Application

A note about the application review process for the 2025 Match:

We appreciate that the application process for residency programs across specialties, and for general surgery in particular, has become increasingly competitive, with record numbers of applications being submitted year over year. We also realize that the application review and interview process can vary widely between institutions. We aim to be as transparent about our process as possible.

• We are committed to a holistic and fair review process for all residency applications that are submitted prior to our application deadline. As part of our commitment to innovation and excellence, we incorporate a range of tools in our evaluations, including, but not limited to, AI-assisted application reviews and Situation Judgment Testing (SurgSJT). These tools help us streamline the review process and identify key applicant strengths, but they are only two components of our comprehensive review strategy.
• Applications are reviewed regardless of USMLE scores (but as a rule passing on the first attempt is required for consideration). All applications meeting the criteria for a categorical position will undergo an initial AI-assisted holistic review. Applicants may also be asked to complete the SurgSJT assessment. From this initial review, the top group of applicants will move forward to a more detailed review by at least two review committee members to determine “fit” for WashU. Based on those scores, the top-scored applications will receive at least one additional review to determine the final group of up to 150 applicants who will be invited for virtual screening interviews. Virtual screening interviews will be conducted during the month of November. Each applicant selected for the screening interviews will have two 15-minute interviews—one with the Program Director and one with an Associate Program Director (APD) or the Vice Chair for Education. Scores from these interviews, along with SurgSJT results, will determine the final pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews.
• Please note that the only application materials we will review are those available through ERAS at the conclusion of our application review period, which closes on October 4th. We encourage you to ensure that your ERAS submission reflects the most complete and up-to-date version of your application.
• We encourage applicants to ensure that their applications reflect their authentic selves. While tools like ChatGPT and other AI technologies can be useful in drafting content or refining ideas, it’s crucial that your application truly represents you—your experiences, your motivations, and your potential as a future resident. The application process is your opportunity to make a lasting first impression, and it plays a substantial role in how our reviewers assess your fit within our program.
• Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond individually to the many supplemental emails that we receive expressing interest in our program or application updates. While we understand that you may want to keep us updated on your accomplishments, we kindly ask that you limit these communications since these updates cannot be added to the review processes once they are initiated.
• Signals are used to screen-in, not screen-out, applications (i.e., we use signals to help us identify applicants interested in our program). All signaled applications receive at least 2 reviews, regardless of their initial round 1 review score. A signal is not required to get an interview.
• Submission of the WashU General Surgery Secondary App is required in order to be considered for a categorical position in our program. It is optional for those candidates applying for the preliminary track only. It is used as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, the full ERAS application.
• We follow APDS recommendations to send the same number of initial invitations as we have interview slots. Applicants will have 48 hours to accept/reply to an interview invitation. After 48 hours with no response, that interview slot will be offered to someone on the waitlist.
• If you receive an interview invitation (either virtual screening or in-person) but have determined that you are not interested in training with us at WashU/BJH, please consider canceling well ahead of time so that the interview spot may be offered to someone truly interested. We understand that applicants choose to apply to programs for a multitude of reasons and that much goes into your decision about what program is the right choice for you. We don’t take cancellations personally, but the person who gets that interview spot will be very appreciative, and so will we!
• Since moving to virtual interviews, we have seen a steep decrease in the number of cancellations we have received for interview days (<5%). For that reason, for Match 2023 and Match 2024, we sent only a handful of waitlist invitations. If you end up on our waitlist, we will contact you about those opportunities – please don’t contact us about your position on the list, likelihood to get invited, etc. as we will be unable to respond to such queries.

*Step 1 scores must be included in your application; Step 2 CK scores are not required for your application to be reviewed, but applications with Step 2 CK scores will be prioritized and are therefore strongly recommended to be included at the time you submit your application.

**All applicants who apply to our program in ERAS by the October 4th Deadline will be sent directions on how to submit the WUSM General Surgery Secondary Application. In order to be considered for a Categorical position in the 2025 Match, all applicants MUST complete the WUSM General Surgery Secondary Application. The secondary application is OPTIONAL for those who completed the ERAS Supplemental Application. The secondary application is intended to help us better understand your training and career goals and interests, as well as your interest in our program specifically. Additional information about the WUSM General Surgery Secondary Application can be found on our Application FAQ page.