should residency programs be rankings applicants based on how likely they think they will come to the program?

[theonlytycrane]

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doesn't "we matched all applicants from the top of our rank list" from programs ultimately hurt applicants and throw off the entire match algorithm? I realize this is not a new issue, but it is surprising to me to understand how this all works from talking to my ms4 friends

for example, a friend of mine from last year had to SOAP after not matching into a competitive surgical sub-specialty, because he was also ranked low for general surgery because programs didn't think he would come there

 

[wondervisions]

No, both parties should be ranking based on true preference.

 

[libertyyne]

The whole point is you should be ranking based on preference and not trying to game the system in order to fill early on the list. Program directors seem to think its some sort of boasting right to fill early on the list , even if the applicants they are filling with are less competitive.

 

[efle]

I can understand why they'd want someone who was truly eager to train there with slightly lower scores or less research, instead of being someone's safety. Morale, odds of remaining at that institution for further training or practice, etc.

 

[Pepe18]

.

 

[fasteddie911]

Program can do whatever they want. Certainly some programs game the system, get people to rank them highly and get their pick of the litter and bragging rights for matching well. But there's also no issue and I think it's somewhat wise for programs to at least consider someone's interest in your program/location when ranking them. One of the worst things would be to have an unhappy, disgruntled or toxic resident because they weren't happy with the match. It can lead to all sorts of problems.