The 20-2021 residency application cycle will be distinctly different due to the effects of COVID-19 on medical education. The availability of typical application metrics might be compromised, and cancellation of away electives and implementation of virtual interviews will hinder the ability of applicants and programs to get to know each other well. This may lead to disenfranchising certain groups of applicants and may result in a suboptimal match. This session will discuss the implications of COVID-19 on the residency cycle and outline some actions applicants and programs can take to mitigate harmful effects. A student applicant and an URM house officer will be participating in the session to present their perspectives.