Alignment Insights
Overview and Purpose
Alignment Insights is a feature in the ResidencyCAS application portal that shows how closely your application aligns with the profiles of past applicants who were invited to interview by participating OB-GYN programs. Alignment Insights was created to give you an additional tool for identifying programs with which you align best, helping you focus your applications and signals more effectively.
When you opt in, you’ll receive a report listing all participating OB-GYN programs, organized by your alignment rating:
- High Alignment: your application shares many characteristics with past applicants invited to interview at that program.
- Medium Alignment: your application is moderately similar to past interviewees.
- Low Alignment: your application is less similar to applicants typically invited to interview at that program.
- Note: sharing characteristics with past applicants doesn’t indicate ranking or comparison – it simply means your attributes are similar to theirs without suggesting relative standing or evaluation.
Within each group, programs appear from most to least aligned – so, for example, the top programs in the Medium Alignment group are more closely aligned than those further down.
Ratings are based on historical applicant and interview data from ResidencyCAS. A statistical model using last year’s interview selections evaluates these parts of your application:
- Academic metrics
- Community service and advocacy
- Background and lived experience
- Values and competencies
- Research experience
- Teaching experience
- Work experience
- Applicant type (MD, DO, IMG)
- Geographic location
How does Alignment Insights differ from the Alignment Check Index (ACI)?
Both Alignment Insights and the ACI help you understand how well your application aligns with programs, but they function differently:
- Alignment Insights is based on historical application and interview data, showing how your application compares to past applicants who were invited to interview.
- ACI is based on what programs say they are looking for in future applicants. These stated priorities may or may not align with how they selected applicants in the past.
You should use both tools together: Alignment Insights helps you see how your profile compares with past selection trends, while the ACI helps you understand a program’s stated future priorities.
What should I use my Alignment insights for?
Use your report to:
- Focus your program search
- Help decide where to apply
- Plan your program signaling strategy
Alignment Insights is a guidance tool, not a guarantee. To make informed decisions, combine it with other resources such as the Alignment Check Index (ACI), program websites, and advice from your advisors or mentors.
Does using Alignment Insights cost anything?
No, the service is free for applicants.
Who can see my alignment rating? Do programs know if I opted in?
Only you can see your rating. Programs won’t know whether you opted in or your ratings.
Opting In to Alignment Insights
How and When to Opt In
To use the Alignment Insights feature, you must opt in. Before you do, keep in mind:
- The best time to opt in is after you’ve completed most of your application. Think of your report as a snapshot in time – the more complete your application is before opting in, the more accurate it will be.
- You’ll receive your Alignment Insights report only once.
- Once your report is ready, you’ll get a secure notification in the ResidencyCAS application with an encrypted link to your personalized report.
- Reports are available through September 24 and will not be accessible after that date.
You can opt in starting August 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET – an Alignment Insights section in the ResidencyCAS application (visible only to OB-GYN applicants) will let you review a brief disclosure, see how the process works, and grant permission to use your application data.
Reports are generated weekly as follows:
| If you opt in by 10am ET during this period... | Your report begins processing on... | And your report is available at 10am ET on... |
|---|---|---|
| August 27 – August 30 | August 30 | September 1 |
| August 31 – September 6 | September 6 | September 8 |
| September 7 – September 13 | September 13 | September 15 |
| September 14 – September 20 (final day to opt in) | September 20 | September 22 |
Completing Your Application Before Opting In
While not all sections are required, you must finish these before your report can be generated:
- USMLE/COMLEX scores
- Applicant type (MD, DO, or IMG)
- Experiences (medical and non-medical)
- Current/permanent postal code (not required for IMGs)
- SLOE (Standardized Letter of Evaluation)
💡 Tip: the more complete your application, the more accurate your report. If your application meets the minimum requirements but could be stronger (e.g., you listed some experiences but have room for more), your report will note this. Keep in mind that reports aren’t updated if you add information later.
Common Questions about Opting In and Application Completion
Is there any benefit to waiting for a later Insights release date instead of opting in for the first one?
No. The results will be the same regardless of which release date you choose. The only reason to wait is if you are still completing parts of your application—otherwise, there is no advantage to delaying.
Would changes I make during the opt-in period be reflected in my report?
Yes, any updates made before the report begins processing will be included (see schedule above). For example, if you opt in on August 27 and make changes to your application on August 29, those changes will be included when the report begins processing on August 30.
Keep in mind that after the report processes, it becomes your final version – even if you keep editing your application.
Do my MSPE or personal statement need to be submitted to receive Alignment Insights?
No, these aren’t used to generate your report.
Do my letters of recommendation need to be submitted before I request my report?
No, only your SLOE (Standardized Letter of Evaluation) is required for the report.
What if I don’t have certain metrics ready in time (e.g., board scores or SLOE)? Should I just use the ACI instead?
You can still opt in and receive your report in the last available batch (details below), but missing data may limit its accuracy. In this situation, the ACI is a helpful additional tool for identifying programs that may be well aligned.
What happens if I don’t have enough data to generate a full report when I opt in?
For best results, you should only opt in after completing your application. If you opt in too early and key sections are missing, your report will not generate and you’ll receive an informational message on what application data is missing. Once you finish your application, your report will automatically be created during the next scheduled batch.
Don’t worry—you won’t lose your chance to receive a report.
Is it possible for my report not to run?
If key parts of your application are missing, your report cannot be generated, and you will receive an informational message about what is missing from your application. Once you add the missing information, your report will be created in the next scheduled batch.
Can I edit my application after receiving my Alignment Insights report?
Yes, you can still edit your application, but your Alignment Insights report won’t update, and you can’t request a new one once it’s generated. For the most accurate results, complete as much of your application as possible before opting in.
Using and Interpreting Report Results
What if I receive a very high number of programs with High Alignment?
It’s a good sign – your application shares characteristics with many applicants historically invited to interview. But you’ll still need to prioritize where to apply and which programs to signal.
💡 Tip: start with your High Alignment list, then narrow it by program location, mission, size, training style, and personal goals. Advisor guidance and the ACI can also help you focus on the best options.
What if I receive a very high number of programs with Low Alignment?
Mostly Low Alignment ratings don’t mean you won’t get interviews or match – they simply show your application is less similar to past interviewees at those programs. You can still apply to any program you choose.
💡 Tip: use Low Alignment results as a signal to focus on programs where you may have other strengths, such as mission fit, location, or unique opportunities. The ACI, program websites, and your advisors can help you find programs that may align better with your goals.
Do high ratings guarantee an interview?
No, Alignment Insights is for guidance only – it doesn’t guarantee or influence interview decisions. Programs don’t see your rating or know if you opted in. Residency selection is highly competitive, so even a high rating doesn’t ensure an interview offer. Use it as one factor in your planning, not a prediction of the outcome.
How should I interpret the Alignment Insights Factors Explanations?
These show the key factors that influenced your alignment rating for each program. They help you understand why a program appears as High, Medium, or Low Alignment. Remember, they’re based on past applicant trends and don’t predict or guarantee future interview decisions.
Does the Alignment Insights Report differ if I’m an IMG? What about DOs vs. MDs?
The tool works the same for all applicants. However, ratings and factor explanations may differ based on whether you’re an IMG, DO, or MD because they reflect historical data for applicants like you. All applicant types are included fairly in the analysis.
How should I use program signaling with Alignment Insights?
Program signals aren’t part of the Alignment Insights model. Use your ratings to guide your signaling strategy – start with High Alignment programs, then consider Medium Alignment programs that fit your interests or location. Remember, Alignment Insights is for guidance only – combine it with advisor input, the ACI, and your personal goals.
💡 Tip: review your Alignment Insights first, then decide where to signal to target programs more effectively.
Why don’t some programs show an alignment rating?
Some programs won’t display a rating if:
- They didn’t provide interview data from the previous cycle, or
- They’re new and don’t yet have historical data.
These programs appear as Not Scored in the report. You can still apply or signal them as usual – missing data doesn’t mean you’re less likely to be considered.
What if I have more questions or need help Alignment Insights?
For questions about Alignment Insights, contact transitionfeedback@apgo.org.
Additionally, for technical support, you can review our technical requirements or contact us for support.