Interview preparation guide
Avoiding requests about ranking intentions and commitments: residency interview preparation guide
The NRMP Code of Conduct says applicants must not ask a program to disclose ranking preferences or intentions. The 2027 agreement adds that applicants may not solicit statements implying a commitment to rank them. Prepare fit questions instead.
How to prepare
- 1
Know what each NRMP document says
The Code of Conduct says applicants may freely express interest in a program but must not request a program director or recruitment team member to disclose ranking preferences or intentions. The 2027 agreement says applicants may voluntarily communicate interest but may not solicit verbal or written statements implying a commitment to rank them. Programs are not authorized to request that applicants reveal their ranking preferences.
- 2
Replace a commitment question with a fit question
Ask about the training environment, support, schedule structure or what residents value in the program. These questions help you decide how to rank without asking the program to reveal or promise anything. Indirect wording can raise the same problem, so check the question's purpose.
- 3
Treat volunteered comments carefully
The agreement says a program may voluntarily say an applicant is viewed favorably. Treat that as one input, not a promise about your result. You may keep your own ranking preferences confidential and may share your list with your medical school advisor.
A practical exercise
Instead of asking [will you rank me], ask [what do residents say is the biggest strength of training here?] or [what support is available for the transition to residency?].
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
The NRMP Code of Conduct and the 2027 Match Participation Agreement address ranking requests; they are separate documents with different wording.
The exercises and checklists are editorial applications of the cited guidance, not legal advice, required program procedures or predictions of interview outcomes. NRMP statements were checked against the 2027 Match Participation Agreement for applicants and the Match Code of Conduct for Applicants, which the NRMP applicant code page (updated November 21, 2024) links as its current document. They are separate documents. Follow your actual invitation, school guidance and the current NRMP documents.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using humor to ask for a ranking promise.
- Asking staff to compare you with other applicants.
- Revealing your own ranking order because a program asked.
Check your preparation
- Am I asking about ranking intentions or a commitment?
- Could the answer change my preferences?
- Is the question about fit?
Questions for your practice review
- What does the program value in residents?
- What supports transition?
- What differences might applicants notice between sites?
Common questions
Can I tell a program it is my first choice?
The NRMP Code says applicants may freely express interest in a program. Be accurate, and do not ask the program to reveal or promise its ranking.
Do I have to tell a program where I will rank it?
The 2027 agreement lists a right to keep ranking preferences confidential, and programs are not authorized to request them. Ask your advisor or the NRMP if you are asked.
Related guides
Sources
This page is general editorial guidance based on the sources above. It is not a prediction of any program's questions or a statement of its current policies.