About Importing a List

If you have a very long list of applicants to rank (e.g., more than 40) and you have a pre-existing file of those applicants in an appropriate format, you may find that importing the list into the NMS Match System is easier than searching and adding applicants one at a time using the web-based interface.

Record Format of the File

The file to be imported must be a comma-separated text file ending with the extension .csv or .txt (e.g., ranklist.csv).

The NMS Match System uses only the rank number and the applicant Match Code Number to identify a ranked applicant. Other information may be included in the text file (e.g., applicant name, school of graduation, etc.) but will be ignored. Your file must comply with the following format:

• Each choice (combination of rank number and applicant Match Code Number) must be on a separate line or record in the file.
• The first set of numeric characters on each line must be the rank number for that choice.
• The rank number must be followed by a comma.
• The second set of numeric characters on each line must be the 5-digit applicant Match Code Number for that choice.
• If there are any other characters on the line they must follow and be separated from the applicant Match Code Number by a comma.

The following is an example of an acceptable record format:
1, 12345, John Smith
2, 98765, Jane Brown

Procedure For Importing a Rank Order List

1. Print a copy of the file, preferably in rank number sequence, for proofing the Rank Order List to be created in the NMS Match System. This step is optional but highly recommended.
2. Log in to the NMS Match System in the usual manner
3. Select Rankings from the menu
4. Select the link for Import a Rank Order List near the top of the page. This link is only shown if no applicants are on your Rank Order List.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify the text file of rankings to be imported, and to complete the import process.

The NMS Match System will read the file and perform checks to ensure that the applicant Match Code Numbers and rank numbers are correct. If any problems are detected in the data, they will be reported to you on the screen and no applicants will be imported.

If the import is successful, the Rank Order List will be created in the NMS Match System, just as if you had searched and added applicants individually. Be sure to check your Rank Order List, especially if you encountered errors with your import, to ensure it includes all applicants you intended to rank, and that they are listed in the correct order. You can make changes or corrections to the Rank Order List within the NMS Match System, if necessary. You can add, delete, insert or move choices within the NMS Match System using the web-based interface.

When the Rank Order List is finalized, you will have to certify the Rank Order List before the Rank Order List deadline.