asking PDs how they plan to rank you

[tetris]

---

Members do not see this ad.

is it allowed?

if not, can i ask indirectly? for instance, i could call them and say: "i'd like to rank your program #1; can you give me an idea of what my standing is?" that way, i give them a chance to tell me that i'm not high on their list (or not on it at all), in which case i'd lower the program a notch or 2 (or eliminate it altogether).

or is there a better way to ask this?

i'm applying for IM and PM&R. please help.

 

[Kalel]

I wouldn't ask. I don't think that it's specifically against the rules for applicants to ask (it is for programs to ask), but programs might be turned off by this. Even if they give you a number or tell you that they are going to rank you "highly", they are not obligated to actually rank you that number or rank you "highly".

 

[Skrubz]

AFAIK, it's illegal. You can't ask the programs and the programs can't ask you. There are no rules about you freely telling a program that they're ranked number 1, and programs are free to BS as much as they want about "ranking you competitively".

 

[yaah]

I had a couple of programs include, in letters to me, "Let us know if you are interested in hearing more about your position in the match," or words to that effect. I didn't pursue it. Most programs also told me I would be "ranked highly" or similar terms, without me asking. Ranked "highly" or even "very highly" probably doesn't mean more than you are on the list somewhere. "Highly" could mean #49.

I don't know if the way you want to ask the question is that tactful - it almost sounds as though you are trying to make a deal. Implied in your statement could be, "I am calling a few programs and trying to find out if any of them are ranking me high enough to match."

Besides, it doesn't really matter according to the match algorithms where you rank a program, you can still match there if you haven't matched at your previous ranked programs and they have a space. Doesn't matter if you ranked them #1 or #20. Whatever your top program is, rank them #1. I would express your interest to your favorite programs though, it can't hurt. (If anyone has reasons why it could hurt, I'd be interested to hear.)

 

[kungfufishing]

Asking a program where they have you ranked is sort of pointless, IMO. From their perspective, it is probably good for us to be interested, but bad to be anxious. Rank em how you like em.

 

[beyond all hope]

Don't ask, just rank how you like them.

Even if a PD tells you 'you are #1' or 'you are definately going to match here', it doesn't necessarily mean anything. Just like they know if you say 'I'm ranking you #1' it's no guarantee.

Definately do tell the PDs of any programs that you are interested in. Tell them 'I'm ranking you very highly' or something to that effect. Some PDs will actually take expressed interested into account when ranking. That says interested but not to the level of desperate.

 

[yaah]

Originally posted by beyond all hope

Even if a PD tells you 'you are #1' or 'you are definately going to match here', it doesn't necessarily mean anything. Just like they know if you say 'I'm ranking you #1' it's no guarantee.

What kind of loser would tell a program, "I'm ranking you #1," and then not do it? How does one justify this? I know some people have very low moral character or no scruples about being honest, but come on. Of course you want to tell your #2, #3, etc programs you are interested, but don't lie.

 

[limabean]

I agree that it is crazy to purposely lie and tell several programs that you are ranking them number one. However I do know people who told a PD with good intentions and then had a last minute change of mind. So things like that do happen-however the moral of the story is even with the best of intentions neither students or PDs should really take post interview communication as binding and should just rank according to your own preferences.

 

[jc7721]

Thought this would be of interest to some of you, if you haven't already seen it---copied right off the nrmp website. And by the way, as has already been said, just rank 'em how you like 'em, not how you think a program will rank you.

6.0 Restrictions on Persuasion

One of the purposes of the Matching Program is to allow both applicants and programs to make selection decisions on a uniform schedule and without undue or unwarranted pressure. Both applicants and programs may express a high degree of interest in each other and try to influence future ranking decisions in their favor, but must not make statements implying a commitment. It is a material breach of this Agreement for a participant in the Matching Program to make any verbal or written contract for appointment to a concurrent year residency position prior to the Matching Program. In addition, although applicants or programs may volunteer how they plan to rank each other, it is a material breach of this Agreement to request such information. Only the final preferences of programs and applicants, as reflected in their final certified rank order lists, will determine the offering of positions and the placement of applicants through the Matching Program.