There are many ways medical schools and their students can work together to achieve greater USMLE® results. It is the responsibility of the school to educate students in the material they need to know to pass the USMLE® exams. Students can also ask their school for a potential schedule with the best suggested times to take the exams prior to residency application.

Medical students should work together with their medical school’s clinical rotations coordinator to put together clinical rotations that will best prepare them for residency. Helpful clinical rotations will not only put students in hospitals that may potentially give them interviews but also help them make further connections.

Previously called the Dean’s Letter, MSPEs tell the story about a student from the perspective of their medical school. These documents outline the student’s time in medical school and what the medical school knows about the student’s performance. Typical sections include unique characteristics, background information, a rotations summary with comments, and a conclusion about the student. Students should request to see the MSPE before it is submitted to ensure all the information is accurate.

The Residency Application is extensive and confusing. Medical students should begin learning about the residency process as soon as possible to better prepare themselves for when it’s their turn. It is never too early to communicate with your medical school about your steps towards residency.