What do programs do when they sit and rank ?

[jennashell]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Can someone who has experience or first hand knowledge share how do programs sit and rank applicants ? I have heard that faculty and PD sit together one day and create this list.

I am no super applicant but I have no red flags. I am not proud of my scores and I often feel very insecure about them. I have tried to make it up by working very hard on all other aspects of my application.
Now that ranking time is here I always wonder if my low scores will decide my fate in family medicine.
I did my interview really well and was invited to a second look as well. If you guys know what factors play into this ranking process, I would really appreciate it.

Once a resident told me that once you make it to the interview then it is an even playing field for all candidates. I also have heard that after interviews, scores are re looked again for ranking purposes....anyone????

 

[22031 Alum]

The answer is different for every single program, so I'm afraid nobody will be able to give you the definitive answer you're looking for. I've been at a place where scores were never mentioned again after interview invites went out. I've been at a place where scores were considered in making the final rank list. You've worked hard on other aspects of your application, interviewed well, and even showed interest by doing a second look. It sounds like you've done all you can. Now you just have to wait and see how things shake out. Good luck!!

 

[one11]

As 22031 Alum said, programs are different. But one thing I almost sure about is that you should not worry at all about matching into family medicine if you are an american graduate. Matching to your number#1 is something else.

 

[Cinematographer]

1. They print out each applicant's picture and hang them on a wall.
2. Darts are thrown.
3. Applicants are ranked based on number of darts received.

 

[J ROD]

I heard through the grapevine that most programs rank you where they want you. And each program has a their own process in doing that.

 

[Law2Doc]

While it varies by program, it's generally one or more sessions, chaired by the PD, where the PD, interviewers, and in most cases some representative of the current residents sit in a room and hash things out. In general they have the interviewer scores as well as everything in your application at hand, but how much that is revisited varies and frequently is used if an advocate or detractor wants to make a case to move someone's rank higher or lower. The whole thing gets hashed out over hours, with the top few people being easy to rank, the bottom few being easy to rank (or in some cases not rank) and the middle representing the area of debate. My experience was the interview day and opinions of the residents were far more important in deciding rank than people on SDN like to think, but I'm sure programs vary.

 

[jennashell]

Thank you. that was helpful.

 

[J ROD]

Thank you. that was helpful.

You are very welcome! 😀

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Depends on how hot you are.

I kid. Maybe.

 

[gutonc]

Thank you. that was helpful.

Actually, @Cinematographer has it closer to the truth.

 

[J ROD]

It's a random process with some form of decision making process hopefully on part of the program. What each program has as their process.....the world may never know.

 

[jennashell]

I can honestly imagine darts being thrown at pictures........waiting for match is worse than my divorce sadly.....

 

[RadOncDoc21]

Depends on how hot you are.

I kid. Maybe.

It doesn't hurt.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

I can honestly imagine darts being thrown at pictures........waiting for match is worse than my divorce sadly.....

If you're hot AND single... I'd say a shoe-in...

 

[CaliAtenza]

If you're hot AND single... I'd say a shoe-in...

Damn....

 

[Pinkertinkle]

I have sat through rankings meetings. When you interview you are given a score 1-5 from everyone that interviews you. Whether this number is depends on your scores and evals or just how much they like you when talking to you is up to each person. These scores are tallied up on a spreadsheet and an initial ranklist is made. People then go through that list and move people up or down if they have any strong feelings. Most people must concur to move people around.

 

[jennashell]

thank you Pinkertinkle.

 

[Frederica]

Our faculty complete evaluations for each person they interview. The results are tallied and shared at the ranking committee, then we discuss each applicant and determine where we will rank them. Evaluations cover scholarly activity, communication skills, professionalism, leadership, and ability to fit in with the program.

 

[gutonc]

Our faculty complete evaluations for each person they interview. The results are tallied and shared at the ranking committee, then we discuss each applicant and determine where we will rank them. Evaluations cover scholarly activity, communication skills, professionalism, leadership, and ability to fit in with the program.

My (IM fellowship program) does it this way. Scale of 1 to 5 on 5 or 6 different axes with a total score as well as comments encouraged. The PD interviews everyone and has the final vote but the rank meetings I've been part of there is a large amount of agreement. The changes at the actual rank meeting are fractional (up or down a spot or 2 on a 40 person rank list).

 

[OldPsychDoc]

We're just going to write everyone's AAMC# on a ping pong ball and throw them into a hopper, like Powerball.

 

[drummer girl]

If a program interviews 60 candidates, for say 6 spots, on average how many candidates are ranked? I know it varies but can you give a general idea,

 

[mvenus929]

If a program interviews 60 candidates, for say 6 spots, on average how many candidates are ranked? I know it varies but can you give a general idea,

Most programs will try to rank everyone. Many have the philosophy that having someone fill that spot is better than having to go through the SOAP. Which means that only people they do not want are not ranked.

 

[jennashell]

Let me ask everyone this - Lets say if a program is holding an official second look weekend event where they call supposedly their favorite 20 students.....I am assuming it makes sense to create their final rank list only after this event right ????I hope so.....

 

[J ROD]

Let me ask everyone this - Lets say if a program is holding an official second look weekend event where they call supposedly their favorite 20 students.....I am assuming it makes sense to create their final rank list only after this event right ????I hope so.....

 

[evilbooyaa]

Let me ask everyone this - Lets say if a program is holding an official second look weekend event where they call supposedly their favorite 20 students.....I am assuming it makes sense to create their final rank list only after this event right ????I hope so.....

Is this actually happening? Seems unnecessary. But yes, wouldn't make sense to have people come for a second look just to make it count for nada. Unless they're trying to actively sell the program better to those 20 candidates.

 

[jennashell]

Yes...my guess is they may have the $$$ to do these things so why not. Its a good opportunity for candidates who really want to be there....those who dont can always say no and rank somewhere else higher.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Yes...my guess is they may have the $$$ to do these things so why not. Its a good opportunity for candidates who really want to be there....those who dont can always say no and rank somewhere else higher.

I guess it's not Dermatology.

Let me ask everyone this - Lets say if a program is holding an official second look weekend event where they call supposedly their favorite 20 students.....I am assuming it makes sense to create their final rank list only after this event right ????I hope so.....

Wow. Definitely not.

 

[Law2Doc]

Yes...my guess is they may have the $$$ to do these things so why not...

no residency just spends money because they have it. Most are on budgets no bigger than necessary to attract the applicants they seek. If they need to throw around more money than their competitors, it might mean they have a harder sell. They aren't saying "we have plenty of money so why not".