How to Rank Your Residency Programs the Right Way

With the March 5th rank order list deadline approaching, it’s time to finalize your strategy. Ranking programs isn't just about preference—it’s about maximizing your chances of matching while ensuring you land in the right environment for your training. Let’s break down the common mistakes to avoid, why you should trust the algorithm, and key ranking strategies to help you make the best decision.

1. Rank Every Program You’re Willing to Attend

If you leave a program off your list, you’re choosing to go unmatched over attending that program. That’s a big decision—if you’re certain you’d rather go unmatched than train there, then own that choice. But never exclude a program just because you assume you won’t match there.

On the flip side, don’t rank a program unless you’re actually willing to go there. Once you match, it’s legally binding—you can’t change your mind. If a program seemed toxic, disorganized, or made you uncomfortable during the interview, it may be better to go unmatched than spend years in a bad environment. Read the contract before ranking any program.

2. The More Programs You Rank, the Better Your Chances

Your success in the Match depends on your rank order list strategy. Data consistently shows that:

• Strong applicants tend to match at their top choices.
• Average applicants need to rank as many programs as possible.
• Applicants with fewer interviews should include every viable option.
• Couples matching often benefits both partners, especially if one is a strong candidate.

Bottom line: If you’re not ranking enough programs, you’re hurting your chances.

3. Trust the Algorithm—It Works in Your Favor

The Match algorithm is designed to prioritize applicants. This means:

✅ Rank programs in the order of your true preference, not where you think you have the best odds.
✅ Even if a program feels out of reach, rank it high if it’s your top choice.
✅ If a program ranks you anywhere on their list, and you ranked them highly, you will match there before they move on to lower-ranked candidates.

Don’t try to “game” the system—just rank your programs based on where you truly want to go.

4. Beware of “Interest” Emails from Programs

Some programs send messages saying, “We are really interested in you and will be ranking you highly.” These messages can be misleading.

• Programs may send these messages to many applicants, hoping to increase their own rank list position.
• They may be trying to secure strong candidates who might not rank them highly otherwise.
• Some programs genuinely mean it, but there’s no way to know for sure.

Trust your own ranking strategy, not these emails. Rank programs based on your preference, not based on whether they seem interested in you.

5. Key Factors to Consider When Ranking

Beyond prestige, consider the following when finalizing your list:

• Culture – Did you feel comfortable with the residents and faculty?
• Location – Will you enjoy living there? Does it work for your personal commitments?
• Faculty Support – Are the attendings approachable and invested in your success?
• Workload & Training Environment – Is the balance between service and education appropriate?
• Prestige – It matters, but it’s not the most important factor—good training matters more.

Residency is challenging, so choose a program where you’ll thrive, not just survive.

6. Submit Early to Avoid Last-Minute Issues

The R3 system has crashed before due to last-minute submissions. Don’t be the applicant scrambling at 11:59 PM on deadline day—you’ll be stressed, and mistakes can happen.

✅ Submit your list at least a few days early.
✅ Triple-check your rankings for accuracy.
✅ Confirm your submission well before the deadline.

7. How to Communicate with Programs (If Needed)

Many applicants wonder: Should I contact programs before the rank list deadline?

The wrong way: Sending generic messages like “I love your program and will rank it highly.” Programs receive thousands of these.

The right way: If you want to express interest, ask a thoughtful question about the program. For example:

• Ask the program director about a specific aspect of training.
• Ask the program coordinator about logistics.
• Ask a resident about their experience in a particular rotation.

Genuine engagement stands out more than a generic “I love your program” email.

Final Thoughts

Your rank order list is your key to matching successfully. Here’s what to remember:

✔️ Rank every program you’re willing to attend.
✔️ Don’t rank a program you wouldn’t actually go to.
✔️ More ranked programs = higher chances of matching.
✔️ Trust the algorithm—it works in your favor.
✔️ Ignore mass emails from programs; rank based on your preference.
✔️ Submit early to avoid last-minute stress.
✔️ If reaching out to programs, make it meaningful.

Best of luck on Match Day! If you’re preparing for SOAP, check out my other resources to stay ahead of the game. 🚀

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