Predictors of a Urology Residency Match: Insights from the Texas STAR Database

ObjectiveTo identify key factors associated with successfully matching in urology residency using applicant data from the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency (STAR) Database, an annual post-Match survey sent to fourth year medical students. Many urology applicants have limited insight into their competitiveness; therefore, this study evaluates applicant characteristics associated with match outcomes.MethodsData from the Texas STAR database acquired from 2019 to 2024 were evaluated for characteristics of medical students who applied for urology residency spots. The survey for this database is sent by the Dean’s Office of allopathic and osteopathic medical schools to medical students in their fourth year after the match. Applicants who matched were compared with those who did not. Comparisons were made using the Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact, Wilcoxon rank sum and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests.ResultsA total of 631 urology applicants (UA) participated in this study, with 564 UA (89%) successfully matching in their respective years. This overall match rate ranged from a high of 90% in 2019 to a low of 85% in 2021. This range is higher than the AUA-reported match rate in the same time frame (70% to 86%). Factors most strongly associated with success included number of away rotations, USMLE Step Score 2 CK score, and number of clerkships honored.ConclusionGreater transparency and access to these applicant metrics may help prospective applicants better assess their competitiveness for urology residency and make more informed application decisions.