Telling a program you are ranking them #1?

[MAC Man]

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I have been told by some that it's OK to tell the program you are going to rank #1 that you are planning to do so as long as you are 100% sure. I suppose it might help you get into a competitive place, but who knows.

Is there anything wrong with doing this?

How commonly is this done?

Thanks.

 

[DoctorG]

How commonly is this done? Thanks.

So common that some applicants tell each program they plan on ranking them number 1. I have also heard stories of some programs telling applicants they plan on ranking them "high" which didn't happen ( i.e applicant ranked program high, didn't match and program didn't fill). I plan on telling my number 1 choice that they are my number 1 and leave it at that. Good luck.

 

[OldManDave]

I have been told by some that it's OK to tell the program you are going to rank #1 that you are planning to do so as long as you are 100% sure. I suppose it might help you get into a competitive place, but who knows.

Is there anything wrong with doing this?

How commonly is this done?

Thanks.

Personally, I think this tactic is commonly employed that most programs pay it little heed. There is an unfortunate minority of applicants who willing to say whatever in order to guarantee a slot, which distorts the process for the remainder.

 

[TofuBalls]

Don't ever trust a 4th year medical student or a program director! 😀

 

[MAC Man]

I wonder if programs alter their ranklist according to the amount of interest certain candidates show after their interview.

Consider UAB, according to their website they got their 16 residents last year from the top 22 positions on their list. It sounds impressive. Do you think most of their applicants rank them #1, or are they ranking more favorably those who announce that they will put UAB at the top of their list. I'm guessing it's a bit of both.

 

[wangstar]

I wonder if programs alter their ranklist according to the amount of interest certain candidates show after their interview.

Consider UAB, according to their website they got their 16 residents last year from the top 22 positions on their list. It sounds impressive. Do you think most of their applicants rank them #1, or are they ranking more favorably those who announce that they will put UAB at the top of their list. I'm guessing it's a bit of both.

I don't know remember how I got talking about it but I've been told by a chairmen during an interview that when an applicant shows extreme interest in a program it is minor factor in determining rank list as they would rather take people who want to go there because they will likely be happier, work better, and not drop out of the program. He also said that thank you notes a are separate kind of thing, and while they don't really factor in, they show that the applicant is well organized which might.