🧠 Match Q&A: How Many Interviews Do IMGs Need to Match?

✅ Quick Answer:

There’s no magic number — but most IMGs are told they need 10–15 interviews to have a strong chance. However, that number is based on applicants without interview training. If you’re prepared and polished, you only need one.

🧠 Expert Insight:

You’ve probably heard that IMGs need 10 to 15 interviews to have a strong chance. And while that’s not untrue, it’s based on averages — usually for applicants without formal training or coaching. But Matching doesn’t happen by luck. It happens by ranking.

According to the 2024 NRMP Program Director Survey, interview performance is the #1 factor residency programs use when deciding how to rank applicants — more important than your Step scores, MSPE, or even your letters.

So the real question is: Can you be ranked high enough at just one program? And the answer is yes - if you’re ready to perform.

The most common reasons IMGs don’t Match — even when they get interviews — are:

  • Memorizing answers that sound stiff or scripted

  • Using AI tools or recycled answer templates that make them sound like everyone else

  • Poor delivery — monotone voice, nervous body language, awkward pauses

  • And one of the biggest: practicing with untrained friends or strangers online who offer feedback without any expertise

    (We call this the “blind leading the blind” problem.

Practicing is not enough. You have to build the right techniques, tailored to your natural speaking style, personality, and cultural background — so that you sound like the most real, competent, and likable version of yourself. Because at the end of the day, you’re not just being evaluated as a test-taker — you’re being evaluated as a future teammate.

🩺 Real Case Example:

A student from Mission Residency had only 2 interviews. Step 2 CK was 228. YOG 2014.

But he trained hard, reframed his gap year, and created a strong narrative. He ranked both programs. One of them ranked him back. He Matched.

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🖊️ Written by Dr. Brian

Residency Interview and Match Expert

Last updated: June 23, 2025