Institutions and Programs

Preparing a Rank Order List

The rank order list (ROL) is the vehicle program directors use to indicate their preferences for the applicants they have evaluated. All rank order lists are entered via the web through the Registration, Ranking, and Results (R3) System. Program directors must use their AAMC ID numbers and passwords to access the R3 system.

Program directors must prepare separate rank order lists for each program enrolled in the R3 System. When searching for an applicant's AAMC ID number, be aware that applicants often have similar or identical names. When that happens, program directors may search using additional identifying information as provided for in the Search Applicants function.

To minimize the risk of unfilled positions, programs should rank all acceptable applicants in preferential order, beginning with rank order #1 for the most suitable applicant. Programs should not rank applicants whom they do not wish to train or who cannot fulfill the institution's eligibility requirements. Those programs entering extensive rank order lists will probably find it easier to create an electronic file containing applicants' rank numbers and AAMC IDs to import into the R3 system.

Certifying the rank order list is the final step in the ranking process. By certifying the list, the program director indicates to the NRMP that the list is complete and represents the final data that should be used in the matching process. Only certified lists are used in the Match. When a program director has finished entering the list, it must be certified by clicking the red Certify List button on the My Rank Order List screen and then entering the program director's NRMP password.

Changes still can be made to the rank order list after it has been certified. However, once the list has been changed, the new version must be certified in order to be used in the Match. Changes include adding an applicant to the list, deleting an applicant from the list, and changing the order of the applicants.

Please note: The R3 System does not retain previous versions of the program's rank order list regardless of whether those lists were certified. The list currently displayed on the screen upon logging in is the only version that is on file with the NRMP. After the rank order list deadline, the NRMP will not add, delete, or reorder applicants or in any way modify a rank order list.

If There Are No Applicants To Rank

Program directors with no acceptable applicants to rank should access their My Rank Order List screen and certify the blank list by entering their NRMP password. The program will be shown in the List of Unfilled Programs as having unfilled positions that are available to unmatched applicants.

Those programs that do not wish to rank applicants and also do not wish to be shown as having unfilled positions should withdraw their programs from match participation for the current year. Withdrawal will not preclude the program from participating in future matches.

Programs that fail to submit rank order lists and do not withdraw by the rank order list deadline will appear in the List of Unfilled Programs as having unfilled positions available to unmatched applicants.

Updated 11/16/2006