Demystifying the Dermatology Residency Application Process, Part II - Application Season: Strategic Application, Interviewing, and Mentorship.

Abstract

The dermatology residency match has become increasingly competitive, culminating in a 2025 United States senior MD match rate of 63 % according to the NRMP. Considering this trend, this three-part review aims to demystify the dermatology application process for future applicants. Part II of this series focuses on key components of the application process that shape applicant success, including preference signaling, geographic preferencing, letters of recommendation (LoRs), audition rotations, interviews, mentorship, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence (AI). Preference signaling and geographic preferencing may improve applicant-program alignment, though they risk exacerbating inequities if applied inconsistently or opaquely. LoRs remain among the most influential and subjective components of the application, with those authored by academic dermatologists carrying particular weight. Audition rotations offer applicants the opportunity to demonstrate clinical performance and cultural fit but are costly and may reinforce socioeconomic disparities. The number of interviews completed strongly predicts match success, though interview hoarding and variability in virtual evaluation remain unresolved challenges. Structured mentorship, especially for applicants without a home dermatology program, significantly improves application strength. Finally, AI tools are increasingly used by both applicants and programs, raising important questions about transparency, authorship, and bias. Collectively, these evolving practices underscore the need for continued research and reform to ensure a more equitable and evidence-based dermatology Match.