Two-Year Interview and Match Outcomes of Otolaryngology Preference Signaling

Objective: To present the first year-over-year data comparison of preference signaling for residency interviews in the otolaryngology application marketplace.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study conducted over 2 application cycles.

Setting: Otolaryngology training programs in the United States.

Methods: Otolaryngology residency applicants were invited to participate in preference signaling during the 2021 and 2022 application cycles. Submissions were collected using a web-based interface. The distribution of signals among programs was evaluated descriptively and in relationship to Doximity program reputation rankings. Surveys were sent to applicants to assess general attitudes and the number of interview invitations received from signaled and nonsignaled programs. Surveys were sent to programs to evaluate use of signals and the impact on match results.

Results: Programs received a range of signals, from 0 to 66, with 50% of signals going to 24% of programs in 2022, which was similarly found in 2021. Programs of higher rank tended to receive more signals. Overall, >87% of surveyed applicants received an interview offer from at least 1 program that they signaled. In 2021 and 2022, applicants were 2.6 times more likely to get an interview from a signaled program than a comparator nonsignaled program. A greater positive impact on interview offer rate was seen for less competitive applicants. Signaling was viewed favorably by the majority of surveyed applicants and programs.

Conclusions: Preference signaling for otolaryngology residency interviews demonstrates a promising mechanism to improve applicant visibility to programs during the application cycle. This impact is consistent over 2 application cycles.