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Every fourth-year medical student must submit a ranked list of their residency programs around late February of every year. However, there’s so much mythology and strategies regarding the rank list that every med student has their own idea about how to craft their rank list. However, if you don’t rank your residency programs honestly, you could wind up spending four years exactly where you don’t want to be. Here’s some advice to keep in mind when making your rank list.
Rank Where You Want to Go
Don’t try to play games based on which program you think would want you the most. Your biggest criteria for the Match should be where you want to go for your residency program. Put your top choice first, your second choice next, and so on. By trying to “outsmart” the algorithm, you’re setting yourself up for years of study in someplace you didn’t want to be. Here are some criteria to keep in mind when ranking your programs:
- Outlook on Medicine. Does the program’s ideology and focus appeal to you?
- Scheduling, Workload, and Call. How grueling is the workload? Is it well-distributed over four years or does all the stress happen in PGY2? What’s the call schedule like?
- Location and Surrounding Area. Don’t forget that it isn’t all intellectual: wherever you go, you’re going to be there for several years. Make sure you can see yourself living in the area before you rank the school.
- Loved Ones’ Input. You need to talk this over with your spouse or significant other to make sure you end up in a place that meets both needs.
