Creating your Rank Order List (ROL)
After completing the interview process, applicants and programs each submit a rank order list (ROL). Residency program directors submit a ROL listing all the candidates they're willing to accept into their program, in order of preference. Applicants' ROL can include programs from different specialties as well as different position types (e.g., categorical, advanced, preliminary). You may also submit a supplemental rank order list to secure a preliminary spot for any advanced programs you rank.
The Rank Order List can be hard to face alone. To help you make your decisions, below are some tips to keep in mind as you create, change and certify Rank Order Lists:
Rank all of the programs you interviewed with, but only the programs you interviewed with.
The matching algorithm attempts to place you in the most preferred program possible, so be sure to rank programs in your true order of preference and not where you think you will match. Go for your ‘reach’ program.
Rank only those programs where you are able and would be happy to train. Putting a program on your ROL creates a binding commitment if a match occurs, so review carefully each program’s eligibility requirements and the contract you will be expected to sign. You should receive that information from programs during the application/interview process.
Please consider ranking every program you interviewed at until you get to the point that you would rather not match than be at that program. While it is true that the ROL creates a binding commitment, keep in mind it becomes increasingly difficult to match if you do not match this year.
Do not assume a program is guaranteed to rank you based on a promise from any of the faculty.
They may have liked you, but you must remember programs interview far more applicants than they rank. You don’t know who they interviewed after you.
You can include a program’s perceived impress of you in your considerations, but it should not be your only reason to rank a program higher than others
Have your career and specialty advisors review your list.
Approach Letters of Intent with caution:
According to NRMP, programs cannot ask information about how or who you are ranking
You are allowed to express your genuine interest but do not create any pressure for them to respond
You also do not want to make the program uncomfortable or put them in a position where they may violate NRMP’s policies with regards to confidentiality
Do not use the terms “first” or “#1.” Instead, consider saying something such as “I will be ranking you highly.” If you decide to send a ‘you’re my number one choice’ email, only send it to one program!
Do not wait until the last minute to enter your ROL in the R3 system. The servers may be overloaded and work slowly.
Below is a list of things to think about with each program.
Your personal preferences including geographic location, benefits, further career opportunities, prestige of the program (if this matters to you), community vs. university based programs.
How much you liked the program.
How well you did in the interview.
Competitiveness of the specialty and/or program.
Happiness of the current residents/faculty.
If you find you’re having trouble, try the AAMC’s Residency Preference Exercise here. Also, looking at the NRMP’s Charting Outcomes of the Match could be helpful when making your decisions.
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