I am trying to solidify my understanding of the Match Algorithm. There are two rank lists: our rank list and the programs' rank lists. My understanding is that the computer system analyzes our first choice. If we are found on the programs' rank list, then we are matched there, with one exception. If the number of applicants that have chosen the program #1 are also included in the respective program's match list, then the computer will go down the programs rank list choosing those that are higher (that also ranked this program number one) until all their residency spots are full (at least all the spots that are included in the match - not designated for the scramble or something). Is this right?

How the Match Algorithm Works (http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/about_res/algorithms.html)

this is how the match works:

they have lab monkeys pulling out names out of a hat to determine who gets picked :)

this is how the match works:

they have lab monkeys pulling out names out of a hat to determine who gets picked :)

They're drunk and they have darts. See this thread for details:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=4428248#post4428248

The above links are great resources, but don't get too anxious about this. It's pretty simple actually. In a nutshell, the algorhythm favors the applicant such that no matter how highly a program ranks you, you'll only match there if you've ranked them on your own list. It's essentially set up so that you'll match into your highest-ranked program that also ranked you (so long as they haven't already filled their slots with people they ranked higher).

That's about all you should need to know about the algorhythm. Every year a few applicants on SDN think they can somehow overanalyze and outsmart the match process, or strategize around it somehow, but it's already set up to work to your benefit! Don't overthink it.

Here's the best advice anyone can give you about the match:

1. Rank only places where you'd actually want to go (and live)
2. Rank programs in order of your personal preference
3. Enjoy the interview process, free dinners, and exploring new places

That's it! Simple, eh?

Here's the best advice anyone can give you about the match:

1. Rank only places where you'd actually want to go (and live)
2. Rank programs in order of your personal preference
3. Enjoy the interview process, free dinners, and exploring new places

That's it! Simple, eh?

With regards to advice #1, wouldn't you run an increased risk of not matching if you don't rank every program you've interviewed at?

With regards to advice #1, wouldn't you run an increased risk of not matching if you don't rank every program you've interviewed at?

i agree with you. since the algorithm favors the applicant, it wouldn't hurt to rank the lesser programs that you don't want to go. As a matter of fact, if the match indeed goes down to those programs, you would've been scrambling if it were not for those programs.

just know that if push comes to shove and you somehow don't match in your #1, 2, 3, or even 4th spot...you will be oligated to go wherever you match...that is the danger of ranking a place you don't think you would be happy. It may be better to cut your losses and scramble (obviously that isn't the best idea...but it could be better than knowing you are stuck somewhere you won't be happy)
i think a safe rule of thumb is...if you don't what to go there- don't rank it!

I think that you would be happier in your 5th, 6th or 7th place than any place you can scramble. At least they know you at the programs you rank, because of the interview, and have shown some interest in you ( given you an interview) different to the scramble place!!

so my question comes down to: is it likely that you will actually scramble into a place that you would like more than the programs that you hate and didnt rank?

i agree with you. since the algorithm favors the applicant, it wouldn't hurt to rank the lesser programs that you don't want to go. As a matter of fact, if the match indeed goes down to those programs, you would've been scrambling if it were not for those programs.

If you wouldn't actually want to match at a program, why would you rank it??

It's one thing to rank a program last on your list because you'd rather go there than not match at all, but if you really hate it then don't rank it. After all, it's internal medicine...it's not so competitive that you should expect to match at your 10th choice.

The dillema I'm having is that the program I really want to go to is quite competitive and I'm uncertain how highly I'd be ranked there. However, I'm more confident that I'd match at my #2 preference, although that's again not entirely certain. So I suppose I'm wondering do I rank the program where I'm more confident in matching #1 to help my chances or just stick to my original prefererance? Any experience?

The dilemma I'm having is that the program I really want to go to is quite competitive and I'm uncertain how highly I'd be ranked there. However, I'm more confident that I'd match at my #2 preference, although that's again not entirely certain. So I suppose I'm wondering do I rank the program where I'm more confident in matching #1 to help my chances or just stick to my original prefererence? Any experience?

It's simple. Rank the programs in your original order of preference. If you don't match into your preferred program (which of course you will rank as #1), you are still just as likely to match into your #2 preference (which you rank as #2).

Same goes for whether to rank those lower preference programs or not. If you'd rather scramble than match there, then don't rank them. If you'd rather go there than scramble, rank them. Simple, no?

It's simple. Rank the programs in your original order of preference. If you don't match into your preferred program (which of course you will rank as #1), you are still just as likely to match into your #2 preference (which you rank as #2).

Same goes for whether to rank those lower preference programs or not. If you'd rather scramble than match there, then don't rank them. If you'd rather go there than scramble, rank them. Simple, no?

My worry is this. Assuming I don't match at my #1 and I'm down to my #2, I would be against a whole host of people who may similar to me but put down that place as their #1, thus filling up potential spots. Perhaps, I'm not understanding the algorithim perfectly, but then it seems to me, I'd be down to my #3.

My worry is this. Assuming I don't match at my #1 and I'm down to my #2, I would be against a whole host of people who may similar to me but put down that place as their #1, thus filling up potential spots. Perhaps, I'm not understanding the algorithim perfectly, but then it seems to me, I'd be down to my #3.

yes they would be filling up potential spots before you, but THAT DOESN'T MATTER, because as long as the program ranks YOU higher you will still bump out all the other people. get it?

example: if ur #1 doesn't rank you, then obviously u dont match there, then the algorithm looks at ur #2. at this time, all the candidates who chose ur #2 prog has already been temporarily matched there. however, if ur #2 ranked you first, then you will bump everyone else one spot down and you will match there for sure. if that program ranks you lower than the other candidates and all the spots are filled, then you obviously can't bump anyone, and u will be down to #3.

yes they would be filling up potential spots before you, but THAT DOESN'T MATTER, because as long as the program ranks YOU higher you will still bump out all the other people. get it?

example: if ur #1 doesn't rank you, then obviously u dont match there, then the algorithm looks at ur #2. at this time, all the candidates who chose ur #2 prog has already been temporarily matched there. however, if ur #2 ranked you first, then you will bump everyone else one spot down and you will match there for sure. if that program ranks you lower than the other candidates and all the spots are filled, then you obviously can't bump anyone, and u will be down to #3.

Merci tres bien. I forgot about that second part. Let's hope I havn't looked this ignorant during my interviews.

This is new to me UCLA bruins. Thx. So even if I may rank a program #3 (assuming I don't match to #1, 2), I am not at a disadvantage against someone who ranked the program #1? It just depends if we're both ranked and then if we both are, who is ranked higher? This does seem to make better sense than my previous understanding. Thx again.

This is new to me UCLA bruins. Thx. So even if I may rank a program #3 (assuming I don't match to #1, 2), I am not at a disadvantage against someone who ranked the program #1? It just depends if we're both ranked and then if we both are, who is ranked higher? This does seem to make better sense than my previous understanding. Thx again.

yes, that's corrrect :)

This is new to me UCLA bruins. Thx. So even if I may rank a program #3 (assuming I don't match to #1, 2), I am not at a disadvantage against someone who ranked the program #1? It just depends if we're both ranked and then if we both are, who is ranked higher? This does seem to make better sense than my previous understanding. Thx again.

Exactly! Now you've got it :)

It really is this simple: just rank them in order of YOUR preference. That's it.