Ask about prematch?

[OMGIMG]

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I know this is an AMG forum so maybe wrong place but....

When I interview, should I ask if they offer prematch positions?

Should I email them after the interview and tell them I am interested in a prematch position or just wait for them to contact me?

 

[ShyRem]

Don't. Just don't. If they want you, they'll offer. If you ask, you're likely to burn any chance at all of matching.

You should also be aware that since pre-matching is going away in 2013, more than a few programs are voluntarily doing away with it this year as well.

 

[MissAmanda]

Could someone explain what prematching is and how it works?

 

[gutonc]

Could someone explain what prematching is and how it works?

Independent applicants (DOs, IMGs, AMGs who have already graduated) can accept offers outside of the Match. If they do, they have to withdraw from the Match. Programs which offer pre-matches tend to not be the "best" programs out there but that's not always true. The biggest problem is that you often have only a day or so to decide whether you want it or not and you may not have much to compare it to.

The pre-match is being done away with next year.

 

[Fatherdoc]

Are there programs or specialties that have a reputation for offering prematch commitments? I had heard that these were often verbal commitments that were not binding. Just curious.

 

[mlw03]

Are there programs or specialties that have a reputation for offering prematch commitments? I had heard that these were often verbal commitments that were not binding. Just curious.

If it ain't in writing, it doesn't exit. I'm a pathologist and I've heard of some programs offering foreigners who are practicing pathologists in their native country and/or MD/PhDs pre-match offers. I know of multiple solid residents from my prior programs who fit that description.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Are there programs or specialties that have a reputation for offering prematch commitments? I had heard that these were often verbal commitments that were not binding. Just curious.

A true prematch spot is completely legit. There will be a contract that is signed, the program removes a spot from the match, and the applicant withdraws from the match.

Verbal commitments about match ranking are only as trustworthy as the person giving them, and are easy to misunderstand. Usually, the story is that a potential matchee is told that they are "ranked to match". The person saying this means "You are on a position in our rank list where we usually drop to, so there is a very good chance of matching". The applicant hears "I am at the top of their rank list, such that I am guaranteed to match".