Ranking programs...

*nod* top stays the same.. but after that, things get confusing.. the truth is matching is most important, and hedging the bet at whatever program gives you the best offer.. is key.

After having done this already, that's the conclusion I've come to. Sure, you can reach for the stars, but matching is the most important thing

According the match algorithm, you should rank in order of your preference. A program making an "offer" is no reason to move them up on your list if they're not one of your top choices.

Totally agree Iliiz, the other thing I would throw in there is that if you did well on your away rotations that's going to be your best chance, sure you may like these other programs, but a known entity (that's a hard worker) I would think would get ranked naturally higher. So unless you totally just hated the place, then those programs should be higher on your list.

You should rank in order of your preference. If you don't get in at one of your top X programs, at least you'll have one of your sub-I programs as a backup (as long as they ranked you well).

cnH.. you did what?? after not having matched the first time.. you're a crackpot? hehe what program was it?

It was a very, very, very hard decision. And depending on what happens in March, the best or worse decision of my life!

Yes, you are 100% correct.. however, there are cases where the following happens.

Unfortunately, there is always post-interview communication. Whether or not each party solicits it from eachother is another problem. The fact is, it happens.

Candidate has program Y ranked #2 or #3 on their list.

Candidate has contact with program Y. Program Y hears that the candidate is going to put them #1 on his/her list (through a phone call from a PD, email from candidate, whatever). Program Y bumps up candidate to a top rank spot. If the candidate had them only 2 or 3 on the list, program Y may have not done that.

Of course, the candidate can always lie, but they shouldn't, because it's wrong.

Candidate matches at Program Y.

I don't know whether this is wrong or right, ethically, but it most certainly happens. I do know that this is OKAY as far as match regulations are concerned. Programs want people who want to go to their program, and vica versa. It's hedging your bet, so to speak.

Second what spiff said. Reach for the stars, the algorithm is in your favor.

However, that being said, if you were to spend extra time going on second looks, etc. the time and money would probably be better used on those programs you have a higher chance at to try and secure a spot as best you can.

but a known entity (that's a hard worker) I would think would get ranked naturally higher. So unless you totally just hated the place, then those programs should be higher on your list.

capneedles mention there is the exact reason why people have the belief that doing a rotation is the key into getting into a program. It's not a cause and effect relationship, it's just a correlation. People rank their away rotations higher, and the programs usually rank the students higher. That's how it goes... so people think you need to ace the rotations in order to get into residency, which is not true (although you *should* work your ass off, but that's another story). You should keep in mind that the value of the away rotation is to get your feet wet, get some letters and contacts. If nothing else, it's something to talk about on your interview. I can't tell you how many times I have been asked where I rotated on interviews. I learned my lesson, I don't say anymore. I say oh, I rotated here in the northeast or *insert whatever region you're currently in*. Usually no one asks that.

Like for instance, I have been asked 'where else have you interviewed'. I don't list programs anymore, I say "oh, in NY, some in california.. anywhere, since matching is the most important".. that answers the quesiton, and I think in effect eliminates the possibilitiy of them judging you for your choice in rotation. Trust me on that one.