How much does residency advising cost?

We have a range of bundles depending on the level of support you are looking for. Editing Essentials is for students seeking line-by-line edits of their personal statement and ERAS experiences section from a specialty-matched advisor; it includes 4 rounds of edits plus a 30-minute kickoff strategy call and is priced at $699. Our Comprehensive Advising package is $1,599 and includes personalized support for every aspect of your road to residency, from VSLO strategy through Match Day, with 5 hours of 1:1 time with your resident advisor plus 4 line-by-line document revisions you can use toward your personal statement and ERAS editing. For students who want no limits, our Unlimited Advising package is $2,999 and includes unlimited sessions, edits, mock interviews, and strategy calls with up to two specialty-matched physician advisors, which is great for dual applicants.

Who conducts my mock interview?

A current resident physician in your target specialty, someone who recently sat on the applicant side of the exact interviews you're preparing for. Because they successfully went through the cycle themselves and now interview students for their own program, they know the questions programs in your specialty are actually asking right now and how program directors are evaluating your answers. Our near-peer approach means your prep reflects how interviews work today and is catered to your application and target specialty.

When should I start interview prep?

Interview season moves fast, so having your "why specialty," "why program," and red-flag answers polished before your first real interview makes a big difference. We recommend your first mock interview within the first few weeks of hitting submit on ERAS so you can get ahead on prepping your answers, with subsequent sessions closer to your actual interview dates.

How much do mock interviews cost?

Our mock interviews are one hour in length and are available as single sessions or in bundles of 1, 2, or 3 sessions, so you can choose the level of preparation that fits your needs. Each session is a full-length, specialty-specific mock interview with a resident physician in your field, followed by detailed, personalized feedback. The cost depends on the number of sessions you purchase, and ranges from $199 for a single session to $449 for the 3-session bundle.

What kinds of questions will we cover?

Our goal is to hit the highest-yield items you're likely to face: traditional and behavioral questions, "why this specialty" and "why this program," red-flag and gap discussions, ethical scenarios, and the tricky curveballs specific to your field and application.

Will you help with virtual interview skills?

Yes. Nearly all residency interviews are now virtual, and there's a real skill to performing well on camera that goes beyond the verbal component of the answers you give. We give you feedback on your setup, eye contact, pacing, and presence, so you come across as confident and prepared through the screen.

How is the feedback delivered?

After your mock, your advisor walks you through structured feedback on your answers, delivery, and body language, then gives you specific, actionable ways to improve before the real thing. You'll leave each session knowing exactly what to work on.

Do you work with DO and IMG applicants?

Absolutely. We work with US MD, DO, and IMG applicants across every specialty, and we're intimately familiar with the specific questions and concerns each background tends to face in interviews, including how to speak to your path with confidence.

Expert Residency Interview Prep

Q: Who is residency advising for?

Most medical schools lack the infrastructure to provide in-depth, personalized guidance for your application strategy, personal statement, or interview skills. Every MatchPal advisor is a current resident who demonstrated excellence in their own residency application outcome, helps evaluate applicants for their current program, and has guided many students in matching their top-choice specialty and program.

Q: Who will my advisor be?

A current resident physician in your target specialty who recently matched under the current ERAS rules, including program signaling, geographic preferences, and the scholarly works section. That near-peer, specialty-matched pairing is the heart of what we do: your advisor knows exactly what your specialty is looking for because they just navigated it themselves. We guarantee a specialty-matched advisor, and we also do our best to pair you based on educational background (MD/DO) and geographic region of preference.

Mock interviews and strategic mentorship for every step after ERAS submission from physicians in your target specialty

Your application got you the interview.
The interview decides where you match.

(Source: NRMP Program Director Survey)

Most schools offer zero formal interview preparation or support, leaving you guessing on how to frame your application optimally for your target specialty.

MatchPal pairs you with a resident in your target specialty with admissions committee experience to ensure you sell yourself as an asset to your future residency program and clinch your top choice rank.

student feedback that speaks for itself

      
   Matchpal Residency Advising
   14 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Perez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I genuinely cannot say enough good things about MatchPal and the incredible experience I’ve had working with Tracie throughout my residency application process!

Tracie has been an absolutely PHENOMENAL advisor, and I truly believe that working with her has made a tremendous difference in my chances of matching. From the very beginning, she helped me identify and address weaknesses in my application, strengthen how I presented myself, and highlight my experiences and strengths in ways I never would have thought to do on my own.

Having gone through the medical school application process years ago, I remember how discouraging it felt to put so much effort into applications and receive so few responses. This time around, the experience has been completely different. We are only at the beginning of interview season, and I have already received 11 residency interview invitations! I genuinely attribute a significant part of that success to Tracie's guidance, expertise, and dedication to helping me put my best foot forward.

For the first time, I genuinely feel like I have a real shot at matching into my number one residency program, and I don't think I would be in this position without her help.

To Joseph, thank you for creating such an incredible service, and to Tracie, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done for me. I am beyond grateful!

I already can't wait for the day I get to send Tracie the message telling her that I MATCHED and celebrate that moment with her, even if it's virtually! 🎉

If you're a medical student preparing for the residency Match, I cannot recommend MatchPal and Tracie for pediatrics advising highly enough. Investing in their guidance has been one of the best decisions I've made throughout this entire process!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Scarlett Kass 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matchpal helped make the residency application process seamless. I was able to match my #1 choice !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lawrence Markel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the biggest things my med school was lacking was mentorship from actual physicians. We had a writing advisor and someone that  gave general guidance but neither were physicians and most of the feedback I got was pretty generic and not specific to my specialty or application.

So grateful to all of the residents that make this platform happen and actually spend the time to not only dig into our apps and provide specialty specific guidance for residency applications and also be able to offer it to students from such a wide range of specialties and backgrounds.
Wish my school had a system like this in place
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kaley Weil 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This platform was an incredible discovery for me as an ms3. As someone without a home program in General Surgery, working with Dr Kiernan was a godsend. From helping me plan and secure my top choice away rotations, to revising my personal statement & application, and helping me prep for literally every single type of interview question I got all the way through matching my #1 program in California, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her constant guidance, insight, and support.

Unfortunately there are just things medical schools don’t cover when it comes to strategy or subspecialty guidance if you lack a home program and my advisor helped me navigate every single one of those points between MS3 and Matching.

Any student who is struggling with finding high quality mentorship or support ahead of the residency application process should strongly consider working with a matchpal advisor.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicole Veyg 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Needed some guidance on how to approach ERAS and my retake exam after a Level1 failure.

Worked with Dr Turner on revising and strategizing around my OB residency app and Dr Thomas for COMLEX prep and both were fantastic.
Passed my retake, honored all of my MS3 rotations, and matched my preferred specialty thanks to these two amazing docs and the rest of the MatchPal team that helped make it happen!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Aviel Zaghi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Huge shoutout to Dr Gofman for working with me on my Derm residency app & interview prep!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Vilk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There are a lot of tutoring companies out there, but almost none focus specifically on the COMLEX exam from people who took the test and scored well on it themselves

That’s what stood out to me about Matchpal and why I used them for COMLEX level one and level two prep.

Ellena was so knowledgeable, supportive, and consistent with me throughout the entire time. She’s a god send for anyone looking for tutoring for these exams.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Lev 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Got paired with an excellent tutor for my COMLEX level 2 retake. Thank you so much to the matchpal team and Dr Foss for helping me boost my score by over 150 points on the 2nd attempt.

The included OMM Bootcamp was also super clutch as many of my OMM questions were covered in the course!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   stanley ventsel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was initially hesitant about working with a platform like this but after reflecting on the last few months I am so happy I took the step to work with matchpal.

My internal medicine advisor completely tore apart my PS, helped me rewrite every single one of my ERAS experiences, and worked with me to come up with a signal token strategy that has already started to yield interviews.

Still waiting todo my mock interviews which were included in the bundle that I got, but thus far the experience has been nothing short of fantastic  and I’m grateful to their team for taking the time out of their busy resident schedules to help applicants out in such an in depth fashion.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Our Post-Application Residency
Advising Services Include:

Mock
Interviewing

Practice realistic residency interviews with personalized feedback to sharpen your answers, confidence, and communication.

Interviewing Scheduling
Triage Support

Navigate competing interview invitations and scheduling conflicts with strategic guidance on prioritizing dates and opportunities.

Rank List
Building Assistance

Work with a resident in your specialty to organize your priorities, preferences, and program insights into a thoughtful, personalized rank list.

1,000+

Students successfully guided since 2022

99.3%

Categorical, preferred specialty match rate

84%

of our students match in their top 3 ranks!

Explore Our Interview Season Bundles

Interview Prep
Foundations

$399

Targeted interview prep

✔ 2 x 1hr mock-interview sessions with experienced mentor in your target specialty

✔ Specialty-specific interview questions and advice

✔ Customized interview strategy to highlight your specific strengths

✔ Detailed written feedback

Interview Season
Essentials

$799

Comprehensive interview prep & strategic support

✔ Everything from the Interview Essentials Package Plus:

✔ 2 x 1hr sessions to be used for additional mock interviews OR any other interview related service including:
- Virtual interview setup review
- Pre-interview dinner & social coaching
- Post interview communication strategy

✔ 1 hour of rank list building assistance

✔ Interview scheduling triage support for managing invites that arrive at the same moment, waitlists, and conflicting dates

✔ Comprehensive Interview Guide included for FREE

Unlimited Mock Interview & Strategy

$1,399

Full-season mentorship through Match Day plus Residency onboarding!

✔ Everything from the Interview Essentials Package & Residency Essentials Package Plus:

✔ Unlimited mock interviews for up to 2 specialties

✔ Unlimited communication (text & email) with your mentor from now through Match Day

✔ Up to 2 hours specialized match strategy as needed including low-invite rescue, couples match, contingency planning, and SOAP support (if needed).

✔ 1 hour Transition to Intern Year session from a resident in your target specialty

✔ Longitudinal partnership with experienced resident mentor from your specialty for the entire interview season

What sets MatchPal apart?

100% RESIDENT RUN PLATFORM

Every single advisor on our team is a current resident. We are proud to have representation from every single specialty in the Match!

SPECIALTY-SPECIFIC GUIDANCE GUARANTEED

We guarantee that you get paired with a physician advisor in your target specialty for every single one of your sessions.

STAY ON TOP OF UPDATES

We give you the insights & strategy to navigate it successfully from our experience working with thousands of students over the last 4 years.

LONGITUDINAL MENTORSHIP

We work with students on every single step of the road to residency, from ERAS submission through Match Day and their transition to residency.

What to Expect

At MatchPal, we redefine residency mentorship by pairing you exclusively with active residents advisors in your dream specialty.

Our unique approach ensures you receive the most up-to-date insights into residency selection criteria, match process updates, and specialty-specific strategies.

With MatchPal, you’re not just getting advice; you’re getting guidance from those who lived and breathed the residency journey themselves and have successfully guided 1,000+ others in doing the same.

Ready to learn more? Schedule a free strategy call below!

Interview Prep FAQ

Who is interview prep for?

Residency interview prep is for any medical student (US MD/DO/IMG) that is looking for personalized guidance in ensuring they are optimizing their chances and putting their absolute best foot forward through every single aspect of the interview season.

Most medical schools completely lack the infrastructure to be able to provide in depth, personalized guidance for your interview preparation or strategy.

MatchPal Interview Prep ensures you get timely, specialty-specific feedback on your interview strategy and responses before your interview season starts so you show up on your first interview ready to excel.

Every single MatchPal advisor is a current resident who demonstrated excellence in their own residency application outcome, serves on their current programs admissions committee, and has helped guide countless students in matching their top choice specialty & program.

Who will my advisor be?

We guarantee all of your interview prep sessions will be conducted by a current resident physician in your target specialty.

That near-peer, specialty-matched pairing is the heart of what we do: your advisor knows exactly what your specialty is looking for because they recently navigated it themselves.

We also do our best to pair you based on educational background (MD/DO) and geographic region of preference, when available.

How much does Interview Prep cost?

We have a range of bundles depending on the level of support you are looking for.

Whether you are looking for a few practice sessions before the season begins, or unlimited, full season support from pre-interviews till Match Day, we’ve got an option that suits your needs and goals!

Do you help DO students match into competitive specialties?

Yes, and it’s one of the things we do best.

A large part of our team matched into competitive specialties as DOs, so they know firsthand how to position an osteopathic application, navigate COMLEX and USMLE score reporting, and how to compete for fields where DOs are historically underrepresented.

How quickly will I be paired with my advisor?

After you purchase, you’ll receive an invitation to our portal to complete a short intake form, and we use that to match you with the best-fit advisor from our team, who reaches out to start scheduling.

You can expect to be paired within 48 hours of submitting your intake form.

Will my interviewer help me explain my red flags?

Absolutely. Whether you are struggling with how to frame a failed board exam, disciplinary action, LOA, rotation failure, or any other red flag – there is nothing our team has not helped a student navigate before!

We help you focus on the unique aspects of your application, frame the red flag in a positive light, and ensure you can handle difficult conversations with confidence.

Our Team >

Testimonials >

FAQs >

Competitive Specialty Accelerator Program >

COMLEX Tutoring >

USMLE Tutoring >

OMM Bootcamp >

Residency Advising by Service

Comprehensive Residency Application Advising >

COMLEX Tutoring >

USMLE Tutoring >

OMM Bootcamp >

Sub-Internship Bootcamps

MatchPal Blog >

Specialty Selector >

Rank List Generator >

VSLO Rotation Review Form & Database >

Expert Residency Interview Prep

Your application got you the interview. The interview decides where you match.