Preference Signaling and Success in the 2025 Urology Residency Match: Applicant and Program Director Perspectives

To evaluate residency applicant and program director (PD) perceptions of preference signaling in the 2025 urology match, as well as factors associated with a successful match.

Two anonymous, web-based surveys were distributed by email to applicants and PDs. Surveys assessed views regarding the signaling process.

251 applicants and 53 PDs completed the surveys. Applicants applied to a median of 46 (36-63) programs and received 15 (9-19) interview offers, 12 (8-17) of which were from signaled programs. Programs received a median of 115 (70-152) signals and interviewed 40 (35-48) applicants. PDs primarily used signals for initial application screening (81%) and interview offer decisions (62%); only 9% used signals to determine rank list position. Among the 85% of surveyed applicants who matched, 95% did so at a signaled program. Interview yield was the primary distinguishing factor between matched and unmatched applicants (median 14 vs 4 offers). Overall, 87% of applicants and 68% of PDs were satisfied with the current 30-signal allotment.

Applicants and PDs were satisfied with the current signaling process. Signals played a major role in interview decisions, and most applicants matched at a program they signaled. The expansion from five to 30 preference signals was well-received, associated with fewer applications per applicant, and helped programs identify applicants with genuine interest in their institutions.