Things to Know
- Only applicants who registered for ORMatch and did not obtain a position may submit applications using the ORMatch Application Service in the Post-Match Process. Individuals who did not register for ORMatch must send applications to programs directly.
- Check with each residency about its application requirements. In the Post-Match Process, programs are not obligated to keep positions open until the deadline date specified for applications, and many may fill their available position(s) before their specified deadline date. You should submit your applications as soon as possible in the Post-Match Process.
- The ORMatch Application Service will close on June 30, 2024. Applicants will not be able to submit or download applications after this date.
ORMatch Application Service Overview
Access
Log into the NMS Match System to prepare and submit your applications to residencies participating in ORMatch.
Timing
Each residency sets its own requirements for the Post-Match Process. Residencies are not required to keep positions open until the deadline date specified for applications, and many may choose to fill their position(s) before their specified deadline date. Therefore, you should apply to residencies as soon as possible and not wait for the stated application deadline date. Once the application deadline has passed for a residency, you are not able to send an application to the residency using the ORMatch Application Service.
Application Process
Consult the Application Service User Guide for detailed instructions for submitting applications.
1
Research Programs of Interest
The List of Programs with Available Positions identifies all optometry residency sites that have positions available in the Post-Match Process.
Consult the ASCO Residency Directory for information about the residency, its application procedures, and any supplemental material that is required for an application.
Tip: As soon as you find a program of interest, add the residency to your list of pending applications in the NMS Match System. The Program Coordinator will be notified of your interest and will have access to your contact information, even before you submit your application, so they can reach out to you with information about their residency, if they choose to do so.
-
Other Sources of Information on Optometry Residency Sites
- The residency's website
- The Program Coordinator
- Past or current residents at the residency. Find them in the OD Resident Directory.
- The Director of Residencies at your OD school
2
Prepare Your Application Materials
Gather Your Applicant Information
Some of your ORMatch registration information is prepopulated into your application. Other information that is required to complete your application includes:
- OD School GPA
- Undergraduate Major
- US Citizenship Status (Yes/No)
- Gender
Obtain your NBEO Scores
You need to report your NBEO Board scores on your application. The NBEO Part I examination score is required for all applications to US-based residencies. If you are applying to Canadian residencies only and are not taking the NBEO Part I examination, contact ORMatch for an exemption from this requirement.
Part II, Part III, ISE, and TMOD scores should be entered into the system if they are available, but they are not required. If you do not know your NBEO scores, you can obtain them from the NBEO website.
Compose a Letter of Intent and CV
A Letter of Intent and CV must be included in each application you submit. You should start working on those documents as soon as possible and upload them to the NMS Match System in PDF format when they are complete.
Obtain a Copy of Your OD Transcript
A copy of your OD transcript must be included in each application you submit. You must obtain a copy of your OD transcript and upload it to the NMS Match System in PDF format.
Reach Out To Your Reference Letter Writers
Each application must have 3 letters of reference. Many reference writers will want to customize their letters for each residency where you apply. You should contact your reference writers to discuss how many letters they will write for you. Requests for individual reference letters are made using the NMS Match System, and your references will upload their letters directly to the NMS Match System.
Prepare any Supplemental Material
Check with each program as soon as possible regarding its application requirements. If a residency requires additional information included as part of its application, you can prepare this information and upload it to the system as a Supplemental Material PDF document.
3
Submit an Application
Your ORMatch registration fee provides you with 10 credits to send applications to residencies. Each credit allows you to send one application to one residency, regardless of the number of programs or tracks offered by that residency. If a residency offers more than one track in the Post-Match Process, you can specify the tracks you are interested in when you submit your application.
If you want to send applications to more than 10 residencies, you will have to pay an additional fee of $25 USD per application.
You do not need to send all applications at once. You can send 1 application on one day and 5 applications the next day. However, once an application is submitted to a residency, the core components of the submitted application cannot be changed or withdrawn. You will be able to update Supplemental Material after an application has been submitted, so any corrections to application information can be included as Supplemental Material.
Once you submit an application, the Program Coordinator will have access to your application information immediately. The Director of Residencies at the program's affiliated school or college of optometry will also have access to your application.
It is your responsibility to monitor the status of any outstanding reference letters and ensure they are submitted in the NMS Match System by the residency's deadline.
