"Ranked to Match" feedback

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bmjr

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How common is it for programs to tell applicants if they are ranked to match? Has anyone heard this from any programs yet?
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Just got that exact phrase from a program this morning!
 
I was phoned directly by one program earlier in the week. A lot of innuendo, but no one every threw around that phrase although it was MORE than implied...
 
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I've received several emails from PDs recently. Some saying they would "love to have me as a resident" but none of them saying "ranked to match" specifically. McatMan, would you mine sharing which programs you've received "ranked to match" emails from?
 
Jetty said:
I've received several emails from PDs recently. Some saying they would "love to have me as a resident" but none of them saying "ranked to match" specifically. McatMan, would you mine sharing which programs you've received "ranked to match" emails from?
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BIDMC only

got something similar from OHSU but without that exact phrase.
 
LoveGI said:
I was phoned directly by one program earlier in the week. A lot of innuendo, but no one every threw around that phrase although it was MORE than implied...
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What do you consider "more than implied"? I've gotten feedback from places saying "it will be your choice", "we hope you will be in our program next year", "we would love to have you", etc. but also have yet to explicitly hear "ranked to match".
 
MCATMAN45 said:
giving your application the "strongest of consideration" and look forward to seeing you in the fall.
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Thanks for sharing!

I received a similarly worded email, but I assumed that these were standard-issue for wooing applicants and should be taken with a grain of salt. I would be happy to learn that I could reliably read into this though!
 
hematopoiesis said:
Thanks for sharing!

I received a similarly worded email, but I assumed that these were standard-issue for wooing applicants and should be taken with a grain of salt. I would be happy to learn that I could reliably read into this though!
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Got the same phrase from OHSU. Don't read into it too much.
 
Ranked to match means you are ranked above the furthest spot down their rank list they went last year. So, if more people ranked the program higher this year, you may not match there. It isn't straight up lying, but it's somewhat misleading to applicants.
 
bronx43 said:
Ranked to match means you are ranked above the furthest spot down their rank list they went last year. So, if more people ranked the program higher this year, you may not match there. It isn't straight up lying, but it's somewhat misleading to applicants.
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I understand that, I'm mainly just trying to get some idea of how many programs even tell applicants if they're ranked to match.
 
bmjr said:
I understand that, I'm mainly just trying to get some idea of how many programs even tell applicants if they're ranked to match.
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I understand the reasoning behind wanting to know, but (as it has been said many times before), this really shouldn't have any bearing on how you make your list. The bottom line is that it doesn't matter if they shower you with emails/phone calls/gifts or they completely ignore you....there's no advantage to do anything other than make your list based on your true preferences. If you wanna go to school X and they hate you, you'll still have a better chance of getting into school X by putting it #1 than #2.
 
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bmjr said:
I understand that, I'm mainly just trying to get some idea of how many programs even tell applicants if they're ranked to match.
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Very few programs tell their applicants that they're ranked to match. Does that make you feel warm and fuzzy? How about if I told you every program tells their applicants that they're ranked to match. Better or worse?
 
not sure if this applies to categorical medicine, but i told my #1 prelim med program where i would be ranking it. a day later, i get an e-mail and call from the program director about being "ranked to match." and, well, worked out accordingly. not bidmc, but another well-known hospital in the vicinity.

also, i received an unsolicited "ranked to match" call from my derm program. i actually called them back to clarify what exactly "ranked to match" means; doesn't hurt to keep open communication.
 
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bmjr said:
I understand that, I'm mainly just trying to get some idea of how many programs even tell applicants if they're ranked to match.
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WashU - "I feel comfortable saying that, based on historical results, you would be highly likely to match with us should you choose to do so."

Same from BIDMC, Duke in a letter, etc. Don't read too much into it.
 
bronx43 said:
Very few programs tell their applicants that they're ranked to match. Does that make you feel warm and fuzzy? How about if I told you every program tells their applicants that they're ranked to match. Better or worse?
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Obviously the former statement would be more reassuring for any applicant who hasn't received much of this explicit feedback. What's your point? That I can't do anything about it either way? That the statement is far from a guarantee? I'm aware of these facts. Should we not have an interview invite thread based on the premise that we can't take any action on the information to help our chances?
 
bmjr said:
Obviously the former statement would be more reassuring for any applicant who hasn't received much of this explicit feedback. What's your point? That I can't do anything about it either way? That the statement is far from a guarantee? I'm aware of these facts. Should we not have an interview invite thread based on the premise that we can't take any action on the information to help our chances?
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Agree
 
bmjr said:
Obviously the former statement would be more reassuring for any applicant who hasn't received much of this explicit feedback. What's your point? That I can't do anything about it either way? That the statement is far from a guarantee? I'm aware of these facts. Should we not have an interview invite thread based on the premise that we can't take any action on the information to help our chances?
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My point is that you should rank where you want to go. If you want to go to program A, then you rank program A #1, even if program A shows you no love. Why would whether or not they send you "ranked to match" letters alter your rank list at all?

As far as interview invite threads, they can actually be of use to people, as they give information about specific programs.
 
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bronx43 said:
My point is that you should rank where you want to go. If you want to go to program A, then you rank program A #1, even if program A shows you no love. Why would whether or not they send you "ranked to match" letters alter your rank list at all?

As far as interview invite threads, they can actually be of use to people, as they give information about specific programs.
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Agree. If you're using post-interview correspondence to make your rank list, it signifies a misunderstanding of the ranking system (or possibly some deep rooted need for that warm fuzzy feeling)...why would you change your rank list because of post-interview correspondence? Would your #1 be ranked lower because they didn't shower you with love? Hopefully not. Think about it this way - PDs have no incentive to promise you anything and have the ability to flat out lie. In fact, the more interviewees who rank their program #1, the closer programs can get to their own true rank list. They guarantee you nothing by saying you're loved in the same way that you guarantee them nothing by saying they're #1 (think of how many applicants tell them that year after year, then match somewhere else...it becomes meaningless).
 
bronx43 said:
My point is that you should rank where you want to go. If you want to go to program A, then you rank program A #1, even if program A shows you no love. Why would whether or not they send you "ranked to match" letters alter your rank list at all?

As far as interview invite threads, they can actually be of use to people, as they give information about specific programs.
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Where did I ever say it would influence my rank list? I've had the order of my list set for nearly a month with no intention of changing it regardless of feedback. Like the interview invite thread, I figured we could glean specific program information (eg. BIDMC has informed some applicants that they are ranked to match). Like the interview invite thread, there is really nothing we can do with this information to help our prospects but I'm sure it is information that would interest most applicants.
 
In regards to "rank to match" feedback, I have gotten a few responses after I wrote a thank-you note to the PD or email to my interviewers with the standard language of "ranked very highly" or "very much hope you are in our intern class this summer" etc. These were places where I was interested in but by no means gave the "I'm ranking you #1" biz. Have any of you guys seen the "ranked to match" conversations happen following solicited correspondence, or are the majority of your rank to match emails/letters all unsolicited?
 
OptimusKane said:
In regards to "rank to match" feedback, I have gotten a few responses after I wrote a thank-you note to the PD or email to my interviewers with the standard language of "ranked very highly" or "very much hope you are in our intern class this summer" etc. These were places where I was interested in but by no means gave the "I'm ranking you #1" biz. Have any of you guys seen the "ranked to match" conversations happen following solicited correspondence, or are the majority of your rank to match emails/letters all unsolicited?
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I've received unsolicited feedback from a couple places, but the vast majority has been after a thank-you note, and with the same standard language you mentioned ("ranked very highly", etc). None have explicitly told me I'm "ranked to match".
 
Phyozo said:
Agree. If you're using post-interview correspondence to make your rank list, it signifies a misunderstanding of the ranking system (or possibly some deep rooted need for that warm fuzzy feeling)...why would you change your rank list because of post-interview correspondence? Would your #1 be ranked lower because they didn't shower you with love? Hopefully not. Think about it this way - PDs have no incentive to promise you anything and have the ability to flat out lie. In fact, the more interviewees who rank their program #1, the closer programs can get to their own true rank list. They guarantee you nothing by saying you're loved in the same way that you guarantee them nothing by saying they're #1 (think of how many applicants tell them that year after year, then match somewhere else...it becomes meaningless).
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Why is it that on everyone of these threads, you know the ones filled w/ neurotic musings of applicants, people always leap in with advice about not changing your ROL based on how you think programs will rank you.

I think most people get that. That's not what these threads are about. It's about trying to gain some knowledge and understanding about a process that's beyond their control.

Yes, it's neurotic, irrational and unreasonable. But that's how people are. A little bit of knowledge really does help satisfy internal tension.
 
turkeyjerky said:
Why is it that on everyone of these threads, you know the ones filled w/ neurotic musings of applicants, people always leap in with advice about not changing your ROL based on how you think programs will rank you.

I think most people get that. That's not what these threads are about. It's about trying to gain some knowledge and understanding about a process that's beyond their control.

Yes, it's neurotic, irrational and unreasonable. But that's how people are. A little bit of knowledge really does help satisfy internal tension.
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Very well said. Or if you want to put it condescendingly, it makes us feel "warm and fuzzy". I'll be the first to admit I'm being neurotic about this process. Looking at the # of views of this thread in one day, I hardly think I'm alone.
 
I've received this from one residency, but I wonder how programs think about this. For example, "if I tell an applicant that they are a sure thing, are they more likely to use me as a safety?" I'm sure there are stupid head games both ways.
 
turkeyjerky said:
Why is it that on everyone of these threads, you know the ones filled w/ neurotic musings of applicants, people always leap in with advice about not changing your ROL based on how you think programs will rank you.

I think most people get that. That's not what these threads are about. It's about trying to gain some knowledge and understanding about a process that's beyond their control.

Yes, it's neurotic, irrational and unreasonable. But that's how people are. A little bit of knowledge really does help satisfy internal tension.
Click to expand...

Your control is your own rank list and only your own rank list. Any additional "knowledge and understanding" you're going to get from this thread is purely for the purpose of resolving your own "internal tension".
 
Phyozo said:
Your control is your own rank list and only your own rank list. Any additional "knowledge and understanding" you're going to get from this thread is purely for the purpose of resolving your own "internal tension".
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Is that necessarily a bad thing?
 
gutonc said:
I come for the lulz. You guys crack me up/terrify me.
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Come on, I guarantee you were the exact same way back (in the 80s 😉) when you were applying.

Your control is your own rank list and only your own rank list. Any additional "knowledge and understanding" you're going to get from this thread is purely for the purpose of resolving your own "internal tension".
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Uhh...thanks for agreeing with me
 
Or if you want to put it condescendingly, it makes us feel "warm and fuzzy".


Seriously . . . what's with the overread and, worse, totally unsolicited 'tude? Can't people ask questions on this forum without these types of responses?
 
luckylad said:
Or if you want to put it condescendingly, it makes us feel "warm and fuzzy".


Seriously . . . what's with the overread and, worse, totally unsolicited 'tude? Can't people ask questions on this forum without these types of responses?
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What 'tude? "Ranked to match" means you are ranked above their last spot the year prior. That gives you everything you need to know about ranked to match and its implications. There literally should be no more questions after this. Having 0, 10, or 20 online people tell you they've heard the same phrase provides you with no additional information.
 
choirboy said:
WashU - "I feel comfortable saying that, based on historical results, you would be highly likely to match with us should you choose to do so."

Same from BIDMC, Duke in a letter, etc. Don't read too much into it.
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Did everyone who interviewed get a handwritten note from Duke's PD?
 
bronx43 said:
What 'tude? "Ranked to match" means you are ranked above their last spot the year prior. That gives you everything you need to know about ranked to match and its implications. There literally should be no more questions after this. Having 0, 10, or 20 online people tell you they've heard the same phrase provides you with no additional information.
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Not everyone uses RTM the same way. Some use it to mean if they have 10 spots you are in their top 10.

There isn't just one way RTM is used and that's pretty much why this thread exists.
 
bronx43 said:
What 'tude? "Ranked to match" means you are ranked above their last spot the year prior. That gives you everything you need to know about ranked to match and its implications. There literally should be no more questions after this. Having 0, 10, or 20 online people tell you they've heard the same phrase provides you with no additional information.
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Again, you could just as easily be describing the interview invite thread. What if you haven't heard you are ranked to match from a program? Seeing if others were told this by said program would tell you more about where you stand, rather than wondering if they even divulge such information to applicants.
 
Hey y'all,

Anyone receive unsolicited emails from JHU, Pitt or Mayo?

Thanks!
 
Jetty said:
Hey y'all,

Anyone receive unsolicited emails from JHU, Pitt or Mayo?

Thanks!
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A couple from Mayo (one from an aPD who interviewed me, and then the listserv one last week), nothing from JHU.
 
For what it's worth, I've heard from the following:

Duke - Hand-written thank you from PD, letter from APD, non-specific
UW - Hand-written note from PD, non-specific
UCSF - Post-interview email from PD, non-specific
Penn - Email, "spot will be yours for the taking"
Yale - Email from PD, non-specific
BIDMC - Email, "you will surely match at BIDMC should you chose"
BWH - Phone call from APD; email from PD
MGH - Phone call from panel interview chair
 
I'd give you a 10-15% chance of matching this year. Lot of non-specific feedback in there.
 
zzaazz said:
anything from usc?
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nope

RunningMan said:
For what it's worth, I've heard from the following:

Duke - Hand-written thank you from PD, letter from APD, non-specific
UW - Hand-written note from PD, non-specific
UCSF - Post-interview email from PD, non-specific
Penn - Email, "spot will be yours for the taking"
Yale - Email from PD, non-specific
BIDMC - Email, "you will surely match at BIDMC should you chose"
BWH - Phone call from APD; email from PD
MGH - Phone call from panel interview chair
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damn dude...congrats!
 
So I know no one can give an exact answer to this and it must vary by program, but generally do programs email or call everyone of the applicants that have a possibility of matching or only those in the very top of their rank lists?
For the bigger programs I'm thinking that might include 100+ people that would have a chance of matching there
 
I think we all got a hand written letter from UW, they said explicitly in the interview that they won't be sending out "ranked to match" type letters though (and I haven't gotten one).

I generally got a polite but non-committal reply to any thank-yous I sent, I don't think those mean anything.

I got unsolicited "spot is yours for the taking" equivalents from U of C, NW, UW-Madison, WashU, and Emory.

I have not heard from Pitt.

Has anyone heard from any of the NYC programs?
 
patchwork said:
Did everyone who interviewed get a handwritten note from Duke's PD?
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Don't know about everyone, but I did. Plus a non-specific from the APD. I got an email from my interviewer which was a bit more specific towards our conversation.
 
hkard said:
So I know no one can give an exact answer to this and it must vary by program, but generally do programs email or call everyone of the applicants that have a possibility of matching or only those in the very top of their rank lists?
For the bigger programs I'm thinking that might include 100+ people that would have a chance of matching there
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There is no general rule. Some programs will contact nobody. Others will contact people only those who are truly "ranked to match" (i.e. within the top X ranks on the list of a program with X spots). Some will contact those who have a high (historically) chance of matching. Others will just ***** out and send anybody on their rank list a mash note. Unless you're the person who actually sends the letters, there's no way to know which program does what.

This is why trying to read the tea leaves in this situation is a huge waste of time and emotional energy.
 
Handwritten note from PD at Duke, non-specific email from aPD at Dartmouth, from PD at CCF
No response from Scripps Green
 
sargerius said:
Handwritten note from PD at Duke, non-specific email from aPD at Dartmouth, from PD at CCF
No response from Scripps Green
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Got a ranked to match email from the scripps green PD a few days ago
 
UCSD - phone call & email from PD
UCLA - email from APD
UCI - email from PD
USC - email from PD
 
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