In the 2007 Match, over 40% of U.S. senior applicants failed to match with the residency program of their choice. In competitive fields such as dermatology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and urology, over 30% of U.S. senior applicants failed to match at all. The numbers are significantly worse for osteopathic and international medical graduates. In fact, in the 2008 Match, over 5,000 international medical graduates failed to match. Regardless of your chosen specialty, the key to a successful match hinges on the development of a well thought out strategy. This book will show you how to develop the optimal strategy for success. Learn how you can upgrade your credentials, write high-impact personal statements, solicit strong letters of recommendation, shine during interviews, and much more. This book is an invaluable resource to help you gain that extra edge. Featuring discussion of these issues and more, this book will provide you with specific, concrete recommendations that will maximize your chances of achieving the ultimate goal: that of a successful match.