The Rank Order List

Applicants and program directors participating in a Match create rank order lists to express their preferences for each other. After registering for a Match, applicants submit to NRMPI a list of programs where they wish to train, ranked in order from most to least preferred. 

At the same time, program directors submit to NRMPI a list of applicants whom they have interviewed and who they wish to train, also ranked in order from most to least preferred. The preferences of applicants and program directors as expressed on their rank order lists determine the placement of applicants in to training programs.

Applicants and program directors submit their rank order lists (ROL) electronically through the NRMP’s secure, web-based Registration, Ranking, and Results® (R3®) system. The R3 system provides Match participants with great flexibility when creating their rank order lists. For example, Match participants can:

• use a “search” feature to find the program or applicant they wish to rank;
• reorder entries on a rank order list using “drag and drop” functionality;
• cancel recent changes to a rank order list;
• delete entries on a rank order list without jeopardizing the order of the remaining entries; and
• delete all entries and begin the process again.

The R3 system also provides “real time” Match information to applicants and program directors.  Once a ROL has been saved, it is stored immediately in the NRMPI database.  A simple certification process in the R3 system ensures that a rank order list is included when the matching algorithm is processed.

Rank order lists can be created up until the Rank Order List Deadline for a Match.  After the deadline, NRMPI prepares the lists for use when the matching algorithm is processed.  We encourage you to read about the matching algorithm and to review answers to frequently asked questions for additional information.