Preparing for Match Week: How to Create Your Rank Order List

Match Week is one of the most exciting—and nerve-wracking—moments in a medical student's life. It's the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and ambition, where students find out if (and where) they’ll be completing residency. While success in Match Week hinges on several factors, few are more critical than crafting an effective Rank Order List (ROL).

For aspiring residents, it’s essential to approach the ROL and Match Week with a clear strategy. This guide breaks down the process, offers actionable tips, and ensures you’re ready to make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals.

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What Goes into the NRMP Matching Process?

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) facilitates the placement of medical students and graduates into U.S. residency programs. The process culminates with “Match Day,” where students officially learn their placements. Here’s a snapshot of the key steps in the Main Residency Match process:

1. Residency Applications (June–September): Use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to apply to programs and upload required documents.
   
   
2. Interview Season (October–January): Programs invite applicants for interviews—a critical opportunity to assess fit.
   
   
3. Rank Order List Submission (February): Applicants rank their preferred programs in an NRMP-specific order—this determines how the NRMP’s algorithm works to find the best match.
   
   
4. Match Week (March): Kicking off on a Monday, applicants learn if they’ve matched. Match Day reveals where they’ve matched.
   
   

The Match Algorithm prioritizes the applicant’s preferences, so it’s vital to carefully consider every rank placement.

Why is the Rank Order List (ROL) So Important?

The ROL is the backbone of the Match process. It determines where applicants will potentially train, based on their preferences and where the programs rank them. Here's why it’s so pivotal:

• Your Preferences Lead the Process: The NRMP’s applicant-proposing algorithm favors the applicant’s rankings. This means you should rank programs based on where you genuinely want to train—not based on where you think you are most likely to match.
• Binding Commitment: Once you’re matched to a program, you’re obligated to attend that residency. This underscores the importance of ranking programs thoughtfully and only selecting options where you’d be comfortable training.
• Maximizing Opportunities: A well-thought-out ROL ensures you’ve considered all viable options, increasing your chances for success.

6 Helpful Tips for Crafting Your Rank Order List (ROL)

To craft an effective ROL, focus on strategy, research, and self-reflection. Here are some best practices to guide you:

1. Rank Based on True Preferences

The NRMP algorithm strongly favors the applicant’s choices, so rank your programs in their true order of preference. Avoid the temptation to “game the system” by trying to guess where programs might rank you.

Myth Busted: Ranking fewer programs does not increase your chances of matching higher on your list. Research shows that applicants with longer ROLs (11–12 programs) are more likely to match compared to those with shorter lists.

2. Diversify Your List

Strike a balance between aspirational options (or “reach” programs) and realistic choices (your “safety” programs). Including a variety of programs ensures you’re more likely to match—even if it’s not with your top-ranked choice.

Pro Tip: Always rank programs where you’d be happy to train. If a program feels like a poor fit, don’t include it at all.

3. Take Geography and Lifestyle into Account

Residency is an intense phase of life. Consider factors such as proximity to family, living costs, and whether the location aligns with your personal preferences. A supportive environment can make a significant impact on your residency experience.

Examples:

• Urban centers may offer diverse patient cases but come with higher living expenses.
• Rural programs may provide access to underserved patients and unique training opportunities.

4. Maximize Use of Supplemental ROLs

Applicants ranking advanced PGY-2 positions should use Supplemental ROLs to link preliminary PGY-1 positions to advanced programs. These lists hedge your bets by adding relevant preliminary options.

Be aware that the algorithm prioritizes advanced program matches first. If you match with a PGY-2 program but don’t secure a PGY-1 slot, you’ll need to utilize SOAP to find a qualifying position.

5. Do Your Homework

Research each program thoroughly. Leverage tools like FREIDA, program websites, alumni networks, and personal notes from interviews to determine which ones align best with your goals.

Key Considerations:

• Curriculum and teaching style.
• Mentorship opportunities.
• Diversity of patient populations.
• Program culture and values.

6. Avoid Last-Minute Errors

Make sure to double-check your ROL before submitting it. Forgetting to certify your list by the deadline could result in being left out of the Match—a devastating setback.

Important Dates:

• Final ROL deadline (9 PM EST, March 5, 2025).
• Be sure to register with the NRMP—applying through ERAS alone isn’t enough.

See Also

Preparing for 2025 NRMP Match Week

Preparing for Match Week

Having a strong ROL is only part of the equation. Match Week itself is an intense experience that requires preparation, focus, and resilience. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Understand the Timeline

• Monday: Find out if you’ve matched (but not where).
• Tuesday–Thursday (If Unmatched): Participate in the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) by applying to unfilled positions.
• Friday: Celebrate Match Day! Official match results are released at 12 PM EST.

2. Have a SOAP Plan, Just in Case

While it’s not ideal, being prepared for the SOAP process is essential for unmatched applicants. Research potential programs with unfilled positions, prepare supplemental application materials, and practice for short-notice interviews.

3.  Manage Your Stress

Match Week is charged with emotion and uncertainty. Lean on your support network, maintain perspective, and focus on the factors you can control.

4. Celebrate Your Hard Work

Regardless of outcome, reaching Match Week is a huge accomplishment. Give yourself credit for navigating the rigorous demands of medical education and the residency application process.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Crafting a Rank Order List and preparing for Match Week is no small feat, but with careful planning and informed decision-making, you can maximize your chances of success. Remember, your true preferences should guide the process, and it’s crucial to remain resilient no matter the outcome.

We wish you the best of luck as you take this next exciting step in your medical career—and don’t forget, Match Week is just the beginning of a rewarding professional journey.

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