Signal Recommendations highlight programs where sending a preference signal can meaningfully improve your interview chances. Some residency programs give special consideration to applicants who formally signal their interest, and SmartPick identifies where this strategy is likely to help.

We analyze each program’s interview outcomes and published match data, focusing on how they respond to preference signals. Programs with higher interview rates for signaled applicants are flagged as strong signaling opportunities in SmartPick. We also consider historical data showing which specialties and programs are most responsive to signals.