2025 NRMP data · extremely competitive

Otolaryngology ERAS Application Editing

Specialty-specific review for Otolaryngology (ENT) applicants. Matched applicants averaged Step 2 CK 256. We help you meet that bar.

81.9%
US MD match rate
139
Programs
394
PGY-1 positions
99.7%
Fill rate
What programs see

Top concerns in Otolaryngology applications

The patterns reviewers flag most often when screening Otolaryngology candidates.

Concern 1

Insufficient otolaryngology-specific research publications

Concern 2

No away rotation at a target ENT program

Concern 3

Step 2 CK below 250 (matched mean 256)

Concern 4

Generic personal statement not demonstrating ENT-specific motivation

Concern 5

Weak or non-ENT letters of recommendation

What reviewers weight

What Otolaryngology PDs prioritise

  • Otolaryngology-specific publications and presentations

  • Away rotation performance with direct faculty evaluation

  • Strong letter from an ENT PD or department chair

  • Step 2 CK above 250

  • Surgical manual dexterity and procedural exposure

Scores & metrics
Step 2 CK · matched256
Step 2 CK · unmatched248
Research experiences7.1
Publications / abstracts20
Avg programs ranked13
Program signals25
Application tips

How we help Otolaryngology applicants compete

Three concrete moves we'll work through with you, drawn from current NRMP / Charting Outcomes data.

1

Complete 1–2 ENT away rotations and obtain a letter directly from those program directors — ENT is a small field where personal familiarity is critical.

2

Submit your application with ≥1 first-author or co-author ENT publication; the matched MD average is ~7 research experiences and ~20 publications/abstracts.

3

Use all 25 signals, prioritizing programs where you rotated or have an alumnus connection from your home institution.

Cycle trends

What's changed in Otolaryngology recently

  • ENT moved into the Main NRMP Match in 2022 (previously SFMATCH), changing the application timeline and allowing broader applicant pooling.
  • USMLE Step 1 went pass/fail in January 2022; ENT now uses Step 2 CK as the primary numeric benchmark, with matched MD average of ~256.
  • Program signaling (25 flat-tier signals) was introduced for ENT in the 2023-2024 ERAS cycle, improving match efficiency for top-interest programs.

Ready to compete in Otolaryngology?

We'll pair you with a reviewer who's served on Otolaryngology selection committees. Your personal statement, CV, and signal strategy — line-edited against the bar above.

Competitive Specialty · $1299Compare All Tiers

Data sourced from NRMP / AAMC, NRMP / AAMC. Match year 2025.