Confusion over Rank list for prelims...

[pazu]

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I'm applying to Neurology and have heard prelim positions are hard to come by. Last year, several people had to give up their advanced positions as a result of not matching anywhere for prelim. So, I want to make sure this does not happen to me.

I'm wondering, should I rank ALL categorical programs higher on my match list, even if I actually like an advanced program better? It gets especially confusing when certain programs offer advanced positions with most but not all getting guaranteed prelim spots.

I'm still trying to understand how the rank system works. For instance, if my rank list is
1.) A
2.) B
3.) C
4.) D

and A, B, C are all advanced programs with supplemental lists for prelim spots, and D is a categorical program that I like the least, what if I match into an advanced spot at program C but don't match into any of the prelim spots I ranked for C? If I was ranked at D institution, will the system understand to match me to D? Or will I get screwed with an advanced spot at C and no prelim position??

Arghhh, I'm already dreading this. Please, some input? 😳

 

[MrBurns10]

It would rank you to your highest ranked program, even if it's an advanced program for which you don't match the prelim. My suggestion is just to apply to a ton of prelim programs to minimize the risk.

And just to clarify, you don't have to give up your advanced spot unless you're unable to scramble into a prelim.

 

[pazu]

I see, thanks for clarifying! And I just started another thread complaining about prelim apps/interviews. I guess I just have to stop thinking about the cost...