In the 2020-2021 academic year, more than 40 000 medical students and physicians will apply for residency positions in the United States. Yet due to the effects of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the experience will be distinctly different for applicants and programs than in previous years. How will the residency application process be affected by COVID-19? While the pandemic will stress the residency selection process, it will also provide the opportunity for change and systemic improvements.