AMA Series

Preparing for Match Day & beyond

Figure looking at a winding road

AMA Road to Residency Guide
Person looking up at question marks

Understand residency match slang with this glossary
FREIDA logo

FREIDA™, the AMA Residency & Fellowship Database®
Cartoon image of a smartphone with an email notification on it.

AMA medical student membership, discounts & benefits
Clear Search
Person sits at a desk in a laboratory
·
7 Min Read

Which specialties value research output the most for Match?

Medical student research experience among residency applicants is common, but not always decisive. Learn about the physician specialties where it matters most.

series
Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency

Student-focused benefits

Become an AMA member to unlock:

  • FREIDA™ residency dashboard
  • Access to the JAMA Network™
  • Lenovo: Save up to 30% on the latest tech
Join the AMA Today
Figure climbs a rope
·
6 Min Read

Didn't match? How to come back stronger next residency-selection cycle

One failed Match should not define your career. Bounce back with expert advice on reapplying to physician residency programs.

series
Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency
Blocks imprinted with figures wearing a tie
·
8 Min Read

Step 2 scores decoded: What they mean for your Match prospects

How might your score on the USMLE Step 2 CK affect your residency-application approach? Dive into the NRMP data for MDs, DOs and IMGs.

series
Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency
Row of figures with one's arms outstretched
·
5 Min Read

4 tips for residency applicants to wisely use program signals

At least 27 physician specialties use program signals. What does the data show about the feature’s most effective use cases in residency selection?

series
Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency

FREIDA™ Specialty Guide

The AMA’s specialty guide offers the details medical students need to know to simplify the specialty selection process.

Explore Now
Illustration of red circle with a red line indicating “no” inside it
·
4 Min Read

Program directors list 4 red flags for residency applicants to avoid

Learn more with the AMA about the missteps that could prevent you from landing an interview at your dream residency program.

series
Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency
·
3 Min Read

AMA guide to applying for residency programs

Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and make your residency application stand out for the right reasons. 

series
Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency
2025 HOD Annual Meeting of the HOD
·
6 Min Read

The AMA is standing up for medical students. Here is how.

Delegates took steps to ease Step 1 stress and help unmatched medical school grads, and the AMA opposes harmful budget proposals on student loans. 

series
Medical School Life
The Road to Residency
Person packing a suitcase
·
6 Min Read

Answering top medical student questions about away rotations

From planning to performance, find out how away rotations can support your Match goals—and whether they’re necessary for your preferred specialty.

series
Clinical Rotations
The Road to Residency
Cartoon figure reaches out a helping hand
·
6 Min Read

When residency program signals matter—and when they probably don’t

Latest NRMP survey shows how program directors are really using signals sent by residency applicants. Learn how to build a smart signaling strategy.

series
Preparing for Residency
The Road to Residency