Specialty-specific review for Dermatology (Derm) applicants. Matched applicants averaged Step 2 CK 257. We help you meet that bar.
The patterns reviewers flag most often when screening Dermatology candidates.
Insufficient peer-reviewed publications or case reports
No derm-specific research or faculty mentor
Vague personal statement lacking a specific clinical moment
Low Step 2 CK score relative to specialty mean (257 matched)
Limited away rotations at academic programs
Derm-specific research with publications
AOA membership or top-quartile class rank
Strong letter from a dermatologist
Away rotation performance at the ranking program
Step 2 CK score above 255
Three concrete moves we'll work through with you, drawn from current NRMP / Charting Outcomes data.
Complete at least one away rotation at a target program and obtain a letter from the program director — dermatology PDs heavily weight rotators.
Aim for ≥2 peer-reviewed derm publications or case reports before submitting; the average matched applicant has ~28 abstracts/presentations/publications.
Signal all 3 gold programs at institutions where you have a personal connection or away rotation, reserving silver signals for geographic reach programs.
US MD match rate 82.8% · 52 positions
Read more →NeurosurgUS MD match rate 68.7% · 268 positions
Read more →OphthoUS MD match rate 72% · 525 positions
Read more →OrthoUS MD match rate 73.1% · 929 positions
Read more →We'll pair you with a reviewer who's served on Dermatology selection committees. Your personal statement, CV, and signal strategy — line-edited against the bar above.
Data sourced from NRMP / AAMC, NRMP / AAMC. Match year 2025.