APPCN Match Day

• How do I get my Match result?

  Match results will be available in the NMS Match System starting at 12:00 p.m. noon Eastern Time on APPCN Match Day. You will also be sent an email with your Match result before 12:00 p.m. noon Eastern Time on APPCN Match Day. However, due to inconsistent inbound server message handling, we cannot guarantee an email delivery time.

  Related Links:

  • More About Results
  • Schedule of Dates

• Why do we need to wait to get the results?

  NMS spends the time between the Rank Order List deadline and APPCN Match Day checking and re-checking the data to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the Match results. Before we can process the Match, we look for potential errors or mistakes in the rankings submitted by applicants and programs, such as applicants who may have ranked the wrong program or programs that may have ranked the wrong applicant. We are able to catch some (but not all) errors, and it does take a significant amount of time to reach the Match participants to follow-up, verify, and correct these mistakes. Program Directors and applicants are generally busy and can be very difficult to reach. We then have to run the matching algorithm, verify the results, and prepare the results for distribution via the various channels. While it may seem like it takes a long time to get your result, we are able to deliver the results in a time frame that is equal to or less than that of other matching programs of comparable (or even smaller) size in other professions.

Matched Applicants

• Why do I have to wait until 12:00 p.m. noon Eastern Time to contact my program?

  We make every effort to send applicants and programs their results by email before 12:00 p.m. noon Eastern Time. However, due to inconsistent inbound server message handling, we cannot guarantee the time of delivery.

  We ask that applicants and programs wait until 12:00 p.m. noon Eastern Time before contacting each other to ensure that all participants have an opportunity to obtain their results online through the NMS Match System if they did not receive the email.

• What should I do if I haven't received an appointment agreement from my matched program?

  Your program should send you an appointment agreement postmarked or emailed no later than 72 hours following receipt of the Match results. If you did not receive the letter within a week of the release of the Match results, you should contact the Program Director directly.

• What if I refuse to take my matched position?

  The Match result constitutes a binding commitment from which neither the applicant nor the program can withdraw without mutual written consent.

  Applicants who do not accept appointment to the position to which they matched will be in violation of the Applicant Agreement they signed when they registered for the APPCN Match.

  Violations of the Agreements and Policies of the APPCN Match will be reported to the APPCN Board of Directors. The APPCN Board may decide to impose penalties on those who violate the policies. Furthermore, you could be subject to legal and/or disciplinary actions on the part of your residency program.

  Related Links:

  • Applicant Agreement

Unmatched Applicants

• I didn't match. What do I do now?

  If you did not match, you may seek an available position in the Post-Match Process.

  Beginning at 12:00 p.m. noon Eastern Time on APPCN Match Day, a list of programs with available positions will be provided in the NMS Match System. Programs are able to update information on the list at any time. You are free to contact programs, seek positions and accept offers directly from programs independently of the Match. NMS is not involved in the filling of positions during the Post-Match Process.

  Related Links:

  • Post-Match Process
  • Schedule of Dates

Post-Match Process

• What is the Post-Match Process?

  The Post-Match Process is the period after release of the Match results when programs with unfilled positions try to fill those positions with applicants who did not match. No action to fill positions available in the Post-Match Process is to be taken prior to 12:00 p.m. noon Eastern Time on APPCN Match Day.

  Related Links:

  • Post-Match Process

• How does the Post-Match Process work?

  Following release of the results for the Match, unmatched applicants are permitted to seek and fill positions that remain available, independently of the Match. NMS is not involved in the filling of positions during the Post-Match Process.

  Applicants will have access to a list of programs with available positions. Programs will have access to information on unmatched applicants.

  Applicants who are offered a position in the Post-Match Process are not required to notify NMS.

  Related Links:

  • Post-Match Process

• Who can access the List of Available Positions for the Post-Match Process?

  Registered applicants who did not obtain a position in the Match have access to the list in the NMS Match System.

  Matched applicants do not have access to this information.

• When and how do I submit applications in the Post-Match Process?

  You should contact the programs directly for application instructions and for additional information about the programs. The Match is not involved in the filing of positions during the Post-Match Process.