Told a program that they were my number one choice, but now would rather rank a different program as number one.
I understand that I cannot tell this new program that they are my number one, however I want to know what the thoughts are about ranking them ahead of the program I originally told I was going to rank number one.
I know that if I match at the program I originally told was my number one, it would be a non-issue...but what if I end up matching at this other place?
I have posted on this topic many times on this forum over the years and I repeatedly have said the same thing - be careful about telling a program you're ranking them #1. There is absolutely no reason to do so (you are not obliged to obviously ) but if you do tell someone you've ranked them #1 that's it - you cannot back down from that.
The most important character quality you have is your integrity and you cannot compromise that. In addition, remember you are not only an individual in this process - you are an "ambassador" so to speak from your school. Your references, Dean, and institution are all represented by you.
I'll say it one last time - you should never tell a program that they are #1 until you are done with all of your interviews (to avoid this unfortunate conflict) but if you choose to tell the program they're #1 and you change your mind - the "right" thing to do is to let the program know that you're still ranking them highly but another program has risen to #1 on your list. It's tough to do but it's the right thing to do.
The only caveat to all of this is if the program you've informed "asked" you where were ranking them (clearly an NRMP rules violation) then Pandora's box has been opened and you'll have to decide what the best course of action is.
Sorry you've found yourself in this situation and hopefully it will work out for you in the end --
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