Match alogorithm question?

[diamonddoc]

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Hi guys. An interesting question:
If I rank a program #1 and they rank me say 40 (out of 40 spots) would the computer place me in my #2 spot if the #2 program ranks me 1. Basically, is the algorithm set up so that a ranking of 1:40 loses to a 2:1 in an applicant/program ranking system?

 

[lurkerboy]

If there is any space in your first choice, you will always get it. Even if they rank you 70, there are 40 spots but 31 people did not rank them, you will get #1 no matter what you've ranked #2.

 

[madcadaver]

And to follow up on the rest of that common misconception, you will NOT be matched a program that is lower on your rank list just because they rank you very highly.

Also see:
http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/about_res/algorithms.html

 

[Finally M3]

From what I understand, you will be put into your #1 spot...if you 'match' in your #1, game over, if not, then you shift down to choice #2. Depending on how #2 ranks you, you can either slide into one of their spots and thus bumping someone else, or slide down to #3, etc. etc.

I don't think the scenario you mentioned can happen; If your #1 choice slides down to #40 on their rank list to fill their spots, you will match at #1, and not at #2.

The link to the nrmp algorithm above is really useful...check it out.

 

[Mirror Form]

Originally posted by diamonddoc
Hi guys. An interesting question:
If I rank a program #1 and they rank me say 40 (out of 40 spots) would the computer place me in my #2 spot if the #2 program ranks me 1. Basically, is the algorithm set up so that a ranking of 1:40 loses to a 2:1 in an applicant/program ranking system?

I'm no expert on the match, but I've heard from several sources that the algorithm is designed more to maximize the number of successful matches and that the situation above could happen.

 

[Seaglass]

'm no expert on the match, but I've heard from several sources that the algorithm is designed more to maximize the number of successful matches and that the situation above could happen.

It cannot. The match will place you at your highest choice that has a place for you. Visit the link for the details. The reason that people go unmatched is because their ROL's are too short. I have assurances from my #1 choice that I will have a place there in July, but I still ranked 12.

Casey

 

[lurkerboy]

Originally posted by Sledge2005
I'm no expert on the match, but I've heard from several sources that the algorithm is designed more to maximize the number of successful matches and that the situation above could happen.

Yes, in a sense you are right, this does maximize the successful matches.... by matching the applicant in his first choice not his second! THis is what they mean when they say the matching system favors the applicant and their preference. If you were correct, what would stop them from placing you in a program that ranked you #1 but you did not put them on your rank list?

The NRMP's description of the algorithm must not have been one of your "sources"....

 

[madcadaver]

Again I would suggest that all 'non experts on the match' actually look at the nrmp website (already linked to twice in this thread). I find it hard to believe that there are even a lot of ms4's I have met on the interview trail and at my own school who don't really have any idea how the match works.

The most frequent errors I have seen and heard are as follows:

1. "I really like Program A (or some other top program) but I am not going to rank it highly because I don't want to 'waste one of my top ranks' on a program which is unlikely to rank me highly anyway."

2. "I don't want to even put Program X on my list because, even though I would rather go there than scramble or risk not matching, they might rank me highly and I'll get stuck matching there."

These are both big errors, don't listen to people who tell you they are valid concerns!!
MadC