ROL question

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openyoureyes

ms4
15+ Year Member
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One of my top-ranked programs, which I'll call Program 1, has both categorical (4-yr) and advanced (3-yr) positions. I am applying to a number of prelims and only a handful of them are preferable to doing the internship at Program 1 through the categorical program. So in an ideal world, I would split my rank list like this:

1. Advanced 3-yr Program 1 with supplemental list X ranking Prelim Programs A, B, and C

2. Categorical 4-yr Program 1

3. Advanced 3-yr Program 1 with supplemental list Y ranking Prelim Programs D, E, F

BUT it's impossible; on nrmp.org I am unable to put in a duplicate program.

As you can imagine, I am afraid that if I match with the 3-yr program but do not match with A, B or C, I will have to scramble, while I could have landed a categorical position. This program, btw, says their rank list is the same for both programs; there were no extra interviews. I'm debating including D, E, and F in my supplemental list X. I'd be pretty disappointed to match at those prelims but I figure it's better than scrambling.

Does this make sense? What should I do?
 
That's an interesting scenario and unfortunately NRMP doesn't seem to allow the flexibility to accomodate it. It would be nice though.
 
Yeah, I think I'll bring the question to the PD to see if they could switch me to categorical should I match in the advance and not match in the prelim... It's an annoying situation.