Match Day

Match Day is the culmination of four challenging and arduous years, and, in some ways, is the most exciting day of the Medical School experience. Students receive notice of their residency matches, beginning at 11 a.m.

By Vanderbilt tradition, names are randomly selected by the Associate Dean for Students, and as each person receives the envelope, he or she places one dollar in a fishbowl. The last person called gets to keep all the money, as a reward for patience in the face of high anxiety.

The medical school sponsors a reception for students, faculty and significant others immediately following the Match Day ceremony. The celebration then continues at a variety of local establishments.

Although the huge majority of VUSM students successfully match, each year about 2 or 3 students do not, for a variety of reasons, often strategic. In the past, unmatched students have secured a position within 24 hours, aided by the Dean's Office and faculty advisors.

medschool.vanderbilt.edu/events/match-day