Application Process
2014 Main Residency Match
The Penn State Neurosurgery Residency Program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and matches two residents per year as a categorical training program.
Concurrent with participating in the NRMP, Neurological Surgery programs use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). All applications are taken through ERAS only. We do not accept paper applications. All applications are considered without regard to race, religion, gender, or national origin.
Penn State Neurosurgery Interview Dates for the 2014 Match:
- November 1, 2013
- November 15, 2013
- December 13, 2012
Deadline for Applications for the 2014 Match:
- October 14, 2014
Steps for a successful Match…
- Register with the National Resident Matching Program (NMRP). All our first-year residency positions are filled through the NRMP.
- Register with the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). All applicants to our residency program must come through ERAS.
- Application Deadline: Due to the volume of applications we receive and the time constraints of individual interviews, we may not consider applications received after October 14th.
- A completed application is required for review.
The following items must be included in your ERAS application:
- Personal Statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- At least three (3) letters of recommendation from faculty members with whom you have worked and at least one (1) from a neurosurgeon. We will not review more than 4 letters of recommendation. We do not require a letter from your department chairman.
- Dean's letter
- Medical school transcripts
- USMLE Step 1/COMLEX 1 is required to be selected for an interview.
- For International Medical Graduate students, ECFMG certification is required as a part of your application. Reminder, Penn State Hershey will only accept/sponsor a J-1 visa.
- US clinical experience is not required, however, neurosurgery electives and/or experience are preferred
Applications will only be reviewed once your ERAS application is complete.
Interviews
Interviews are by invitation only. Once we have reviewed your completed ERAS file we will invite qualified applicants for an interview with faculty. It would be advisable to respond to the invitation for an interview as quickly as possible, as the interview dates are usually booked quickly.
We are fortunate enough to receive many applications. Therefore, we urge you to submit your application materials as soon as you possibly can! Applications must be received by the ERAS post office no later than October 14th.
Interview Day
Interviews will be conducted on Fridays with a dinner on the preceding Thursday evening. Interviews will include a tour of the hospital campus and breakfast and lunch. Your day will begin at approximately 7:00 am and will conclude by approximately 3:30 pm depending on the number of candidates attending on any particular interview date.
Lodging
We are fortunate enough to receive many applications. Therefore, we urge you to submit your application materials as soon as you possibly can! Applications must be received by the ERAS post office no later than October 14th.
Interview Day
Interviews will be conducted on Fridays with a dinner on the preceding Thursday evening. Interviews will include a tour of the hospital campus and breakfast and lunch. Your day will begin at approximately 7:00 am and will conclude by approximately 3:30 pm depending on the number of candidates attending on any particular interview date.
Lodging
The program does not pay for your lodging. We do however suggest the Days Inn on Chocolate Avenue in Hershey. They offer a very reasonable rate; the location is close to the hospital and to our usual dinner location. The Days Inn will shuttle you from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the hospital campus upon request.