couple of questions about MATCH

[Biogirl361]

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Hi there,
I'm just starting some basic research into gpr/aegd programs and had a couple questions about the match process.

-Can I match with more than one program, if more than one program is willing to offer me a slot? or do you get automatically taken off the other lists once you match into your highest choice?
-If I match, is there some rule that i have to go to that program, or does it just mean I've been offered a spot?

thanks in advance.

 

[seablaster]

If you match, you can only match into one program. There are certain penalties you will suffer if you break the match agreement. They are specified on the match website. Everyone here will tell you to be very careful when compiling your rank order list. If you absolutely DO NOT want to go to a program, don't rank them. If you do, it is within the realm of possibility that you may match there.

 

[Biogirl361]

so if i submit a match list, i can only match at one and then i basically have to go there? what if i applied at non-match programs as well?

 

[OrthoDawg]

so if i submit a match list, i can only match at one and then i basically have to go there? what if i applied at non-match programs as well?

If you have applied to non-match programs, they usually allow you to know before the Match deadline arrives. If you chhose to go to a non-Match program, then you notify the Match that you wish to drop out of the Match process.

 

[Biogirl361]

ok, good to know. thanks all

 

[aquafresh]

Well the program for which i have been interviewed will let us know of the results by end 0f feb 07 and does not participate in the match.
Now what do i do in the sense if i make my rank order list and by chance i get matched to a program from the list and also if i get an acceptance form the previous program that does not participate in match and i want to go to the previous one.(hope u got my question).Please help..
Thanks.

 

[BuckeyeDDS]

so if i submit a match list, i can only match at one and then i basically have to go there? what if i applied at non-match programs as well?

The tricky part becomes this: what if your #1 choice is a match program, but a non-match program, let's say your #2 choice, offers you a position. I have heard of a couple cases where this has happened. In both cases, the people called the program director of the match program. They observed the rules of the match and they couldn't give them the "you will match here" certainty, but in both cases, the program director was honest enough that the applicants felt they could make a good decision.

As for the non-match program that doesn't give acceptances until February...I don't know. That's a tough situation.

 

[ItsGavinC]

As for the non-match program that doesn't give acceptances until February...I don't know. That's a tough situation.

Seems pretty shady to me. Non-match programs should notify applicants PRIOR to the match date.

 

[huhwe]

a little off topic here but...
does anyone know if it is possible to match to another residency program after leaving one? (the same specialty) anyone heard of this happening?

 

[dentalman]

Once you break your match agreement you are black-listed from the match for several years, if not forever. I suppose you could go from a non-match to match or match to non-match.

 

[Jaybe]

a little off topic here but...
does anyone know if it is possible to match to another residency program after leaving one? (the same specialty) anyone heard of this happening?

Most residency programs would look quite disfavorably on a candidate who has prematurely left another residency. They may feel that there is a good chance the candidate might leave their program if they got upset or didn't like the town or something.

 

[akka]

hey guys, can you defer your acceptance for one year if you have a legitimate reason?thanks

 

[jpollei]

hey guys, can you defer your acceptance for one year if you have a legitimate reason?thanks

Well, that's up to the individual program. Probably better be a dang good reason, though.
Because of the limited number of seats and the degree of competetiveness to get it some of the specialties, my guess is that most programs would be wary of--if not totally opposed to--allowing a resident to defer. As was mentioned earlier in this post, certain MATCH rules apply (if you got in via MATCH) that may prevent deferment, or from getting in/reapplying the following year. If you knew you needed to defer before you were accepted, I don't imagine programs would look very highly on you if you didn't tell them and then got in knowing that you had something that would then prevent you from beginning the program. If the program did know ahead of time, that cold be a kiss of death.
Think about this: if you are one in a class of four and you defer (which presumes you are thinking of a residency that is more than one year), that means 25% of the program is sitting stagnant for a year if they aren't able to fill that spot. I'm aware of one case here where a resident in another specialty program had something unexpected come up and left a few weeks in, and the department was less than thrilled that they would have an empty seat to carry through for the next few years. Though the example doesn't parallel perfectly to deferring, the response may well be applied.
Just a few thoughts...