Value of Gold and Silver Signals and their Correlation with Step Scores on OBGYN Interview Offers

Competition for residency positions has led to application inflation. In the 2022-23 cycle, 16 residency specialties allowed applications to be submitted with a virtual “token” - signaling a preferred interest in a program. OBGYN was the only program using a two-tiered system that allowed applicants to assign signals using “gold” to indicate highest interest and “silver” indicating very high interest. We examined the impact of the tiered signals on interview offer trends of senior students pursuing OBGYN at a large allopathic medical school and if the interview rate was correlated with their USMLE step scores. A cross-sectional, anonymous survey included the number of interviews obtained from applications submitted using gold signals (3), silver signals (15), and no signal (no cap). Fifteen students identified as participating in the OBGYN match with 100% participation, ten of whom were from regional campuses (67%). The mean interview rate differed based on signaling, showing increased likelihood of interview offers based on signal type. Step 1 and step 2 quartile rank were not associated with signal interview rate. This study supports the use of tiered signals as a method for students to express an interest in specific programs and have it recognized by programs in extending interview offers. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. This study was IRB exempt.