Things to Know
- The list of preferred programs you submit to the Match is called a Rank Order List.
- You must log into the NMS Match System to enter and certify your Rank Order List by the Rank Order List deadline, February 24, 2026.
- If you do not intend to submit a Rank Order List for the Match, you must withdraw from the Match using the NMS Match System.
Each residency offers one or more programs in the Match. A program refers to a type of position or stream of training at a residency (e.g., positions offered at different locations or with a different area of emphasis may be offered as separate programs). You must rank, and are matched to, a specific program offered by a residency.
Key Dates
| NMS Match System Opens For Rankings | February 9, 2026 |
| Rank Order List Deadline | February 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 program.
Rank all programs at residency sites to which you applied that would be acceptable. Submitting a longer list of programs may reduce your chances of being left unmatched.
Do not rank any program that you consider unacceptable (i.e., you would not want to be matched to the program, even if it was the only position available to you in the Match). You can only be matched to programs that appear on your Rank Order List.
Certify Your Rank Order List
You must certify your Rank Order List in the NMS Match System 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 to a list that has been certified, you simply have to certify your list again before the deadline for it to be used in the Match.
Participating as a Couple
Two applicants who wish to coordinate their matches (e.g., obtain positions in the same geographic location) may participate in the Match as a Couple.
Guides to the NMS Match System
Consult the Rankings User Guide for detailed instructions for submitting your Rank Order List in the NMS Match System.
Rankings User Guide