Client Onboarding

Getting started with Matchpal involves setting up your profile and completing an intake questionnaire so we can match you with the right providers.

The Onboarding Process

Onboarding has three main steps:

  1. Account Creation - Your account is set up (often automatic with purchase)
  2. Profile Completion - You provide basic information
  3. Intake Questionnaire - You tell us what you need

Account Creation

Automatic (with Purchase)

Most commonly, your account is created when you:

  • Purchase a package through the shop
  • Receive a confirmation email
  • Click to access your account

Manual (by Admin)

Sometimes an administrator may:

  • Create your account manually
  • Send you a welcome email
  • You complete setup when you first log in

First Login

When you first access Matchpal:

  1. Enter your email address
  2. Receive a login link via email
  3. Click the link to authenticate
  4. You're taken to your dashboard

Profile Completion

Your profile helps providers understand who you are.

Required Information

  • Full Name - Your name as providers should address you
  • Email - Primary contact (usually pre-filled)
  • Phone - Optional but helpful for scheduling
  • Timezone - Important for scheduling across time zones

Academic Information

  • Institution - Where you currently study or studied
  • Program - Medical school, pre-med, residency, etc.
  • Year/Level - Current stage in your education

Preferences

  • Preferred contact method - Email, phone, etc.
  • Availability - General times you're available
  • Special needs - Any accommodations to note

Completing Your Profile

  1. Navigate to your profile
  2. Fill in all required fields
  3. Add optional information that helps
  4. Save your profile

A complete profile leads to better matches and more productive relationships with providers.

Intake Questionnaire

The intake questionnaire is crucial for matching. It tells us exactly what you need.

For Tutoring

If you're seeking tutoring, you'll answer questions about:

Your Target Exam

  • Which exam are you preparing for?
  • MCAT, USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2, COMLEX, etc.

Current Status

  • When is your exam date?
  • How long have you been studying?
  • What resources are you using?

Areas of Focus

  • Which subjects are challenging?
  • What do you want to emphasize?
  • Any specific topics?

Learning Preferences

  • How do you learn best?
  • What's worked in the past?
  • What hasn't worked?

Goals

  • Target score?
  • Timeline constraints?
  • Other relevant goals?

For Advising

If you're seeking advising, you'll answer questions about:

Service Type

  • Medical school applications?
  • Residency applications?
  • Career guidance?
  • Research opportunities?

Current Stage

  • Where are you in the process?
  • What have you completed?
  • Upcoming deadlines?

Areas Needing Guidance

  • Personal statement?
  • Activity descriptions?
  • Interview preparation?
  • Program selection?

Specific Challenges

  • What are you struggling with?
  • What concerns do you have?
  • What questions need answers?

Preferred Provider

You can optionally specify a preferred provider:

  • If you know someone in the system
  • If someone was recommended to you
  • They'll be prioritized if available

Completing the Questionnaire

  1. Navigate to the questionnaire from your dashboard or profile
  2. Answer all questions thoughtfully
  3. Be specific—details help matching
  4. Submit when complete

After Submission

Once you submit:

  • Your responses go to the matching system
  • Algorithm identifies suitable providers
  • You'll be notified when matched
  • Provider reviews and accepts

This may take a short time depending on provider availability.

Tips for Onboarding

Be Honest and Detailed

The more accurate your information:

  • Better provider matches
  • More efficient use of session time
  • Provider can prepare appropriately

Think About Your Goals

Before the questionnaire, consider:

  • What do you most want to accomplish?
  • What's your timeline?
  • What's been challenging?

Don't Rush

Take time to:

  • Answer thoughtfully
  • Review before submitting
  • Ask questions if unclear

Update If Needed

If your situation changes:

  • Contact support or admin
  • Profile can be updated
  • Re-matching may be possible

What Happens Next

After completing onboarding:

  1. Matching - System finds providers for you
  2. Notification - You're notified of your match
  3. Provider Accepts - Provider reviews and accepts
  4. Introduction - You receive provider contact info
  5. First Session - You begin working together

See Finding Providers for more on the matching process.

Troubleshooting

Can't Log In

  • Check for the email with your login link
  • Check spam/junk folders
  • Request a new login link
  • Contact support if issues persist

Questionnaire Won't Submit

  • Ensure all required fields are completed
  • Check for error messages
  • Try a different browser
  • Contact support if stuck

Need to Change Responses

  • Contact support or admin
  • Explain what needs to change
  • They can update or allow resubmission

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