6.0 Restrictions on Persuasion
One of the purposes of the Main Residency Match is to allow both applicants and
programs to make selection decisions on a uniform schedule and without coercion or
undue or unwarranted pressure. Both applicants and programs may express their
interest in each other; however, they shall not solicit verbal or written statements
implying a commitment. Applicants shall at all times be free to keep confidential the
names or identities of programs to which they have or may apply. The NRMP
recommends that each program director and applicant read carefully the Match
Communication Code of Conduct for information on acceptable methods of interaction
during the interview and matching processes.
In addition, it is a breach of this Agreement for:
(a) a program to request applicants to reveal ranking preferences; or
(b) an applicant to suggest or inform a program that placement on a rank
order list or acceptance of an offer during SOAP is contingent upon
submission of a verbal or written statement indicating the program’s
preference; or
(c) a program to suggest or inform an applicant that placement on a rank
order list or a SOAP preference list is contingent upon submission of a
verbal or written statement indicating the applicant’s preference; or
(d) a program to require applicants to reveal the names or identities of
programs to which they have or may apply; or
(e) a program and an applicant in the Main Residency Match to make
any verbal or written contract for appointment to a concurrent year
residency or fellowship position prior to the release of the List of Unfilled
Programs.
Only the final preferences of programs and applicants, as expressed on their final
certified rank order lists or by offers extended and accepted through SOAP, will
determine the offering of positions and the placement of applicants through the
Main Residency Match
