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No. The prohibition on questions about other programs to which an applicant is applying pertains to all programs regardless of PGY level.

No. The restriction on questions about applicants’ interviewing behaviors includes geographic region; however, programs can ask applicants why they are interested in the city or state where that program is located.

Yes. Restricting a program’s ability to ask applicants about the names, specialties, geographical locations, or other identifying information about programs to which applicants have or may apply is not intended to limit mentoring relationships. Residency and fellowship program directors are encouraged to help applicants and residents who seek guidance about their training plans.

Limiting questions about other programs protects and respects an applicant’s right to privacy and minimizes undue or unwarranted pressure. In addition, programs are encouraged to submit rank order lists that are based on applicants’ credentials and goodness of fit for the program rather than the likelihood of the applicant ranking the program. Programs still can…

Last Updated: February 9, 2026 Our Commitment to Privacy The National Resident Matching Program® (“NRMP®”), a non-profit organization, collects, uses, and discloses Personal Information that you provide or that is generated or received in connection with NRMP’s matching services including our websites, applications, and technology platforms (collectively, the “Services”). “Personal Information” as used in this Privacy Statement refers to information that is related to an identified or…

Shining a Light on Match News that Matters This issue of the Illuminator includes: Ranking Opens February 2 at 12 p.m. ET for the 2026 Main Residency Match® Explore NRMP’s support guides, videos, and resources about entering and certifying rank order lists for programs and applicants. Please remember: Assistance is available from the NRMP Support…

Applicant and Program Director Surveys will be administered to 2026 Main Residency Match® participants beginning March 5. We want to hear from you!  The National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP®) administers an annual Applicant Survey and a biennial Program Director Survey to applicants and program directors who have certified a rank order list (ROL) during the Main Residency Match® (MRM). For the 2026 Main Residency Match, both surveys will be administered between…

Programs are free to implement eligibility requirements as it sees fit. The NRMP simply expects that programs will convey those policy changes to all applicants interviewed.

Shining a Light on Match News that Matters This issue of the Illuminator includes: NRMP® Update on the Congressional Inquiry The National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP®) has published a Letter to the Community from President and CEO Dr. Donna Lamb offering essential insight into the recent congressional inquiry surrounding the transition to residency and the…