Question about match algorithm

[Bitterman]

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I found this old thread:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=254504

Was wondering if this still holds. Let's say I rank program "A" #1, and program "B" #2, but program A doesn't rank me (or ranks me too low to match). Program B has 40 spots, and they rank me #40 on their list (and the first 39 spots have already filled). They also ranked applicant Steve #41, but he ranked them #1. Who will match at program B, Steve, or myself?

Been having talks with classmates about this, and everyone has their own version. So I wanted to confirm (so please cite me anything so I can really confirm it).

 

[lord_jeebus]

You will match at B, in that scenario.

The optimum strategy for the match is always to rank in order of preference.

 

[FlowLimited]

You could both potentially match there. The first 39 spots are tentatively filled but they may be filled with applicants who were ranked lower by the program than you and Steve. The person at the top of the list when your name comes up could be #42 and therefore you and Steve could both jump up to the top of the list.

To answer your question, if it did come out to a scenario of you and Steve fighting for the very bottom slot, you would win.

 

[PSurg530]

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

Straight from the horse's mouth. Spend some time looking at the algorithm, it actually makes sense the way they explain it.

You would match at program B.

 

[2012mdc]

You could both potentially match there. The first 39 spots are tentatively filled but they may be filled with applicants who were ranked lower by the program than you and Steve. The person at the top of the list when your name comes up could be #42 and therefore you and Steve could both jump up to the top of the list.

To answer your question, if it did come out to a scenario of you and Steve fighting for the very bottom slot, you would win.

Exactly. Steve could tentatively be placed there because it's his #1 but once A fills then the algorithm will try to match you with B and since you are preferred over Steve you'd take his spot. If there's 40 spots and you're #40 then your spot is finalized in program B.

 

[Bitterman]

This is really good to know. Thanks everyone for clarifying this.