Program Ranking

[In da know]

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Just checking everyone else's opinion on ranking programs. Are you better off ranking the program you think is most likely to rank you high or ranking the program you liked the most even if it is not the most likely to rank you you high? I've always been told you're better off ranking your choice high but in theory that could mean the difference between matching and scrambling. Any thoughts.....

 

[USCDiver]

Just checking everyone else's opinion on ranking programs. Are you better off ranking the program you think is most likely to rank you high or ranking the program you liked the most even if it is not the most likely to rank you you high? I've always been told you're better off ranking your choice high but in theory that could mean the difference between matching and scrambling. Any thoughts.....

I would be interested in which theory you're looking at. Because the match is weighted toward the applicant over the programs. There is no debate here, the algorithm is the same for everyone. Rank the programs in your order of preference. Do NOT try to predict where you think other programs will rank you. You will probably be wrong.

 

[The White Coat Investor]

Just checking everyone else's opinion on ranking programs. Are you better off ranking the program you think is most likely to rank you high or ranking the program you liked the most even if it is not the most likely to rank you you high? I've always been told you're better off ranking your choice high but in theory that could mean the difference between matching and scrambling. Any thoughts.....

Don't try to play games. It is a very well written computer program. Just rank them in the order you want to go to them. That's it. Very simple. The process favors the applicant.

 

[deleted109597]

Rank them how you want to go. If your second pick ranks you high enough, and you don't get your first, you go to the second. Playing games makes you crazy. You won't scramble because you didn't pick a program highly enough, you scramble because you aren't high enough on everyone's match list.

 

[wook]

I would be intested in which theory you're looking at. Because the match is weighted toward the applicant over the programs. There is no debate here, the algorithm is the same for everyone. Rank the programs in your order of preference. Do NOT try to predict where you think other programs will rank you. You will probably be wrong.

👍

Agreed. Rank on how YOU want to rank.



Wook

 

[DrQuinn]

Completely IGNORE any post-interview communications from the PDs or interviewers to you, especially if they say "we think you owuld be a great match here," or whatever. (Unless of course they email you to say that they got another accredidation by the RRC or some other non propaganda email).

DO NOT RANK YOUR PROGRAMS BASED ON WHERE YOU THINK THEY WILL RANK YOU.

Do it, just like everyone said, on where YOU want to be... not where you think you are wanted.

Q

 

[peksi]

Do it, just like everyone said, on where YOU want to be... not where you think you are wanted.
Q[/QUOTE]


This is the most sound advice! Do NOT over analyze this process. If you have a great interview, a great vibe and you feel that the program you would most like to be at then rank it first, second, third and so on.

Also do not rank based on where you think you may or may not get it... I realize that many of you see associates with high numbers and programs that have established reputations or are the "buzz" for a specific year etc. DO NOT sell yourself short. If you were invited for an interview you should have a shot. Again go with your gut and ultimately where you would like to be!

Best of Luck!

Paul

 

[BadVB750]

Do programs rank most of the people that they interview?

 

[deleted109597]

Do programs rank most of the people that they interview?

Yes, unless you really mess up badly. It does the program no interest to not rank people. Remember, most only interview around 150, and some use all 150 names on their lists.

 

[cbrad]

We have a few DNR's each year

 

[ElZorro]

just to clarify.... there is no risk of getting "skipped over?" Like if you rank X over Y, and don't match at X, is it possible that Y could fill their spots even if they had you in the top 10 (or whatever their number of spots are? Sorry, I probably just made everybody's head hurt.

 

[deleted109597]

There is no risk of being skipped. All matches are tentative matches for first choice. However, if I outrank someone on the programs list, even if it is my second choice and their first, I go in their place. I would say that it is clear on the nrmp website, but we all know that it isn't.

 

[SolidGold]

just to clarify.... there is no risk of getting "skipped over?" Like if you rank X over Y, and don't match at X, is it possible that Y could fill their spots even if they had you in the top 10 (or whatever their number of spots are? Sorry, I probably just made everybody's head hurt.

Lol, don't worry, I was thinking the same thing. I hope someone here can answer that question in a manner that makes sense.

Another thing to add, there really shouldn't be any other way an applicant ranks the programs. They should base it on where they would want to go, because I don't think there is any possible way to accurately predict where a program wants to rank you. Even if they illegally tell you they want to rank you #1, you better not rely on that because it could get you into a situation where you'll be stuck scrambling. And just because you feel like the interview didn't go well, doesn't mean the interviewer thought that.

 

[USCDiver]

just to clarify.... there is no risk of getting "skipped over?" Like if you rank X over Y, and don't match at X, is it possible that Y could fill their spots even if they had you in the top 10 (or whatever their number of spots are? Sorry, I probably just made everybody's head hurt.

There is NO risk of this happening by the algorithm. You will match into the highest program on your list that has not filled by the time they get to you on their list.

I think the NRMP Match Algorithm website is pretty self explanatory. But if you think it's confusing, use the 'guidelines' at the bottom.