Interesting theoretical question (Curious to see what program directors think)

[mpd210]

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My friend and I both went to the same undergrad (NYU). He studied, I didn't. He ended up at Harvard med school, I ended up in the Carribean. I scored in the 90's in my boards (similar to my friend actually). We studied together for step 1.

My theoretical question:
If we applied to residencies paired up (couples match), would we be able to apply to all the "dream programs." I know it would only boost my application, but would it hurt his?

Just asking out of curiosity, as strange things sometimes pop into my head. 🙂

 

[yaah]

Programs will rank you individually, not as a pair. The couples match works as an algorithm that attempts to match you and the other person up, but doesn't impact you individually. That is, you submit a rank list with a list of "acceptable" combinations of matching. Programs only rarely know if you are couples matching (usually only if you tell them you are) and under rare circumstances they will attempt to help the "weaker" applicant if the stronger applicant is truly someone they want. But I doubt it extends as far as you would like it to.

You don't apply to residencies as couples. That only is a factor for rank lists and the match. So whether he gets interviews at certain programs will have no bearing on whether you do.

Does that make sense? The weaker person can prevent the stronger person from matching at a program if it is not an acceptable match combination (because strong candidate will only go there if weaker candidate also matches). But the stronger candidate cannot HELP the weaker candidate match on their own.

 

[RTrain]

"Acceptable" matches don't have to both be to the same program though. So if it is truly a pair of people who want to be in the same city or area, the match pair can be a very competitive and a less competitive program in the same city, and that could be an acceptable match pair that could have a reasonable expectation of success. Thus, the couples match can be very advantageous for real couples.

But no, a less competitive candidate can't get an automatic ticket into an otherwise out-of-reach program just by "coupling up" with a better student.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

An interesting question!

This assumes you are both applying to the same field and that you plan on telling programs that you are couples matching. If a couple is in two different fields, it has very little effect on the match. If you don't tell anyone about a couples match (which is perfectly legal) then of course it would have no effect.

When I have a couple apply in IM, we look at both applications together. If one person simply does not meet our criteria, we don't interview both. If both meet our minimum criteria we will interview the couple. When it comes time to ranking, I usually rank the couple together on the rank list -- I'd rather get both or neither. Whether I bring the lower ranked couple up to the higher, drop the higher to the lower, or "split the difference" depends on the applications. A very competitive app coupled with a mid compet app would bring the lower person up, a mid app with a low app would bring the middle person down.

Overall, all of this is unlikely to have a huge impact for you.

However, your plan does have a flaw. Because of the interesting circumstances, (and because you are telling me about your couples match in your app), I'm going to ask you about it. Lying is bad. I guess you could tell me that you were a couple, and then "break up" before you start work. Still, if it comes out that you did this it will look bad.

Bottom line: Not worth the effort and risk, I think. COuld easily hurt your friend. if he gets rejected by MGH/BWH or such, he'll never know if he just didn't "make the grade" or if your app pulled him down. Unlikely to affect your match much, and if you are caught lying in your application that could be considered fraud and you (might) be fired.

Clever thought, though.

 

[doc02]

If both you and your friend are guys, it might boost your chances to match in the state of Massachusetts.

 

[McGillGrad]

If both you and your friend are guys, it might boost your chances to match in the state of Massachusetts.

 

[mpd210]

I thought you didn't have to be a "couple" to do the couple's match. I thought you could be for example, two siblings who want to match at the same place, two friends who want to match at the same place, etc...

 

[Winged Scapula]

I thought you didn't have to be a "couple" to do the couple's match. I thought you could be for example, two siblings who want to match at the same place, two friends who want to match at the same place, etc...

That is right...you do not have to be romantically involved/married/life partners, etc.

 

[doc02]

Life partners? 🙄 Let's all traipse around and prance about in the grass!

 

[Geri_Gal]

That was a hilarious comment in 1952.

 

[doc02]

Tsk tsk, what was I thinking? Come on, everyone! Group hug!! And then let's all join activist organizations! Yaaaay!!

 

[McGillGrad]

:

That was a hilarious comment in 1952.

No, it was never funny

 

[doc02]

Yes, that's why Massachusetts is smack in the mainstream. You guys are sooooo right! Hooray!

 

[McGillGrad]

Yes, that's why Massachusetts is smack in the mainstream. You guys are sooooo right! Hooray!

Don't you have some of flat-earth, creationist meeting to go to?

 

[McGillGrad]

Tsk tsk, what was I thinking? Come on, everyone! Group hug!! And then let's all join activist organizations! Yaaaay!!

Those who are the most homophobic are the ones who are most likely closet homos. Methinks he doth protest too much!

 

[doc02]

Don't you have some of flat-earth, creationist meeting to go to?

What a creative way to win an argument, by simply saying that you're right! This is cutting edge! Bravo, you are smart. I never saw that one coming.

 

[doc02]

Those who are the most homophobic are the ones who are most likely closet homos. Methinks he doth protest too much!

Doesn't that make you the biggest homophobe? Because if you hate homophobia, you're probably a closet homophobe. Which also makes you the biggest homo. Here's a hint: only stupid people use arguments like that. It's why that's popular on the left.

 

[McGillGrad]

What a creative way to win an argument, by simply saying that you're right! This is cutting edge! Bravo, you are smart. I never saw that one coming.

It is nice that you admit that I won. Not that we are debating anything besides your lack of a funny bone.

 

[McGillGrad]

If it makes you feel better that you are not the only homo.

I'll teach you as long as you are the catcher.

Doesn't that make you the biggest homophobe? Because if you hate homophobia, you're probably a closet homophobe. Which also makes you the biggest homo. Here's a hint: only stupid people use arguments like that. It's why that's popular on the left.

 

[doc02]

It's pretty funny how once he realized how idiotic his liberal arguments were ("homophobes are secret homosexuals!!!"), he collapsed into second-grade material ("ho ho, glad to see you admit defeat!!"). It's actually a step up, but that's not saying much.

 

[McGillGrad]

Wow, "insulting" someone by calling them liberal and a leftist. That is the calling card of an educated debater.

Looks like a hit a nerve. I got your NASCAR sense tingling...haha

It's pretty funny how once he realized how idiotic his liberal arguments were ("homophobes are secret homosexuals!!!"), he collapsed into second-grade material ("ho ho, glad to see you admit defeat!!"). It's actually a step up, but that's not saying much.

 

[TRAMD]

It's pretty funny how once he realized how idiotic his liberal arguments were ("homophobes are secret homosexuals!!!"), he collapsed into second-grade material ("ho ho, glad to see you admit defeat!!"). It's actually a step up, but that's not saying much.

I would guess you would know second grade material as that appears to be the level of your argumentative prowess.

 

[McGillGrad]

I would guess you would know second grade material as that appears to be the level of your argumentative prowess.

I always wondered who made up that last 20% that still supported Bush. Well, mystery solved😛

 

[TRAMD]

I always wondered who made up that last 20% that still supported Bush. Well, mystery solved😛

I am skeptical. I can't really believe someone that supports Bush would really be able to use a computer or even know how to read/write.

 

[McGillGrad]

I am skeptical. I can't really believe someone that supports Bush would really be able to use a computer or even know how to read/write.

Ha! Touché!

 

[yaah]

Please stay on topic. This is not the place for this type of discussion.

 

[doc02]

OK, I will stop abusing those two guys.

 

[Hurricane]

When I have a couple apply in IM, we look at both applications together. If one person simply does not meet our criteria, we don't interview both. If both meet our minimum criteria we will interview the couple. When it comes time to ranking, I usually rank the couple together on the rank list -- I'd rather get both or neither.

Is your program the only IM program in the city?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Is your program the only IM program in the city?

My experience is that if I match only half of a couple (both matching in IM), one tries to transfer to the other program in the PGY-2 year. So, I tend to avoid it. Most couples applying in IM together want to be in the same program -- so that their schedules can be reasonably linked.