Residency Interview Questions (2027 Match)

Key dates for the 2027 Match

Virtual or in person?

“The AAMC recommends that residency and fellowship programs use a virtual interview format.”AAMC

Most specialties follow that. Emergency medicine’s program directors say “The strongly preferred option for the upcoming 2026-2027 interview cycle continues to be that programs conduct virtual” interviews (CORD). Family medicine is the exception: the AAFP’s Karen Mitchell, MD, said in June 2026, “We have found that an in-person experience is more likely to lead to a match,” while encouraging “some virtual interviews for applicants who lack resources or time to visit in person” (AAFP).

Here is how named programs describe their 2026-27 interview days:

Some programs hold in-person second looks. Utah says “There is absolutely no obligation to attend and your attendance will have no bearing on your candidacy either way” (Utah). Applying for fellowship later? See our fellowship interview guide.

Signals and interview offers

Program signals now drive many interview offers. The AAMC calls a signal “one of many data points in deciding whom to invite to interview,” notes that “sending a signal did not guarantee an interview invitation,” and reports that 96% of surveyed programs used signals to decide whom to invite in the 2026 ERAS season (AAMC). Some programs go further. Utah says “we will only review applicants who signal our program,” and the University of Washington says “we will not review an application if a signal is not received.”

Under the NRMP’s 2027 Match Participation Agreement, you can expect programs to “provide applicants no less than 48 hours to accept or reject an interview invitation.” In return, applicants should give “reasonable measures of notification (e.g., one-to-two weeks’ notice) when needing to cancel or request rescheduling of an interview” (NRMP 2027 MPA, section 6.2).

What programs can’t ask you

The NRMP’s 2027 agreement says programs are not authorized to:

• “Request that applicants reveal the numbers, names, specialties, geographic locations, or other identifying information” about programs they applied to or interviewed with;
• “Request that applicants reveal preference signal(s) if in a specialty participating in preference signaling;”
• “Request that applicants reveal their ranking preferences.” (NRMP 2027 MPA, section 6.5)

If an interviewer asks where else you interviewed or how you’ll rank them, you can decline politely. The AAFP also advises applicants: “Don’t notify programs about ranking preferences; it does not benefit applicants and can create discomfort” (AAFP).

Common residency interview questions

The AAMC publishes a list of 40 “common questions that are asked during residency interviews” (AAMC). Some of the ones worth practicing first:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this specialty?
• Why are you interested in our program?
• Can you tell me about this deficiency on your record?
• What will be the toughest aspect of this specialty for you?
• Are you prepared for the rigors of residency?
• What was the most difficult situation you encountered in medical school?
• Describe the best/worst attending with whom you have ever worked.
• What problems will our specialty face in the next 5-10 years?
• How well do you take criticism?
• What questions do you have for me?

The AAMC also gives examples of the behavioral and situational questions many programs use. Its situational example begins, “Imagine you are on your morning rounds,” and has a chief resident praise you for a case while giving you sole credit for work a colleague shared, then asks what you would do (AAMC). For behavioral questions, answer with a specific example: the situation, what you did, and what happened.

Your interviewers may have read your ERAS application, so reread your own personal statement before every interview. If you’re still writing it, see our residency personal statement examples, or work with Lauren Hammond, PhD, our personal statement editor.

For international medical graduates

IMGs need to finish ECFMG requirements before they can rank. Intealth says IMGs “must pass Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK)” and complete a Pathway that includes a satisfactory score on the Occupational English Test (OET) Medicine. For the 2027 Match, “you must submit your application no later than January 31, 2027,” and “You should take OET Medicine on or before the last available test date in December 2026.” All examination requirements must be met by the NRMP Rank Order List Certification deadline (Intealth).

Check each program’s own page for IMG requirements and visa sponsorship before you apply. For example, the University of Washington’s internal medicine program says “the UW does not provide H-1B sponsorship for residents or fellows” (UW).

On a video interview, how clearly you come across matters as much as what you say: pace, clear key words, and organized answers. That is something you can practice.

For help with how your answers come across, see residency interview coaching for IMGs from Julie Cunningham, a licensed speech-language pathologist.

Virtual interview tips

From the AAMC’s virtual interview guide (AAMC):

• “We recommend using a computer or tablet with a good webcam and microphone.”
• “Avoid having sources of bright light such as sunlight and lamps directly behind you.”
• “Position the camera at eye level so it looks like you are looking directly at the interviewer.”
• “Look at the device’s camera, not at the screen.”
• Record a mock interview “so you can get a sense of your eye contact, sound quality” and any distracting habits.

On thank-you notes, follow each program. Utah “requests that applicants do not send routine thank you notes or emails” (Utah), and the AAFP says to “Check with a program representative about sending a thank-you note” (AAFP).

For more on sounding clear on camera, see Zoom interview tips from Julie Cunningham, a licensed speech-language pathologist.

How to prepare

1. Know each program’s day. Read the program’s interview page: number of interviews, who interviews, and whether there’s a second look.
2. Practice the AAMC questions out loud. Start with “Tell me about yourself” and “Why this specialty?” Keep each answer to about two minutes.
3. Prepare a deficiency answer. If your record has a gap, a failed exam, or a leave, have a short, honest explanation and what you did next.
4. Prepare five or six patient and team stories for behavioral and situational questions.
5. Have questions ready for them. “What questions do you have for me?” is on the AAMC list for a reason.
6. Do a recorded mock interview. The AAMC recommends mock interviews and recording yourself. Get feedback from someone who will tell you the truth.

Frequently asked questions

Thinking about a letter of intent before rank lists are due? See residency letters of intent for the 2027 NRMP rules and each specialty’s guidance.

Related guides: Medical school, Medical school secondary essay prompts, PA school, Anesthesiologist assistant, and Fellowship. See all interview guides by program.

Every date, rule, and quotation on this page comes from the AAMC, NRMP, Intealth/ECFMG, a specialty organization, or the program’s own page, linked where it appears. Last checked October 28, 2026.