Question about how the match algorithm works!

[nope80]

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Okay so for those of us applying to two specialties, I have a question.

I want to rank one specialty over another - so for example, spots 1-10 will be one specialty (rads) and the rest another (IM). However, the issue is that if I don't get rads, there is one particular IM program that I really like and will rank number one out of IM. So lets say that program becomes #11. If I don't get 1-10 and they get to 11, since i am almost positive I will be ranked really highly by that school, will I be in a disadvantage that I ranked them 11. In other words, if I don't get 1-10 is that somehow going to affect my chance of getting into this program? Based on my understanding, it won't but someone was telling me it may. Any thoughts?

 

[OncoticPressure]

Okay so for those of us applying to two specialties, I have a question.

I want to rank one specialty over another - so for example, spots 1-10 will be one specialty (rads) and the rest another (IM). However, the issue is that if I don't get rads, there is one particular IM program that I really like and will rank number one out of IM. So lets say that program becomes #11. If I don't get 1-10 and they get to 11, since i am almost positive I will be ranked really highly by that school, will I be in a disadvantage that I ranked them 11. In other words, if I don't get 1-10 is that somehow going to affect my chance of getting into this program? Based on my understanding, it won't but someone was telling me it may. Any thoughts?

It won't affect how they rank you. Whoever told you that is mistaken.

 

[nope80]

I know it won't affect how they will rank me but ultimately will it affect whether I get placed? If I don't get 1-10 and rank them 11 vs if I put they high up in my rank list, knowing that they will rank me high either way? Does that make sense?

 

[docbill]

I know it won't affect how they will rank me but ultimately will it affect whether I get placed? If I don't get 1-10 and rank them 11 vs if I put they high up in my rank list, knowing that they will rank me high either way? Does that make sense?

It always works in the advantage of the applicant.

Always place where you want to go in order of preference. There is no trick to it. Short of convincing all the other applicants not to ranking that location so you get it.

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

 

[gutonc]

I know it won't affect how they will rank me but ultimately will it affect whether I get placed? If I don't get 1-10 and rank them 11 vs if I put they high up in my rank list, knowing that they will rank me high either way? Does that make sense?

No, it won't disadvantage you. As far as the algorithm knows, if your 1-10 fill before they get to your spot on their list, your #11 functions as your #1.

The only way you're at a disadvantage doing it this way is if you'd actually rather do IM at #11 than rads at 7-10. But if Rads is really what you want, rank them this way and you'll be fine.

 

[Steiner]

No, it won't disadvantage you. As far as the algorithm knows, if your 1-10 fill before they get to your spot on their list, your #11 functions as your #1.

That's the best way I've heard the algorithm explained yet. It should be on the NRMP website like that.

"If you don't match in your #1, your #2 becomes your #1 and so on....."