Influencing Factors of Preference Signaling in the 2022 Urology Residency Match

To evaluate influencing factors of preference signaling (PS) among urology residency applicants during the 2022 American Urological Association (AUA) Match.

We emailed an anonymous, deidentified questionnaire survey to applicants to our institution for the 2022 AUA Match. The main question asked to applicants was "What factor(s) went into your decision to send 'Program X' a preference signal?" Certain questions allowed the selection of multiple options, and applicants were further asked to specify these by selecting a single most important option. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS software.

Out of 601 registrants to the AUA match, 324 individuals applied to our institution and therefore received a survey; 77 responded for a 24% response rate. A total of 383 PS were sent by the 77 applicants. Overall, 73% and 49% of the total 383 PS had program location and reputation, respectively, selected as an influencing factor. More than 1 influencing factor was considered in 73% of PS selections, with program location (45%) considered the most important factor. In relation to applicant competitiveness, 35% of PS were sent to perceived "target" programs, 31% to "reach" programs, and 8% to "safety" programs. Among respondents who matched, 75% matched at a home, away, or signaled program.

Program location appears to be the most influential factor in sending a program a PS. Programs were also signaled based on applicant's perception of their own competitiveness. PS appears to have a possible beneficial impact on obtaining interviews and successfully matching.