Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Urology, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring urologist.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Step 2: Review Urology Match Data
Urology is a highly competitive specialty. In 2024, there were 540 applicants for 394 positions. Of note, Urology has its own matching program – the Urology Residency Match Program – administered jointly by the American Urological Association and Society of Academic Urologists. The Urology Match takes place in January. In 2024, 13%, 42%, and 57% of US MD seniors, US DO seniors, and international medical graduate applicants failed to match.
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
"Usually, we receive around 250-300 applications for our 3 civilian positions," writes the Department of Urology at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio.
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in urology, you must become well informed as early as possible. In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents.
We recommend beginning with the following resources:
Check out these recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
The process of matching into the specialty and/or program of your choice begins well before it’s time to work on the residency application. Success is the culmination of many decisions and actions that take place over a period of several years.
Many medical students struggle to become strong residency applicants not because they are not talented or hardworking, but because they lack knowledge or guidance about the actions they should take to position themselves for future success.
Complicating matters even further is the rapidly changing landscape in residency admissions making it difficult for both residency applicants and mentors to stay well informed. A recent study showed that 75% of faculty advisors had advising concerns due to lack of knowledge of current practices or recent changes to the residency application.
As competition for positions in the urology residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to be an informed candidate who has the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." Fully updated in 2025 with over 1,000 pages of powerful information, the book is a must-have resource to help you stand out from the competition.
This book will empower you to become a stronger urology residency applicant. Inside, you'll find answers to the following questions and much more:
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How can a student shine during the urology away or audition elective?
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What should your signaling strategy be in urology?
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What strategies are particularly useful for urology reapplicants?
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Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
The preclinical years of medical school are important for students considering a career in urology but the curriculum can make it challenging for students to gain exposure to the field. A recent study of U.S. medical schools found that there were no urology lectures or coursework in nearly half of medical schools prior to the start of third-year clinical rotations.
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
Your USMLE Step 1 exam score is a major factor used by urology residency programs in the selection process. "The USMLE Step 1 score is the single most important 'separator' for program directors determining who gets an interview," writes Dr. Jeffrey Weiss, Professor and Chair of the Department of Urology at SUNY Downstate. "Again, Step 1 of 230 or greater should be sought."
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observerships and Externships
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.