Algorithm & Rankings
How the Algorithm Works
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How does the Match algorithm work?
The matching algorithm uses the applicant Rank Order Lists, the program Rank Order Lists, and the number of available positions at each program to find the best possible outcome for each participant.
The algorithm starts with an attempt to place an applicant into the program that is most preferred on the applicant's list. Each applicant's Rank Order List is traversed "downwards", from most preferred program to least preferred, until the first program is reached at which the applicant can be tentatively matched, or until the applicant's list of choices is exhausted. Each program accepts applicants "upwards" on its Rank Order List, continually removing less preferred matches in favor of more preferred applicants, until the program is matched to the most preferred applicants who wish to be matched to the program.
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Is there a video explaining the Match Process?
Yes, a video, examples, and an interactive demonstration are available on the Matching Algorithm page.
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Ranking Strategy
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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. Rank all applicants that you would be willing to accept. Do not rank any applicant that you would not want to be matched to your program 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 your program. For example, if you decide to order your preferences by how highly you think an applicant will rank your program, you may not get the best possible result for your program.
Submit Rankings
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How do I submit a Rank Order List?
Programs must submit and certify their Rank Order Lists online in the NMS Match System by the Rank Order List deadline. The Rankings User Guide includes information on how to:
- Add an applicant to your Rank Order List
- Delete an applicant from your Rank Order List
- Reorder an applicant on your Rank Order List
- Import your rankings from your applications
- Import your rankings from a file
- Certify your Rank Order List
- Print your Rank Order List
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What should I do if an applicant appears on my Rank Order List as "Withdrawn"?
Applicants that are withdrawn will be indicated with a Withdrawn flag. Withdrawn applicants may change their status and decide to participate in the Match at any time until the Rank Order List deadline. Therefore, if you planned to rank an applicant who is now withdrawn, you are strongly encouraged to leave the withdrawn applicant on the Rank Order List.
If you leave the withdrawn applicant on the list and the applicant is reinstated prior to the deadline, that ranking will be used in the Match. If the applicant remains withdrawn, that ranking will not be used in the Match, and the Rank Order List will be processed as if you had not ranked the withdrawn applicant.
If you have any questions concerning the status of an applicant in ORMatch, you should contact the applicant directly.
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Can I change my rankings after certifying my list?
Yes. Even if you have already certified a Rank Order List you can return at any time to make changes until 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.
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Special Cases
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What do I do if I have no acceptable applicants to rank?
If a program has positions available to begin in 2024 that you would like to fill but has no acceptable applicants to rank, you should certify a Rank Order List with no ranks. In this case, the program should not be withdrawn, so that its positions can be offered in the Post-Match Process.
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