Ranking Strategy

• What is the best strategy for ranking?

  In order to get your best possible result, you should rank your choices in order of your true preferences. Your most preferred program should be rank #1, your next most preferred program should be rank #2, and so on. Rank all programs to which you applied that would be acceptable. Do not rank any program that you would not want to be matched to under any circumstances.

  The algorithm is specifically designed to give each participant their best result if they rank their choices in order of true preference. Using any other strategy may cause you to get a worse result for yourself. If you decide to order your preferences in another way (e.g., by how likely you think it will be to get into the program), you may not get the best possible result.

  Related Links:

  • More About Ranking Strategy
  • The Matching Algorithm

Submit Rankings

• Why did the system import some tracks at programs that I did not interview for into my Rank Order List?

  Some residency programs with multiple tracks conduct interviews separately for each track, while others do not. Because the NMS Match System organizes interview data at the program level, it does not monitor which specific track Code Number you interviewed for. As a result, when you import your scheduled interviews into your Rank Order List, all tracks offered at those programs are added to your list. You'll need to review your Rank Order List and remove any tracks you're not eligible for or interested in ranking.

• A program scheduled an interview with me directly, not using the NMS Match System. Can I still rank it?

  Yes, as long as the program is registered for the Match and has a Match Code Number. You can rank any track offered by a residency program, even if the program didn't use the NMS Match System to schedule interviews. The system allows you to manually add tracks to your Rank Order List by searching for the track and adding it individually. This ensures you can rank all tracks you are considering, regardless of how the interview was scheduled.

• Can I rank a program where I didn't apply or receive an interview?

  Yes, although it is highly unlikely that you will match to that program. Programs review applications, interview, and evaluate applicants to determine who they are willing to accept into the program. If you did not apply or interview with a program, it is unlikely the program is considering you for a position. If you are not ranked by a program, you cannot match to that program.

• What should I do if the track I want to rank is withdrawn?

  You should leave the withdrawn track ranked on your list. If you leave the track on your list and the track becomes Active before the Rank Order List deadline, that ranking will be used in the matching process. If the track remains withdrawn, that ranking will not be used in the matching process, and your list will be processed as if you had not ranked the withdrawn track.

• Can I change my rankings after certifying my list?

  Yes. You can make changes to a Rank Order List that has been certified at any time prior to the Rank Order List deadline.

  If you make changes to a list after it has been certified, you simply have to certify the list again before the deadline in order for it to be used in the Match.

  Related Links:

  • Rankings User Guide
  • How to Certify Your Rank Order List