel to your scheduled test center at least one day before the exam to
scope it out. Visit the CSEC website for more travel information.

SEP
THE HAND-OFF
Submit your ERAS
application

Personal Statement
Completed application
Letters of recommendation (LOR) the writers have submitted
through LoRP

Get at least one LOR from a U.S. physician to improve your

chances of receiving an invitation to interview.

Register with NRMP

to receive candidate
number

Applying early with a

complete application is
strongly encouraged.

1 Year Before The Match | Almost there!

OCT-JAN

READY, SET, INTERVIEW

FEB
RANK & FILE

Study your programs in depth (and develop a firm handshake)

MARCH
MATCH WEEK

Submit your Rank

Order Lists (ROL)
through ERAS

Dont forget to follow up with a personalized thank you note. It

is a great way to express your interest in a residency program

JUL
RESIDENCY BEGINS
Get a head start on
Step 3. Each
program will require
you to pass it by
the end of your first
year of residency

Only rank programs where

youve had an interview.

Get Started | Contact a Med Advisor

Our Road to Residency calendar is the tip of the iceberg with it comes to preparing for your residency in the U.S. Our Med
Advisors are the experts who know every detail about being successful. Theyve helped thousands of students start their
journey to residency, so reach out today! Schedule your free med advising appointment here.

*USMLE is a joint program of The Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc. and the National Board of Medical Examiners. ACGME is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The ECFMG is a registered trademark of the
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. The Match is a registered service mark of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The NRMP is not affiliated with Kaplan. Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is a program of the association of American
Medical Colleges and is not affiliated with Kaplan. Test names are the property of the respective trademark holders, none of whom endorse nor are affiliated with Kaplan. Kaplan does not guarantee placement into any residency program.