Short answer: choose a residency consultant whose advisors are physicians who have been through the US Match, who tell you exactly what each service includes and costs, and who never promise you a match or offer to write your application for you. If you are an international medical graduate (IMG), make sure they understand IMG-specific issues such as visas, USCE and ECFMG requirements.
The Match is expensive and stressful, and many applicants look for paid help. Good guidance can save you a wasted cycle. Poor guidance can cost you money and hurt your application. This guide explains when a residency application consultant is worth it, what to ask before you pay, and the red flags to avoid.
Do you actually need a residency consultant?
Not everyone does. Free help from your medical school, mentors and resources like our application timeline may be enough if you have strong scores, US letters and a clear specialty choice. Paid help is most useful when:
- You are an IMG without a mentor who knows how US programs review applications.
- You have a red flag to explain, such as an exam attempt, a gap, or an older graduation year.
- You are a reapplicant and are not sure why you did not match.
- You have interviews coming up and want realistic practice with honest feedback.
- You want a second opinion on your program list, specialty choice or rank list.
Types of residency help, and what they are good for
| Type of help | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Single session (mock interview, CV review, strategy call) | One specific need | One live session, focused feedback and clear next steps |
| Package across the season | Ongoing support from application to interviews | Several sessions with one advisor, reviews of documents and interview prep |
| Free group sessions and guides | Getting started or practising on a budget | General advice and practice, but less personal feedback |
8 questions to ask before you pay
- Who will I actually work with? Ask for names, specialties and training. Physicians who have matched themselves know what programs look for.
- Do you work with IMGs? Ask how they handle visas, USCE gaps and ECFMG timelines.
- What exactly is included? Number of sessions, document reviews, turnaround time and whether you get written feedback.
- How much does it cost, in total? Prices should be clear before you book, with no surprise add-ons.
- Can I start small? A single session or free resource lets you judge the quality before a bigger commitment.
- How do you help with my personal statement? The right answer is feedback and editing, not writing it for you.
- Can I see real reviews? Look for specific, detailed feedback from past applicants.
- What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel? A clear policy is a sign of a professional service.
Red flags to avoid
- “Guaranteed match” promises. No one can guarantee a match. Programs and the NRMP algorithm decide the outcome.
- Offers to write your personal statement or experiences. The AAMC states your personal statement must be your own work. AI and others may help with brainstorming, proofreading and editing only.
- Advisors you cannot identify. If you cannot find out who the advisors are and how they trained, be careful.
- Pressure to buy the biggest package immediately. Good advisors help you choose what you need.
- Vague pricing or services. You should know what you are paying for before you pay.
- Generic, copy-paste feedback. Advice should be specific to your application, specialty and goals.
How Resiyay works
Resiyay is a physician-led residency advising service founded by Dr. Tabassum Fayyaz. Our physician advisors have all been through the US Match, and many of our applicants are IMGs. You can choose what fits you:
- Single sessions: a mock interview, ERAS CV review or residency strategy consultation, booked with the advisor you choose. See sessions.
- Match packages: Foundation (from $800), Strategic (from $1,500) and the founder-led Elevate track for support across the season. Compare packages.
- Free help: free group mock interviews during interview season and free guides on our blog.
We will never write your application for you or promise a match. We help you present your own story clearly and prepare you to do your best.
Not sure what kind of help you need?
Start with one residency strategy consultation. A physician advisor will review where you stand and tell you honestly whether you need more support, and what kind.
Book a strategy consultation →
Read reviews from past applicants
Frequently asked questions
Is a residency consultant worth the money?
It can be if you have a specific problem to solve, such as low interview invites, a red flag, or little experience with US interviews. Start with a single session before committing to a larger package.
Can a consultant write my ERAS personal statement?
No. Your personal statement must be your own work. A good advisor helps you find your story, gives feedback and edits for clarity, but the words must be yours.
When should I get help?
Ideally a few months before ERAS opens, so you have time to improve your CV and personal statement. Interview preparation is most useful from September onwards.
Do you work with IMGs?
Yes. Many Resiyay applicants are IMGs, and several of our advisors trained outside the US before matching into US programs.
