The advantage of a matching program is that decisions about preferences can be made in private and without pressure. Both applicants and programs may try to influence decisions in their favor, but neither can force the other to make a binding commitment before the Match.

I think you should make your rank list the way you want to. There is no obligation to tell anyone else what you're doing. You may even end up shooting yourself in the foot if you tell the program they are no longer your No. 1.

I don't think you're in a bind at all. The second a program ASKS you where you would rank them, all rules go out the window. They are not allowed to ask you about your intention to rank, so you should have no problem telling them that they are number 1. And if the next program comes along and they ASK you, then they are number 1 too. They are blatantly breaking the rules, so you shouldn't play by the rules either.

However, if you volunteer this info then that is a different story. If you went up to several different PDs unsolicited and told them they are all number 1, that is dishonest.

I completely agree with Ca5(PO4)3OH. One of the comittee members at harvard said exactly that, if anyone asks you where you are ranking them, tell them No. 1 (and then rank them where you want to) since they are breaking the rules.

be VERY careful about misrepresenting your intentions to PD's. Many of these chairman etc will be the same ones reviewing you when you are sitting for boards after residency. all it takes is one blackball to put you in a world of hurt. to take a knee jerk short sited view could easily burn you in the end (yes, that end). it is a pretty small community, so consider your legacy. and believe me, most of the chairman are just a phone call away from each other - these people are not functioning in a vacuum. it's no crime to tell them that you are very excited about a program and that you think it could be a great fit, but recognize that No. 1 means just that.

Tx for the comments. I guess I have no real choice but to rank in order of PREFERENCE. I seem to think that because I was put on the spot with the question before most of my interviews I should have some wiggle room. I'm not sure the PD will feel that way but that seems to make the most sense. Is there anything I can do (short of ranking that program No. 1) to keep from burning that bridge?

Yeah. Don't burn the bridge before you cross it.

In other words, don't tell that dude you ranked him 2nd, because you might actually match there. Wait until match day and then if you need to, explain yourself.

You are still safe because he had no right to ask you anyway.

...

Like everyone said above, I wouldn't sweat what you said. He asked, so he broke the rules first. What are you supposed to say, "No I'm not gonna rank your program number one, please move me down your rank list and let me have no shot of matching here." However, since you do like his program, I would still let them know at the end of interview season that you "intend to rank his program highly." I think everyone who's been doing this long enough, knows that that means you're gonna rank them probably top five, and there's the chance that you will end up there if they want you, but not guranteed. If you're still worried that even doing that is gonna hurt you, then just keep your mouth shut and let things work themselves out. I think it's kinda petty for a program to drop you down their rank list because you don't rank them number one, but who knows how some PDs think. My opinion though is that you should let your top programs know that you are interested. However, as previously mentioned, don't tell everyone that they're number one, otherwise you could end up screwing yourself in the future.

Well, I appreciate all the good words on this. I think the stress of this whole process has gotten me a little paranoid about not making any mistakes.

Don't worry Arthrodesis -- I "won't" get back in touch with the PD to tell him I've moved him down the list . I have told others that I'm considering them highly and I'm gonna leave it at that.

Like everyone else, I can't wait till this is over. Good luck to all...