Why do schools show off their match list?

[musicalfeet]

---

Members do not see this ad.

especially because it's so hard to interpret? All three schools I've interviewed at so far make it a point to bring up how well their students match (and of course, show off how many ROAD specialties their students match into). They also love showing off their average Step scores..which is also confusing because I thought that is mostly entirely up to the individual.

I go into it with a grain of salt and look for other factors, but since it seems like adcoms here all agree that reading match lists is akin to reading tea leaves, why show it off?

 

[gyngyn]

especially because it's so hard to interpret? All three schools I've interviewed at so far make it a point to bring up how well their students match (and of course, show off how many ROAD specialties their students match into). They also love showing off their average Step scores..which is also confusing because I thought that is mostly entirely up to the individual.

I go into it with a grain of salt and look for other factors, but since it seems like adcoms here all agree that reading match lists is akin to reading tea leaves, why show it off?

We supply one when asked. Actually, I think we just show a pie.
Featuring specific fields is weird. Are they implying that some are more worthy than others?

 

[Ismet]

especially because it's so hard to interpret? All three schools I've interviewed at so far make it a point to bring up how well their students match (and of course, show off how many ROAD specialties their students match into). They also love showing off their average Step scores..which is also confusing because I thought that is mostly entirely up to the individual.

I go into it with a grain of salt and look for other factors, but since it seems like adcoms here all agree that reading match lists is akin to reading tea leaves, why show it off?

Are they actually singling out the lifestyle specialties? Because many match lists break it down by specialty, it's just a more organized way to do it rather than just an alphabetical list of the class.

If schools don't provide the match list, I guarantee applicants will ask to see it, so why not just include it in the interview packet? That's my thinking about why they do it.

 

[musicalfeet]

Are they actually singling out the lifestyle specialties? Because many match lists break it down by specialty, it's just a more organized way to do it rather than just an alphabetical list of the class.

If schools don't provide the match list, I guarantee applicants will ask to see it, so why not just include it in the interview packet? That's my thinking about why they do it.

While they did list all the specialties on the presentation, the ROAD ones + neuro/ortho were almost always highlighted when match lists were talked about. I think 2/3 of them I've seen so far also liked to highlight famous hospital/institution names like UCSF, UCLA, Stanford, etc etc (which I also heard isn't always indicative of residency quality as well)

 

[Glazedonutlove]

Well one goal of medical school is to match into a residency position of your choice so yes I think the match list should be mentioned at least. on the other hand, a school literally advertised their rank during the interview day which I thought was a little unnecessary..

 

[lmn]

especially because it's so hard to interpret? All three schools I've interviewed at so far make it a point to bring up how well their students match (and of course, show off how many ROAD specialties their students match into). They also love showing off their average Step scores..which is also confusing because I thought that is mostly entirely up to the individual.

I go into it with a grain of salt and look for other factors, but since it seems like adcoms here all agree that reading match lists is akin to reading tea leaves, why show it off?

Step scores do depend on the individual, but I think it would be hard to do well if your school didn't do a decent job teaching the material that is covered on the boards throughout m2, and especially if they locked you up with so many mandatory things and random small "phd" lecturer details that you don't have enough time throughout the year and close to the exam to study UFAP/etc in addition to your classes. Of course a lower average doesn't mean you will do poorly when you study, but if an entire school is average in the 240's then they might prepare you well through the year or give you adequate time to study/etc.

 

[Dral]

1. Better scores
2. Better match
3. Better matriculants -> Better rep of the school
4. Return to #1 and repeat process

Disclaimer: That is probably the thought process, not what I personally think is correct.

Footnote: It's sad that I feel I have to include that disclaimer under the assumption that on SDN, someone will give me some type of a hard time for anything and everything I post.

 

[22031 Alum]

They do it because they know it helps "sell" the school. For every premed who knows that they can't really interpret a match list, there are five more (at least) who drool over "big name" matches and will let that influence their decision.

 

[Glandzburg]

They do it because they know it helps "sell" the school. For every premed who knows that they can't really interpret a match list, there are five more (at least) who drool over "big name" matches and will let that influence their decision.

This x1000. You may know to take match lists and rankings with a grain of salt, but many more applicants do not. So why wouldn't they show it off and try to present it in the most "appealing" way possible?