Accept outside match offer now or re-enter the match?

[hikikomori]

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I have been offerred an outside the match PGY2 position. The only thing that makes me uncomfortable accepting the offer is that I had a bad gut feeling about this program. And also, because it is not through the NRMP, I am concerned they could withdraw the offer for no particular reasons. At least, I don't trust the program. I want to re-enter the match for both PGY1 and PGY2 positions and I currently have 15 on my rank list. So, should I take a sure thing from outside the match or take my chances with my 15 programs? Are my concerns even legitimate?

 

[Sheldor]

I have been offerred an outside the match PGY2 position. The only thing that makes me uncomfortable accepting the offer is that I had a bad gut feeling about this program. And also, because it is not through the NRMP, I am concerned they could withdraw the offer for no particular reasons. At least, I don't trust the program. I want to re-enter the match for both PGY1 and PGY2 positions and I currently have 15 on my rank list. So, should I take a sure thing from outside the match or take my chances with my 15 programs? Are my concerns even legitimate?

I believe that "outside the match" positions are by definition not through the NRMP, so don't be worried about that. In this instance it is still a contractual obligation on both parties though. That said, you need to sign the contract. If they made you a verbal offer, and they want you to withdraw from the match based solely on that, I would think twice about that. But if you can get the contract signed before the 20th, then go for it from that perspective.

However, if you have a bad feeling about it, and you'd be happy at the majority of the programs on your rank list, I'd say to go with the rank list. 15 is a lot of programs, and so for most specialties beyond plastic surgery, you have a pretty good chance of matching. I say follow your gut.

 

[Residentcool]

I have been offerred an outside the match PGY2 position. The only thing that makes me uncomfortable accepting the offer is that I had a bad gut feeling about this program. And also, because it is not through the NRMP, I am concerned they could withdraw the offer for no particular reasons. At least, I don't trust the program. I want to re-enter the match for both PGY1 and PGY2 positions and I currently have 15 on my rank list. So, should I take a sure thing from outside the match or take my chances with my 15 programs? Are my concerns even legitimate?

What specialty is this? I thought most programs were inside the match? So confused. But if somehow it is correct that you were interviewed for an outside the match spot, I would take it if you think the program is ok. I think it's safer than not matching.

 

[Ronin786]

FWIW, in the charting outcomes for the 2011 match, there were 681 US Seniors with 12 or more contiguous ranks and every one of them matched. So your chances are pretty high if you're a US senior.

I'd say it depends on how strong you feel that program is in comparison to ones on your rank list. If you'd rather be at your #15 program than at that out of match spot, then you're probably better off participating in the match.

Edit: For some reason I thought you were applying for Anesthesia. For whatever specialty youre applying to, go see the charting outcomes and find out what the odds are.

 

[Residentcool]

FWIW, in the charting outcomes for the 2011 match, there were 681 US Seniors with 12 or more contiguous ranks and every one of them matched. So your chances are pretty high if you're a US senior.

I'd say it depends on how strong you feel that program is in comparison to ones on your rank list. If you'd rather be at your #15 program than at that out of match spot, then you're probably better off participating in the match.

Something does not add up here. If OP is a US senior then he/she cannot take an outside the spot position. That's simply not possible. So OP either has to be switching from something else, or has graduated already. In either case, if a US grad, I still think that the chances are pretty high. I honestly don't think it affects match outcomes very much for US even if graduated, except in maybe the very competitive specialties. Otherwise I would say that previous US grads have almost the same chances as US grads. It would be interesting to see how many of "independents" are previous US grads and how they compare to other independents statistically though.

Also if OP has already completed an internship, keep in mind that if he/she matches at a PGY-1, they will have to repeat intern year. It makes much more sense to take the PGY-2 and not repeat intern year.