How much do you trust the match algorithm?

[spriteone]

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Guys, I'm agonizing over my rank list (...as I'm sure you are too. 21 days...).

How much do you trust the algorithm?

The SF Match is applicant-proposed, and so I should benefit from basing my rank list on my true preferences.

Right now, I feel like I have a better chance of matching at my number 2 than my number 1 choice. I have received some advice to switch my number 1 and number 2 to ensure a better chance at matching at number 2. I know theoretically if I get bumped out of a tentative match at no1, I should match at no2 as long as I'm ranked higher than no2's other tentative matches. Making no2 my no1 should not influence this match (aside from no longer having a chance at matching at original no1).

There's internet and anecdotal lore about glitches in the match or multiple stable outcomes based on the order of processing. But there's also research (Roth AE, Peranson E. The effects of the change in the NRMP Matching Algorithm. JAMA 1997; 278: 729 - 732.), on the NRMP match at least, that indicates this is not really a significant issue.

I hate the uncertainty of this process. I'd hate to screw up an opportunity to match highly by not playing it safe (if "playing it safe" would actually make a difference in reality). I've read Dr Doan stating on these boards in the past to rank your true preference. What have you heard/read/been advised?

 

[DrZeke]

Guys, I'm agonizing over my rank list (...as I'm sure you are too. 21 days...).

How much do you trust the algorithm?

The SF Match is applicant-proposed, and so I should benefit from basing my rank list on my true preferences.

Right now, I feel like I have a better chance of matching at my number 2 than my number 1 choice. I have received some advice to switch my number 1 and number 2 to ensure a better chance at matching at number 2. I know theoretically if I get bumped out of a tentative match at no1, I should match at no2 as long as I'm ranked higher than no2's other tentative matches. Making no2 my no1 should not influence this match (aside from no longer having a chance at matching at original no1).

There's internet and anecdotal lore about glitches in the match or multiple stable outcomes based on the order of processing. But there's also research (Roth AE, Peranson E. The effects of the change in the NRMP Matching Algorithm. JAMA 1997; 278: 729 - 732.), on the NRMP match at least, that indicates this is not really a significant issue.

I hate the uncertainty of this process. I'd hate to screw up an opportunity to match highly by not playing it safe (if "playing it safe" would actually make a difference in reality). I've read Dr Doan stating on these boards in the past to rank your true preference. What have you heard/read/been advised?

If you want to lose your mind and be committed... Keep questioning the match algorithm.

If you want to have few regrets just rank to your true preference. "Match highly"? Why does it matter? Is it because you wouldn't be happy or is because of your pride? Let's say the first 8 programs you rank you would be very happy at, but obviously your top 3 would make you over the moon happy.:.. Why does it matter if you match at #5? Then will you be saying, gee I should have ranked it #2 so I could have matched higher up on my rank list? The program will not know your rankings unless they ranked you in their top and you don't match there. Even then, what does it matter... No hard feelings unless you made promises.

I just don't see the point in agonizing over it unless you're torn between programs.

 

[Bronze Medal]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3399603/

 

[Pinkertinkle]

rank it like you want it

 

[eye love lamp]

Guys, I'm agonizing over my rank list (...as I'm sure you are too. 21 days...).

How much do you trust the algorithm?

The SF Match is applicant-proposed, and so I should benefit from basing my rank list on my true preferences.

Right now, I feel like I have a better chance of matching at my number 2 than my number 1 choice. I have received some advice to switch my number 1 and number 2 to ensure a better chance at matching at number 2. I know theoretically if I get bumped out of a tentative match at no1, I should match at no2 as long as I'm ranked higher than no2's other tentative matches. Making no2 my no1 should not influence this match (aside from no longer having a chance at matching at original no1).

There's internet and anecdotal lore about glitches in the match or multiple stable outcomes based on the order of processing. But there's also research (Roth AE, Peranson E. The effects of the change in the NRMP Matching Algorithm. JAMA 1997; 278: 729 - 732.), on the NRMP match at least, that indicates this is not really a significant issue.

I hate the uncertainty of this process. I'd hate to screw up an opportunity to match highly by not playing it safe (if "playing it safe" would actually make a difference in reality). I've read Dr Doan stating on these boards in the past to rank your true preference. What have you heard/read/been advised?

Rank your true preference. Don't even think otherwise.

 

[bonoz]

I'm wondering about the same thing.

Is this how it works? --> I can technically match into a program I ranked at #9 if I don't match at my top 8 programs and if that program has ranked me highly enough and don't have other seats filled from applicants they ranked higher than me?

The thing I'm getting at is... does your rank or place drop at programs just by you ranking them lower? Because that's where the match is in applicant's favor right? You can with peace-of-mind have your top choices be all 'dream programs' and the bottom half of your rank list be more realistic choices? So that if your top choices didn't rank you high enough, but your bottom choices did, then you would match at your bottom choice assuming they have seats available?

Thanks

 

[EyeOweYou]

It's a stressful process but try not to overthink it. Follow the advice above. The sf match homepage has a good explanation of how the algorithm works. It's not as complicated as the word "algorithm " implies... pretty simple actually

Rank your most desired places at the top of your list

 

[Pinkertinkle]

I'm wondering about the same thing.

Is this how it works? --> I can technically match into a program I ranked at #9 if I don't match at my top 8 programs and if that program has ranked me highly enough and don't have other seats filled from applicants they ranked higher than me?

The thing I'm getting at is... does your rank or place drop at programs just by you ranking them lower? Because that's where the match is in applicant's favor right? You can with peace-of-mind have your top choices be all 'dream programs' and the bottom half of your rank list be more realistic choices? So that if your top choices didn't rank you high enough, but your bottom choices did, then you would match at your bottom choice assuming they have seats available?

Thanks

No you can never be bumped by someone lower on the ranklist than you.

 

[DrZeke]

I'm actually surprised that your medical schools haven't explained the match algorithm. My med school had class update/lecture before every major event... Step 1, 3rd year rotations, osce, 4th year...
I guess that's not the norm. Interesting how different each place is...