Match Questions

[MarissaNicole]

My apologies as these question probably have been covered in the past and quite possibly excessivly...


1) I've heard there is an article explaining the match algorithm (sp?). Anyone have any good references - my main question is regarding how it works as far as being "weighted toward the applicant."
Some say that if a program ranks the applicant 1. that the applicant will for sure match somewhere if they ranked that program. So even if the student ranks that program #6, they still may match there if they do not match at their 1-5.
Others say that the program looks for the "best match" so that if a program ranks an applicant #1, but the student ranks them #6, they may not match there if say the programs #2 has the program ranked #1 or #2 because #2:#1 or #2:#2 is better than #1:#6
If that makes sense?

2) I think 11:00 is the time applicants get their envelopes. Is that 11:00 central time, or 11:00 in YOUR time zone? (We're central time).

Thanks in advance!

[Vanquisher]

http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/about_res/algorithms.html

Here is the match algorithm. ALWAYS rank in your order of preference, not where you think a program ranked you.

Then, pray, dance, hope, voodoo, sacrifice, whatever it is you do to get the best possible outcome for you.

Know this: The best possible outcome for you does not necessarily mean matching at or near the top of your list; however, you won't know for sure until it's too late.

May the match Gods be with you.

[NYCHoosier]

The match is at noon eastern, 11 central:
http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/yearly.html

Here's the link to read about the match algorithm:
http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/about_res/algorithms.html

[Pollyanna]

Know this: The best possible outcome for you does not necessarily mean matching at or near the top of your list; however, you won't know for sure until it's too late.

May the match Gods be with you.

Wise words...

[NYCHoosier]

I think this paragraph is worth emphasizing:

Applicants should rank programs in actual order of preference. Their choices should not be influenced by speculation about whether a program will rank them high, low, or not at all. The position of a program on an applicant's rank order list will not affect that applicant's position on the program's rank order list, and therefore will not affect the program's preference for matching with that applicant as compared with any other applicants to the program. During the matching process, an applicant is placed in his/her most preferred program that ranks the applicant and does not fill all its positions with more preferred applicants. Therefore, rank number one should be the applicant's most preferred choice.

[SuzySunshine]

In your DH's chosen specialty I whole heartedly agree with RANK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO! There are some programs that play the game and you don't want to get burned. Rank what is best for you and your future family as you now know it. That may not be the ultimate reality but you will only second guess yourself for 7 years if you don't.

Hang in there and good luck!

Also are you familiar with Uncle Harvey? Take the forums with a grain of salt but there is some good information on there: http://www.uncleharvey.com/

[MarissaNicole]

Okay that is what I THOUGHT - but DH claims that there is this "best match" scenario..... and I need to show him something in writing to get him to believe me!

[MissCrabette]

DH claims that there is this "best match" scenario.....

You got some good advice here, but I wanted to emphasize the fact that you can't "game" the system. A couple of years ago I used to think, like your DH, that surely there has to be a way to maximize your chances of matching at a better place. But then I looked at the algorithm page that people linked to, I imagined all sorts of scenarios, and I finally realized that there isn't a single situation in which ranking a program other than in order of preference will lead to a more favorable outcome. If anything, it seems that people who try to mess with the ROL end up hurting themselves. I know it's not a perfect system and we all dread the lack of control over our future that comes with it, but it's better than the chaos we would have without it.

[GrayMatterWife]

ALWAYS rank in your order of preference, not where you think a program ranked you.

Yes, this. Do not try to "guess" who's going to rank you where and base your decision on that gamesmanship.

[Flynn]

You got some good advice here, but I wanted to emphasize the fact that you can't "game" the system. A couple of years ago I used to think, like your DH, that surely there has to be a way to maximize your chances of matching at a better place. But then I looked at the algorithm page that people linked to, I imagined all sorts of scenarios, and I finally realized that there isn't a single situation in which ranking a program other than in order of preference will lead to a more favorable outcome. If anything, it seems that people who try to mess with the ROL end up hurting themselves. I know it's not a perfect system and we all dread the lack of control over our future that comes with it, but it's better than the chaos we would have without it.

...and not to sound too Debbie Downer but prepare yourself for the worst as much as you can. DH had three very good friends (males) who were extremely upset at the match. One actually had to leave the room and came back with red eyes.

If you can really zen yourselves into "whatever happens we're in this together" kind of thinking it might help. We ended up very happy with our match day but it was hard to look "too happy" since there was some deep despair going on around us. It was awkward and I know at least one woman who wished she had brought kleenex.

[MarissaNicole]

...and not to sound too Debbie Downer but prepare yourself for the worst as much as you can. DH had three very good friends (males) who were extremely upset at the match. One actually had to leave the room and came back with red eyes.

If you can really zen yourselves into "whatever happens we're in this together" kind of thinking it might help. We ended up very happy with our match day but it was hard to look "too happy" since there was some deep despair going on around us. It was awkward and I know at least one woman who wished she had brought kleenex.

Not Debbie Downer at all but a REALIST. When we picked placed to apply we did it with the knowledge that we would and could really end up there.

I'm thankful that many of you from this board have opened my eyes to the fact that it is VERY possible that we may match at #8 or #16.

I know DH will be happy as long as he matches (with perhaps some feelings of rejection). I am more worried about ruining his big day myself by MY reaction. I am trying to "hope for the best, expect the worst," but this is exactly why we invited our families to join us on the big day. I know our parents will be excited and proud of DH regardless of what the envelope holds and they will kind of lighten the mood and encourage us if it not exactly what I was "hoping" for.

[NYCHoosier]

...and not to sound too Debbie Downer but prepare yourself for the worst as much as you can. DH had three very good friends (males) who were extremely upset at the match. One actually had to leave the room and came back with red eyes.

It's so good that "black Monday" is not a public event!! Beware the ides of March, haha.

Anyway, always a good reminder (my cousin matched at her #7 for rads). I had been pysching myself up about just about every location but can't help but be a little fearful of a winding up in a few of the spots for various reasons. Of course, those places have certain advantages over even my favorites, so I'll focus on those.

And I'll bring tissues, just in case. Hopefully it'll be like carrying an umbrella - when you remember to bring one, you never need it.

[radwife]

...and not to sound too Debbie Downer but prepare yourself for the worst as much as you can. DH had three very good friends (males) who were extremely upset at the match. One actually had to leave the room and came back with red eyes.

I agree with this. Make sure your DH is prepared too. I don't think my DH was as prepared as I was. I think logically he knew that his number one was a stretch, but deep down in his heart he really wanted it. I spent the rest of match day and the following weeks being a cheerleader for our new city (which we are really happy at right now). I didnt get the chance to fully digest what would be happening to my life for a couple weeks. The post-match parties were really interesting. Some people were on top of the world and others were really hurting.

[houseelf]

I echo what Flynn said but will refrain from offering lots of examples (personal and otherwise) in hopes of keeping this thread positive. I fervently hope that you all match where YOU want to.

Kelly

[Flynn]

I fervently hope that you all match where YOU want to.

Kelly

I should have said this in my response! Thanks Kelly! Good luck to all of you waiting for March!