Couples Matching

[Diorwithdenim]

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Does anyone really understand how this works?

Is it correct that couples each apply to groups of schools (geographically, same institution etc), say groups A and B, then programs in groups A and B invite each partner separately for interviews for their respective programs. Then at the end the couple just ranks the compatible combinations?

Experience? Tips?

 

[davika0]

I'm in the midst of couples matching... and you pretty much have it.

Here's the info from the NRMP:
http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/special_part/us_seniors/couples.html

In case you want my cliffs notes version:

The programs do interview independently for the most part although some accounts of a program interested in one partner talking to the other partner's program to encourage them to interview them do go around. There are also some rumors that a program may call the partner's program to see if they are at all competitive for an interview before they waste an invite on the person applying to their program but that seems unfounded because the part you may be missing is that the rank list is paired, but not necessarily identical. I.e. say you both interview at NYU and Cornell, your rank list can look like:

partner A partner B
1. NYU 1. Cornell
2. Cornell 2. Cornell
3. NYU 3. NYU
4. Cornell 4. NYU
5. NYU 5. unmatched

5. is an option you can use that ensures one of you matches if possible, and then only one of you needs to scramble. It allows couples to couples match even if there are concerns about one partner's competitiveness.

Another thing to keep in mind is that although programs may ask and there is a spot on ERAS to tell schools if you are couples matching, you are not locked in till you submit your rank list in February so it may give you some more time to make sure you have some agreeable overlapping options.

Another factor is if one partner is doing the early match... I've heard that the partner should have their match before the other has to complete their rank list but you can see how this is no guarantee.

Good luck

 

[noles925]

Dior,

I am also in the middle of applying as part of a couple. My fiance is doing rad onc, making for a very competitive match. It is hard to correlate interviews early on for the competitive specialities as they tend not to look at apps until after Nov 1st. We applied widely and are waiting patiently. So far we have interviews at 2 of the same categorical/advanced programs. Rad onc adds a special little twist to it all with the need of a prelim/transitional match as well. It is my understanding that the NRMP does not couples match your supplemental lists. If you have more specific questions, please feel free to PM me.

good luck!

 

[RaddyKat]

Question for anyone who could be of help.

I am considering couples matching - perhaps I need to explain further . . .
we are applying to the same programs and programs within the same cities. However, we are not listed on ERAS or NRMP as doing the couples match. My understand, like stated above, was that you don't make the final decision on couples matching until you create your match list. Now, is it required, in order to couples match, that you are listed on either ERAS or NRMP as couples matching to be able to create your match list as a couple? Sorry if the question isn't clear. I just want to make sure I'm covering all my bases, before it's too late. Thanks.

 

[noles925]

I know that you have to officially couples match with the NRMP for them to look at your lists together. I assume you have until we submit to do so. It is an extra $15 a piece to do that (probably the cheapest part of matching together.) I am not sure you ever have to declare on your ERAS that you are part of a couples match, but you can edit your ERAS to update that part of your application if you would like. Good luck to you both!