Can I rank programs I have not applied to? (Serious question)

[abefromann]

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So, a program I'm ranking told me to rank the research track too. Trouble is I did not check that box when applying. They say I can still rank it but I'm not sure.

Anybody know? 😱

 

[gutonc]

So, a program I'm ranking told me to rank the research track too. Trouble is I did not check that box when applying. They say I can still rank it but I'm not sure.

Anybody know? 😱

Yes, you can.

This question gets asked every year, but usually it's like "I didn't even apply to Program X, can I put it on my rank list?" The answer there is yes, but since they didn't put you on their rank list, it won't matter.

In your case, if they have told you that you're being considered for their research track, go ahead and rank it. No harm, no foul.

 

[abefromann]

thanks - the search function spit out something unrelated. i guess i'll rank it because they told me to, and for derm you have to do whatever they say.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

The advice above is completely correct. Remember that ERAS (the application service) and NRMP (the match) are two separate companies / processes. Even if you did not apply to a program/track on ERAS, they can still rank you in NRMP -- and of course the opposite is true, a program you applied to (and interviewed at) may not rank you.

Of note, if you want to apply to a different track in a residency program, you can do so easily via MyERAS and it doesn't cost anything -- you are charged by program, not track, so applying to additional tracks within a single program is free. It is probably worth doing so, just so when they run a filter asking "show me all of the research candidates" you show up (although they will probably simply rank you no matter what you do).