Rank Order List Guidance

Developing Your Rank Order List

When creating your rank order list, rank programs based on your true preferences and overall fit. The Match algorithm is designed to prioritize the applicant’s preferences, so rank programs in the order you would most like to attend rather than where you believe you have the highest likelihood of matching.

Factors to Consider When Ranking Programs

Professional Goals

Consider how each program aligns with your career goals, including:

• Academic versus non-academic career opportunities
• Patient populations and commitment to underserved or community-based medicine
• Fellowship opportunities
• Research opportunities
• Program structure, including:
  • Opposed programs: Multiple residency programs within the same hospital
  • Unopposed programs: The only residency program within the hospital
• Specialized residency tracks or areas of interest, such as:
  • Integrative medicine
  • Primary care tracks
  • Physician-scientist pathways
• Program culture and whether the environment supports your professional growth

Personal Goals

Consider factors that contribute to your overall well-being and long-term satisfaction, including:

• Geographic location
• Family considerations
• Significant relationships
• Personal support systems
• Lifestyle priorities outside of medicine

Letter of Intent Guidance

Before Sending a Letter of Intent

• Review each program’s communication policies before sending a letter of intent or post-interview correspondence.
• Do not send a letter of intent if a program specifically states that they do not accept them.

Writing a Letter of Intent

A letter of intent to your top-choice program should be:

• Concise and professional
• Focused on why the program aligns with your professional and personal goals
• Addressed to the appropriate individuals, typically the Program Director and Program Coordinator

If communicating with other programs, you may express that you are ranking them highly or among your top choices.

Timing and Follow-Up

• Consider sending your letter of intent within the appropriate timeframe after interviews and before rank order list certification.
• If a program does not respond, do not interpret the lack of response as a negative outcome. Programs may have different communication practices during the ranking process.