What Residency Programs Look for in the Matching Process

Even before you set foot in a hospital or take your first licensing exam, you’re already laying the foundation for residency. From the relationships you build to the way you approach learning, every part of medical school shapes the physician you’re becoming — and residency programs are paying attention.

At Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, we’re designing an educational experience that prepares you to stand out in the match process, not only with strong academic and clinical performance, but also with clarity, compassion, and character.

Here’s what residency programs are looking for, and how you can start preparing now.

1. Academic and Clinical Readiness

Why it matters: Strong performance in your pre-clerkship and clerkship years shows that you’re ready for the demands of residency. Programs look closely at your transcript, clinical evaluations, and USMLE scores.

How AWSOM prepares you: Through a rigorous, whole-health-focused curriculum, you’ll build a deep, lasting understanding of medicine, not just for tests, but for real-world care. You’ll also gain early clinical exposure, which helps you feel more confident and competent when it counts most.

2. A Track Record of Curiosity and Commitment

Why it matters: Residency directors want students who go beyond the minimum — people who engage deeply with their interests, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully to their community.

How AWSOM prepares you: Whether it’s scholarly research, quality improvement, or advocacy, you’ll have access to faculty mentors who help you develop your interests into projects that matter. Our curriculum also emphasizes the arts, humanities, and whole-person development, which helps you build the kind of depth that stands out.

3. Leadership, Service, and Professionalism

Why it matters: Being a great resident isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about teamwork, initiative, communication, and integrity. These traits often show up in your letters of recommendation and interviews.

How AWSOM prepares you: Our culture is built on well-being, collaboration, and mutual respect. You’ll have opportunities to lead, serve, and grow — from peer mentoring to community volunteering projects. Additionally, we are intentional about integrating self-care into our learning environment so that you’ll be equipped to support both your patients’ well-being and your own.

4. Strong Relationships and Mentorship

Why it matters: Letters of recommendation can open doors, especially when they come from faculty who know you well.

How AWSOM prepares you: With small class sizes, academic houses, and coaching from your physician mentor, you won’t be just a name on a roster. You’ll build relationships with faculty, advisers, and clinical preceptors who understand your goals and are invested in your success.

5. A Clear, Authentic Story

Why it matters: Residency programs review thousands of applications — what sets you apart is a clear sense of who you are, how you performed in medical school, and the values and attributes of the doctor you will be.

How AWSOM prepares you: Our whole health approach invites you to reflect on your “why” and stay connected to it throughout your training. That clarity becomes a powerful strength, not just in your personal statement and interviews, but in your journey as a physician. Additionally, attending and being a part of shaping a new medical school will be a part of your story, demonstrating your leadership and ability to contribute to new ventures.

You’re Building Your Match Story Now

AWSOM is in the process of obtaining full programmatic accreditation with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Enrollment in and graduation from an LCME-accredited institution is required for students to take national licensure examinations and ultimately, obtain a license to practice medicine in the United States. AWSOM completed the first step in the LCME accreditation process, preliminary accreditation, on October 16, 2024.

The remaining two stages of LCME accreditation are provisional and full accreditation. An on-site survey visit for provisional accreditation is expected to take place in January 2027, with a decision from the LCME regarding provisional accreditation taking place in June of that year. Assuming that the School is successful in obtaining provisional accreditation, it will undergo an on-site survey visit for full accreditation when the charter class is in its final year of study.

While full accreditation from the LCME will not be achieved until after the first-class graduates in 2029, students graduating from a medical school with preliminary accreditation are considered to have graduated from an accredited institution and are therefore eligible to begin graduate medical education and to become licensed medical practitioners.

AWSOM’s advancements towards full accreditation affirm our pursuit to prepare students not just to match, but to lead, innovate, and thrive.

Be AWSOM

Your path to residency begins the day you start medical school. The good news? You don’t have to walk it alone.

Are you ready to take the next step in your medical education? Learn more about our application process, facilities, and curriculum.