what happens to unmatched spots?

[peehdee]

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i heard this year that there were several spots that were not matched. what happens to these?

let's say school x had 5 spots and only 3 were filled (bc they were arrogant and only interviewed top apps) what happens to the 2 spots not filled? do they ask 'lower stat' applicants that didn't match originally? can those who didn't match originally now then apply for those unmatched spots?

also, when you do a match and there are spots that were not filled, are you 'mandated' to go to the one where you matched? in other words, unlike med schools, you HAVE to go where you matched? period? no decisions can be made later?

thanks

 

[Yamo]

After the match there is the "scramble", basically a free for all for people trying to get a spot without an organized match. This may change in the future and there may be a second match for the unmatched applicants and programs. The Canadian match (CaRMS) is run this way but it is just being looking into now by the NRMP. You cannot be matched to program that you do not put on your rank list and likewise, the programs will not get a person they did not rank. There are no exceptions to this. And yes, if you are matched to a program you must go, there is no opting out. It is different then med school in that you do not get a number of offers then get to choose which one you would like to go to. You either get placed to one spot or nowhere at all (then have to scramble). But once you are matched, even if there are positions available that you may prefer that went unmatched, you are will not be able to apply for these (as you will for sure be going to the place you matched).

 

[ny skindoc]

Yes once you are matched to a program thats where you are going,only in rare cases are people able to get out of it.
For the few spots that are unmatched,the program can do as they please.While they may indeed select an unmatched applicant, in a competitive specialty like radiology they may be in no rush to fill them.The spots matched in march 2005 are for residency starting in 2006.Programs know they will have plenty interest in these spots from applicants doing research or from those training in other fields looking to switch into rads,and may not be desperate to make a quick descision in the scramble.

 

[peehdee]

thanks for the responses.

i've heard talks about getting rid of the match. are these the reasons for theis push? i.e. you are in a way 'stuck' with where you matched?

is there a move to have the option of being able to select from several programs like in med school? so you can apply to x number of programs and pick from the ones that picked you and so you can choose. or is that too much of a hassle and the programs themselves do not want that?

thanks

 

[Docxter]

Not all leftover spots from the match get filled through the "scramble" A few programs will keep their unmatched spots unfilled, since they don't want to fill them by unmatched applicants (who they may consider subpar). There will always be people who want to transfer to radiology from other fields, and therefore these spots will be kept for them. These programs beleive that these "transferees" are better candidates than unmatched applicants.

 

[BenFelson]

Not all leftover spots from the match get filled through the "scramble" A few programs will keep their unmatched spots unfilled, since they don't want to fill them by unmatched applicants (who they may consider subpar). There will always be people who want to transfer to radiology from other fields, and therefore these spots will be kept for them. These programs beleive that these "transferees" are better candidates than unmatched applicants.

My class included residents who transferred in from Opthalmology, Orthopedic Surgery, a general surgeon, a board-certified pathologist and a neurologist.