How far down match lists do programs go?

[emermed]

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I was just curious if anyone had any info about how far down their match lists programs usually go? I know it varies from year to year and from program to program, but I would be curious if anyone had any info or stories.

Yes, I know it doesn't really make much difference, but I'm curious 😉

 

[WilcoWorld]

I've been involved in this process for several years, and I suspect you are unlikely to get a precise aswer to this question. Some programs get all the way to the end - hence scramble spots being open, and some programs occasionally don't get past spot 20. As you mentioned, it varies from year to year, and even seasoned PD's have a tough time predicting how any year will work out with much accuracy.

One reason you're unlikely to get a meaningful answer is that PD's are rightfully reluctant to say something like "Last year we went down to spot 65" because then some intern will wonder "Was I number 65?"

What is useful, public knowledge is that most programs fill, but just about every year there are programs that don't. As an applicant, if you rank 10 or more programs you are highly likely to match.

Best wishes,
WW

 

[EctopicFetus]

The obviously depends on the size of the program too.

Peter Rosen told me that if you have a program with 8 spots you'll fill with your top 50 for every spot beyond that he said it drops you 10-15 spots on your list.

Thats from someone who was a PD/Chair and knows a TON about EM

 

[diamondbum]

We are a larger program (17-18/yr) and we usually go to the 50's or 60's. One bad year we got to the 80's, and I think there have probably been a few where we haven't gotten past 40, but there is a lot of variation. A great deal will also depend on the PD and how they rank. Some PD's really want residents who really want to be there, and so showing a great deal of interest can get you bumped up a few spots higher, therefore limiting how far down the ranklist the program has to go to fill (albeit somewhat artificially).

 

[EctopicFetus]

diamondbum im curious how you know this? Usually this isnt exactly published all over by PDs. BTW i work with a couple of your recent grads.. both are good dudes.

 

[Haemr Head]

Assuming one doesn't game the list by ranking by sure bets rather than applicant scores, you rank from 1 in 3 (very competitive) to 1 in 7 (not so competitive). Curiously as you draw more applications the ratio gets worse. My guess is that as your program becomes well known you draw more people as a "must see" program who you loose because of location.

 

[diamondbum]

Ectopic,

Actually, we have a rank list "party" before it's submitted, and as a residency, we go over the applicants, one by one, and move them either up or down based on our personal interactions, etc. Everyone who attends (residents and staff) get to see the list before it's submitted. Then, after match day, we get an email with the names, etc. of the people who matched. Now, it could be a problem if the specifics of the rank list were made available to the class that matched, but everyone does a pretty good job of keeping that from happening.

Legend has it that 4 or 5 years ago, we went deeper on the rank list than ever before and the PD's used that bit of info to motivate that particular class to perform better. Then again, maybe it's just a rumor.😉

Do you happen to work in the Phoenix area, Ectopic?

 

[emermed]

thanks for the responses, satisfied my curiosity haha