"Ranked to Match" letters

[WaityKaty]

Hi all,

I've seen this discussed in other forums but not in Peds specifically. Have you all heard of these "ranked to match" letters or emails, in which programs will tell you that you are ranked in a position which historically results in a match? If so, do you know when these are sent out? I am thinking mid-Frebruary. I know I'm being paranoid, and I'm sorry, but what we've been working toward for so long is just so close now! It's unbelievable!

Thanks

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[DoctorSoccer]

I wouldn't get worried about these letters. Most programs don't send them out, although I know for a fact a few do. I would say send an email or letter to the program director of the program you plan on ranking first and tell him/her that they are at the top of your list. Make it sincere, state a few reasons, and thank them for allowing you to interview and see all they have to offer. This isn't illegal, and it will show your genuine interest. They might reply with a generic "thank you for your interest" letter, something more, or nothing at all. Either way, they'll know you're genuinely interested and that's all you can do. If you want you could also send a letter stating your "continued interest" in your #2 and #3 programs, stating they will definitely be near the top of your list. Don't lie and don't sugarcoat it, but it can't hurt to put it out there.

Good luck! Oh, and for the record, I did this with my top programs and matched at my #1. They sent back a nice letter but in no way said I was a guaranteed match. It can't hurt.

 

[WaityKaty]

Thanks for your reply! I have sent a letter to my #1 - and so far, crickets. I hope to hear something back, but I know it is a busy time of year and they have a lot on their plate. I made my feelings known and that is all I can do at this point. I am glad it worked out for you!

Regarding the letters to #2 and #3 programs, do you think stating something along the lines of "I will rank you highly on my list" vs "near the top of the list" leaves it a little more open-ended without automatically giving away that they're not your #1?

 

[michigangirl]

I would stick with telling your #1 and leaving it at that, unless you did an away rotation at a 2 or 3 or something that makes you stand out more-- bottom line, programs and applicants should all rank based on who they want most, not who has professed their love. Obviously, this doesn't always get followed, but that's how you should rank.

 

[twilightdoc]

Hi all,

I've seen this discussed in other forums but not in Peds specifically. Have you all heard of these "ranked to match" letters or emails, in which programs will tell you that you are ranked in a position which historically results in a match? ...

Beware the "ranked to match" emails from programs- I'm not sure I know what that means. For example, if a program takes 25 first year residents a year and you are ranked at #3 on their list, you are definitely "ranked to match". But if that same program normally goes down to 150 on their list to fill their 25 spots, the "ranked to match" comment might indicate that you are in the range from which they usually fill their program, maybe at #149. And some years they may fill before they get to that spot, and some years they may go lower. Caveat emptor!

 

[WaityKaty]

::BUMP::

At the risk of sounding paranoid, and likely because I am just a bit, I'd like to ask if anyone has received any reassuring letters, phone calls, or emails from any Peds programs. Anybody?

I know for sure that a few of mine do send them, and this usually will let you know that you are in a position that historically results in a match. I know it's not a sure thing, but I'm also pretty confident that in these cases, NOT getting the letter is a pretty sure fire sign that a match is not likely to occur. I think this week is likely the time frame in which these letters would come, don't u agree?

Thanks!

 

[jcu]

I know it's not a sure thing, but I'm also pretty confident that in these cases, NOT getting the letter is a pretty sure fire sign that a match is not likely to occur.

It seems like the SDN consensus is that this isn't the case. If not getting an RTM correspondence = no match, then I'm screwed.

 

[Doctorverardoll]

I've only gotten one response from the programs I emailed. It was a really nice note, but not RTM. Otherwise programs have been mum, except for a few we hope you rank us highly (form letter).

 

[SAvoodoo]

It seems like the SDN consensus is that this isn't the case. If not getting an RTM correspondence = no match, then I'm screwed.

I went on both DO and MD interviews and the DO programs were all about letting you know where you stood. On the other hand every MD program director I talked to told me flat out they don't let applicants know (probably shouldn't have bluntly asked but oh well 🙄). Just my experience so take it for what it's worth.

 

[Chicharita]

I've gotten a couple flattering emails and a few phone messages left by program directors, but mostly mum. I've read (probably here) to take these notes and calls with a grain of salt, but I guess it's better than nothing... My friend who matched at one of the top programs didn't get an email or call from them. I wouldn't sweat it. Trust the match, is what everyone says.