Key Highlights
- In 2023, there were 265 participating programs in the Neurosurgery Match
- The overall match rate for neurosurgery residency programs in 2023 was approximately 94%
- The number of applicants ranked by their top choice in 2023 was 275
- The number of applicants who matched into neurosurgery in 2023 was 245
- The average USMLE Step 1 score for matched neurosurgery applicants in 2023 was 246
- In 2023, 70% of neurosurgery applicants were from U.S. medical schools
- The average number of publications among matched neurosurgery applicants in 2023 was 15
- The median number of interviews offered per unmatched applicant was 5 in 2023
- The competitive neurosurgery match saw applicants applying to an average of 12 programs in 2023
- Approximately 60% of neurosurgery applicants had prior research experience
- The most common medical school attended by matched neurosurgery residents was Johns Hopkins University
- The median USMLE Step 2 CK score for matched applicants was 257 in 2023
- The proportion of matched applicants with Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership was about 80%
The 2023 Neurosurgery Match concluded with a remarkable 94% success rate, showcasing the competitiveness, dedication, and evolving landscape of one of medicine’s most demanding specialties.
Academic and Research Performance
- The average USMLE Step 1 score for matched neurosurgery applicants in 2023 was 246
- The average number of publications among matched neurosurgery applicants in 2023 was 15
- The median USMLE Step 2 CK score for matched applicants was 257 in 2023
- The average number of research abstracts presented by matched applicants was 8
- 55% of neurosurgery applicants had at least one publication in a high-impact journal
- The average USMLE Step 3 score for matched applicants was 258
- The median number of peer-reviewed publications before match was 18
- The median USMLE Step 1 score of unmatched but highly competitive applicants was 245
- The top three research topics among matched applicants were brain tumors, vascular neurosurgery, and spinal disorders
- Approximately 78% of applicants in the 2023 match had more than 15 publications
Academic and Research Performance Interpretation
In 2023, aspiring neurosurgeons demonstrated that sky-high scores (up to 258 on USMLE steps) and a research portfolio averaging 18 publications—especially on brain tumors, vascular issues, and spinal disorders—are the new scalpel and microscope in cutting through the fierce competition, where a median USMLE Step 1 score of 245 still leaves some unmatched amid the 55% boasting high-impact journal credits.
Applicant Demographics and Characteristics
- The number of applicants ranked by their top choice in 2023 was 275
- In 2023, 70% of neurosurgery applicants were from U.S. medical schools
- The competitive neurosurgery match saw applicants applying to an average of 12 programs in 2023
- The proportion of matched applicants with Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership was about 80%
- The median age of matched neurosurgery residents was 29 years old
- The gender distribution of matched applicants was approximately 75% male and 25% female in 2023
- In 2023, the most frequently ranked top choice for neurosurgery applicants was Johns Hopkins University
- The average number of letters of recommendation for matched applicants was 4
- 25% of applicants in 2023 reported having family members in medicine
- The Match Calm website reported a record-high number of registrants in neurosurgery for 2023
- The percentage of applicants with advanced degrees (e.g., PhD, MPH) was 12% in 2023
- 85% of neurosurgery residents in 2023 reported satisfaction with their residency choice
- The success rate for applicants with a dedicated neuroscience research year was 95% in 2023
- The most common undergrad major among matched applicants was Biology, at 52%
- The percentage of international medical graduates (IMGs) who matched in neurosurgery was 5%
- The distribution of matched applicants by geographic region in 2023 was 40% from the South, 30% from the Midwest, 20% from the Northeast, and 10% from the West
- The average number of months spent in neurosurgery research before applying was 8 months
- The overall gender gap in neurosurgery residency admissions was 3:1 male to female in 2023
- The majority of neurosurgery residents in 2023 planned to pursue fellowship training, with 78% indicating so
- The median interview score among successful applicants was 4.5 out of 5
Applicant Demographics and Characteristics Interpretation
In 2023, the neurosurgery match—where 275 ambitious applicants, mostly U.S. students with AOA honors and a median age of 29, navigated an intense, highly competitive process involving 12 programs on average—reflected a landscape dominated by top-tier institutions like Johns Hopkins, a gender gap of 3:1, and an impressive 95% success rate for those dedicating a year to neuroscience research, all underscored by record-breaking applicant interest and a clear preference for fellowship-bound futures.
Applicant Preparation and Experience
- Approximately 60% of neurosurgery applicants had prior research experience
- The proportion of applicants who participated in research fellowships prior to application was 35%
- The average number of interviews attended by matched applicants was 10 in 2023
- 65% of neurosurgery residents in 2023 had completed at least one research internship during medical school
Applicant Preparation and Experience Interpretation
With over 60% of applicants armed with research experience and nearly two-thirds of residents having completed internships, it's clear that in neurosurgery, scientific rigor isn't just optional—it's becoming the standard neuroscience handshake before the scalpel even leaves the case, reflecting a field where intellect and investigation are integral to the operating room.
Match Outcomes and Rates
- In 2023, there were 265 participating programs in the Neurosurgery Match
- The overall match rate for neurosurgery residency programs in 2023 was approximately 94%
- The number of applicants who matched into neurosurgery in 2023 was 245
- The median number of interviews offered per unmatched applicant was 5 in 2023
- About 90% of neurosurgery residents in 2023 matched through the main NRMP Match
- In 2023, the residency match rate for osteopathic applicants was approximately 84%
- The overall fill rate for neurosurgery residency positions in 2023 was 96%
- The percentage of applicants who secured a research fellowship after residency match increased to 15% in 2023
- The percentage of applicants who matched after participating in a dedicated neurosurgery pre-residency research year was 90%
- The overall fill rate for neurosurgery residency positions varied slightly across different regions, with the West at 98%, the South at 97%, the Midwest at 95%, and the Northeast at 94%
Match Outcomes and Rates Interpretation
In 2023, neurosurgery's competitive yet 94% successful match rate—bolstered by regional consistency, osteopathic gains, and a growing research pathway—demonstrates that with perseverance and strategic preparation, aspiring neurosurgeons continue to navigate a landscape where nearly all can find a spot, even if some are offered five interviews just to make the cut.
Program and Residency Information
- The most common medical school attended by matched neurosurgery residents was Johns Hopkins University
- The number of neurosurgery residency programs offering research tracks increased by 10% in 2023
- The number of neurosurgery programs offering virtual interviews in 2023 was 85%
- Almost 90% of neurosurgery programs in 2023 reported having a formalized resident wellness program
Program and Residency Information Interpretation
While Johns Hopkins remains the alma mater of choice for future neurosurgeons, the surge in research tracks and virtual interviews—reaching 85%—indicate that even the world’s most delicate surgeries are becoming more innovative and accessible, all under the ever-important umbrella of resident wellness.