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Application Procedures

MUSC Psychiatry Residency program participates in the National Resident MatchingProgram (NRMP)). Applications for our PGY 1 positions (July 1st start) are only accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS). Please note that faxed, mailed or emailed materials will not be processed. Applications must be complete to be considered for an interview. A personal interview is required to be considered for a residency position. We suggest you have all materials submitted as soon as possible. Interviews are conducted November through January on mostMondays and Fridays

Interviews are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Dates will fill quickly. If you are offered an interview, don't delay getting your date scheduled!  Interviews are scheduled via Thalamus.

The following items must be received through ERAS (please go to the ERAS website for further instructions):

  • Common Application Form
  • Personal Statement
  • Recent Photograph
  • Dean's Letter (MSPE)
  • Three Other Letters from medical school faculty (at least one from psychiatry faculty)
  • Official Medical School Transcript
  • Copy of USMLE or COMLEX board scores. Results of USMLE Step 2 (CK) must be received by February 1

Email: psychresidency@musc.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

We review all applications holistically.  First time pass for USMLE/Comlex 1 & 2 is highly regarded. Multiple fails in any step may preclude an interview.  We emphasize the entire application and do not base decisions solely on exam performance.

The average score varies year to year, but the USMLE score is only one consideration in offering an interview and ranking an applicant. First time pass in all three USMLE steps is highly regarded. Multiple fails in any step will likely preclude an interview.

U.S. clinical experience is highly regarded and adds to a candidate’s desirability. These applications are more competitive and more likely to earn an interview. Observer ships are less helpful than actual clinical experience with patient responsibility. Significant research experience in the field can add weight to an application as well.

There is no absolute cut off and we do not discriminate based on age. Preference is given to more recent graduates and those with recent U.S. clinical experience. We value experience in Psychiatry, Behavior Health and Primary Care.  A track record of responsible clinical work or scholarly activity in the field of psychiatry and neuroscience is weighted more highly than applications with no prior experience in the field.

(For graduates of non LCME or AOA schools and “non-resident”visa applicants)

We do not have specific IMG criteria and look at each applicant based on their array of strengths. For PGY I applications, due to volume, we cannot review individual materials outside of the NRMP process and use ERAS as our only application review mechanism. A strong command of spoken and written English is required for consideration.