Hi everyone! I am participating in this year's dental match for pediatric dentistry, and rank submissions are due in a few days.
I am having a bit of an issue deciding between which program I should rank 1 vs 2 on my list.
Some background info:
Side note: I would definitely be ecstatic to match at any program, and I do not want to essentially ruin my chances of matching at either of my top two options by ranking one higher than the other and possibly "throwing away" the coveted #1 spot for my dream school, which I feel is a bit of a reach.
**I also know that attempts to outsmart/play Match are not advised and it's always best to follow one's heart, however, I can't help but question ranking Program A over Program B, as I feel that there is likely a higher probability that I may match to Program B, as I perceived that Program A would favor the more academically competitive applicant since it is a highly sought-after program.
I would appreciate any advice!! Thanks in advance!
I am having a bit of an issue deciding between which program I should rank 1 vs 2 on my list.
Some background info:
- Program A is extremely competitive, but I have dreamed about going there since dental school started and was shocked that I was invited to interview there after learning how competitive it is.
- I visited Program B and also fell in love with it during the interview, but I know that it is less competitive than Program A
- Program A has 3 spots available
- Program B has 5 spots available
- I am not in the top 10% of my class, however, I am in the top 20% (I was told that the numbers make no difference once you are invited to interview anyway), and I have a lot of extracurricular, shadowing, research, publication, etc experience.
- I received positive feedback from the director of Program A during the interview, however, I am unsure if he says that to everyone or if he truly meant to give me a discreet sign.
- I received positive feedback from the director and the residents of Program B, but again, I have no way of knowing if that is the norm or if they were also giving me a green light.
Side note: I would definitely be ecstatic to match at any program, and I do not want to essentially ruin my chances of matching at either of my top two options by ranking one higher than the other and possibly "throwing away" the coveted #1 spot for my dream school, which I feel is a bit of a reach.
**I also know that attempts to outsmart/play Match are not advised and it's always best to follow one's heart, however, I can't help but question ranking Program A over Program B, as I feel that there is likely a higher probability that I may match to Program B, as I perceived that Program A would favor the more academically competitive applicant since it is a highly sought-after program.
I would appreciate any advice!! Thanks in advance!