Things to Know
- The list of preferred tracks you submit for the Match is called a Rank Order List.
- You must log into the Extern Match Portal to enter and certify your Rank Order List by March 24, 2026.
- If you do not intend to submit a Rank Order List for the Extern Match, you must withdraw from the Extern Match using the Extern Match Portal.
Each site offers one or more tracks in the Extern Match. A track refers to a distinct stream or training opportunity offered by a site (e.g., positions offered at different locations, or different types of training, or different scheduling requirements, may be offered as separate tracks). You must rank, and will be matched to, a specific track offered by a site.
Key Dates
| Extern Match Portal Opens For Rankings | March 2, 2026 |
| Rank Order List Deadline | March 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time |
Strategy
The Matching Algorithm is designed such that it cannot be gamed or manipulated.
The only strategy is to rank your choices in order of your true preferences, without considering how you expect to be ranked by any track.
Rank all tracks at sites to which you applied that would be acceptable. Submitting a longer list of tracks may reduce your chances of being left unmatched.
Do not rank any track that you consider unacceptable (i.e., you would not want to be matched to the track under any circumstances). You can only be matched to tracks that appear on your Rank Order List.
Certify Your Rank Order List
You must certify your Rank Order List in the Extern Match Portal in order for it to be used in the Match. Certifying your Rank Order List lets NMS know it is ready to be used in the Match.
You can make changes to your list even after it is certified, until the Rank Order List deadline. If you make changes after your list is certified, the list will become uncertified and you simply have to certify your list again before the Rank Order List deadline in order for it to be used in the Match.
Dual Position Rankings
Applicants who are interested in ranking PENDELDOT sites that offer part-time positions (8 or fewer hours per week), and who therefore require two part-time positions to satisfy their externship training requirements, should submit rankings as a Dual Position applicant in order to be placed into two part-time positions.
Currently, the only sites offering part-time positions are:
- 353 - ABC Parenting Institute
- 414 - CHOP - ADHD
- 440 - CHOP - Cardiac Psychology Outpatient Consultation
- 420 - CHOP - Endocrinology & Diabetes
- 471 - CHOP - Feeding
- 441 - CHOP - Gastroenterology & Urology Programs
- 415 - CHOP - Health & Wellbeing Clinic
- 442 - CHOP - Inpatient/Outpatient Consult & Intervention
- 390 - CHOP - Neurology Intervention
- 421 - CHOP - Oncology
- 424 - CHOP - Sleep Program
- 165 - HARBOR
- 226 - Nemours Childrens Health, Delaware Valley
- 309 - St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
If you are not seeking a part-time position at one of the sites listed above, the instructions below do not apply to you.
Rankings User Guide
Consult the Rankings User Guide for detailed instructions for submitting your Rank Order List.