accept prematch or risk not matching

[canal]

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What should you do if a program offers you a prematch before you even go on your interviews? So far, I have 15 interview offers from IM programs that I am very interested in however if I don't accept the prematch I might risk not getting matched. BTW, I am a US-IMG. The pros with accepting this prematch would be a guaranteed spot, not having to move, and I really like the staff. But I can't help but wonder what other university programs can offer, esp. since I want to eventually do a fellowship. In the end, I don't want to risk not matching. Any advice?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

There is no simple answer. You need to balance the risk of not matching with the potential benefit of being in a Univ based program. You can play it safe and take the prematch -- it's easier, cheaper, and safer. You may, or may not, get a fellowship in the future. If you're interested in Endo, Renal, or Rheum you probably will do fine, although Rheum is getting more competitive. if you're interested in Cards or GI, then you're probably better off at a Univ program (although a good community program with in-house fellowships can work also).

Or, you can take a risk in the match. You have a good chance (with 8 IV's) of matching somewhere, but it's not 100%.

There's no middle ground, really. You can "accept" the prematch AND still go on interviews, perhaps to "test the waters". Some would consider this unethical. You absolutely need to release your prematch spot if you submit a rank list -- not doing so is a match violation and you risk losing everything.

 

[ResidentMD]

There is no simple answer. You need to balance the risk of not matching with the potential benefit of being in a Univ based program. You can play it safe and take the prematch -- it's easier, cheaper, and safer. You may, or may not, get a fellowship in the future. If you're interested in Endo, Renal, or Rheum you probably will do fine, although Rheum is getting more competitive. if you're interested in Cards or GI, then you're probably better off at a Univ program (although a good community program with in-house fellowships can work also).

Or, you can take a risk in the match. You have a good chance (with 8 IV's) of matching somewhere, but it's not 100%.

There's no middle ground, really. You can "accept" the prematch AND still go on interviews, perhaps to "test the waters". Some would consider this unethical. You absolutely need to release your prematch spot if you submit a rank list -- not doing so is a match violation and you risk losing everything.

Is this prematch from a university program? Because the OP doesnt say it is a community based program. He said "other university programs". I think with 15 interviews its hard not to match. Ask your program how much time you have to commit to them. A few places have started interviewing or will do so in the next two weeks. Go to a few of your top places first (not all of them) and see if you like them better than this one.

 

[mig26x]

Depending on your status (amg vs img), specialty you are applying to, type of programs that gave you interviews (highly rank programs vs community programs) 15 interviews can seem like alot or few.

Sit down, study again every program that has given you an interview and if you feel the prematch place is the place to be then take it, if not go to all of your 15 interviews and rank the places according to...

 

[canal]

There's no middle ground, really. You can "accept" the prematch AND still go on interviews, perhaps to "test the waters". Some would consider this unethical. You absolutely need to release your prematch spot if you submit a rank list -- not doing so is a match violation and you risk losing everything.

Because I really like the staff I would have a hard time "accepting" their prematch and still go on other interviews. Are there cases where people take the prematch, go on interviews and release their prematch spot? I thought you have to sign a prematch contract of some sort. Can you really go back and change your mind?

 

[Ariee]

I'm in a similar boat. What I did was say, I'd like till the end of November to make my decision as my IV's are mainly Oct/Nov... Program said it was OK.

What I did was to make sure, I said the words "informed decision". I am humbled to be selected as a resident for your program. I really like this place and the faculty are exceptional, however I'd like to make sure I'm making an informed decision and I need some time to decide. This is my career and I've worked a long and hard time to get here. I'd like to be cautious. I hope you can understand and will give me this time so that I can learn more about the whole residency process...

Keep in mind, even if you don't accept pre-match offer, it does not mean that the program will not rank you. IMHO, it is usually not a good sign when a community program wants to pre-match an applicant, unless of course one is a super-stellar applicant or it's a university program.

G'luck!

P.S. 15IV's is more than enough to secure a spot. The question is, will that spot that is offered to you in the pre-match better than the one you'll get in the match.

 

[Ariee]

Depending on your status (amg vs img), specialty you are applying to, type of programs that gave you interviews (highly rank programs vs community programs) 15 interviews can seem like alot or few.

Sit down, study again every program that has given you an interview and if you feel the prematch place is the place to be then take it, if not go to all of your 15 interviews and rank the places according to...

👍 Really good advice, btw 🙂, I agree!