Steps - from start to finish

Registration
Program Directory
Selecting Programs
Applying to Programs
Interviews
Ranking Programs
Viewing Your Match Results
Withdrawing from the Match
Additional information about your SF Match account

1. Registration

Click on the "Login/Register" button on the left hand side menu.
Click on "New Applicant" link at the bottom of the login screen.
Fill out your contact information and choose the Match you wish to register for.
The non-refundable registration fee can be paid by Visa or MasterCard. Check payments must be mailed along with check coupon and may take up to 7 business days to be processed.
Once you are registered, you will gain access to view the Program Directory and manage your Matching and Application process through your secured SF Match account.

2. Program Directory

You can view the complete list of available programs by clicking "Search" or search specific programs by entering a search criteria. More information about the program can be viewed by clicking on the program's name.

3. Selecting Programs

Check the programs you are interested in and add them to your Programs List by clicking on "Add My Programs". This will help you keep track of programs you wish to apply. Please note that there is an additional step described below to submit your distribution choices.

4. Applying to Programs

The use of the Central Application Service (CAS) is mandatory for programs and applicants.

I. Download the CAS Instructions booklet for information on how to assemble a complete application.
II. Selecting programs for distribution: The program directory contains a list of participating programs in the match. It is a two-step process to submit a distribution list/apply to programs. While viewing the directory, select the check box in the upper left hand corner of each program that is of interest. After choosing the program(s), click the “add to my programs” button, which will advance you to a page with the selected programs. From this list, choose the programs that you would like to apply to by selecting the check box in the “apply” column next to each program and click the “apply to programs” button. A confirmation page will appear and allow you to continue with payment.

You may pay for your distribution fees with Visa/MasterCard or check (personal, money-order or, cashier's check). Check payments must be mailed together with a check coupon to the address listed below. Please note that check payments may take up to 7 business days to be processed.

Check Payments Only:
SF Match
c/o Wells Fargo Lockbox Services
SF Matching Program Dept #34059
3440 Walnut Ave., Bldg A, 2nd Floor
Fremont, CA 94538

Make check payable to: Plastic Surgery Residency Match

Please visit the pages related to "Central Application" located on the left-hand side menu to learn more about CAS.

5. Interviews

Programs will contact you to arrange interviews. Once you have completed an interview, login to your SF Match account and mark the programs you have interviewed. From Home page, find the “Applications” heading, click your specialty (hyperlinked). Next, click "Track Interviews" from the right-hand side menu column. Check the program(s) you have completed your interview(s) and click on "SAVE" to lock in your interview(s) as complete.

6. Submitting your rank list

Log into your SF Match account. From Home page, find the “Applications” heading, click your specialty (hyperlinked). Click on "Rank List" button from the right-hand side menu column. Only programs that you have checked as Applied and Interviewed will show on your rank list choices. Transfer the programs you wish to rank to your rank list by selecting them and clicking on the transfer arrow. You can arrange the ranking order by clicking on the up/down arrows. Once you are ready to submit your rank list, print a copy before submitting and then review the confirmation email you receive after submission to ensure that it is correct. Furthermore, you CAN delete your entire Rank List, up until the rank list deadline. When viewing your Rank List page, click “Clear Rank List” button. Confirm clearing rank list by clicking “Okay” button.

Download step-by-step instructions on how to submit your rank list (pdf format):

7. Viewing your Match results

Check the timetable to view the Match Release results day. Your Match results will be available on your SF Match account. Click on "Match Results" on the left-hand side menu.

8. Withdrawing from the Match

You may withdraw from the Match, anytime up until the day Rank List are due. Log into your SF Match account. From Home page, find the “Applications” heading, click your specialty (hyperlinked). Then, click "Withdraw from Match" from the right-hand side menu column. Confirm by clicking “Withdraw from this Matching Service” button.

9. SF Match account information

Additional information on how to use your SF Match account is available after registration. The instructions include step-by-step with images and can be downloaded in PDF format.