HOW TO ASK ABOUT / REQUEST A PREMATCH POSITION ?

First of all - Should you even be asking for prematches ?

a. Unless a Program specifically tells you that it does not offer Pre-matches, there is no harm asking about prematch policies, provided of course that you are totally sure you want that program. You gotta be sure, because a Pre-match offer can be a double-edged weapon, as discussed earlier.

b. Prematches are Legal for IMGs, Canadian Medical Grads, American DO Grads and American Medical Graduates who have already passed out from medical schools - unlike rumors about their 'illegalness'


Use tact !

- You don't wanna ask about Prematches right at the beginning of the interview and inadvertantly indicate desperation.

- If uncomfortable asking about one in person, a subtle request over email is a great idea. Here's a sample email request for Prematch position.


"Dear Dr. (Prog. Director)

Thank you for the opportunity to interview at your residency program. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, meeting the faculty, your residents and stand impressed by the range of training and the facilities. Specifically, the all-round training that a program gives and prepares the resident for the primary care scenario is appealing. I am convinced that I shall be able meet my goals at your program. Besides, I have friends (or relatives) nearby and would love to work in the small city (or large city or University Town) ambience that STUVWXYZ city offers.

I am happy to rank your program on the top of my list. Should your program offer a prematch position, I am willing to commit myself without delay. Kindly let me know if the possibility exists.


Thank you,

Sincerely,

Cai Zheng. "



Q. Which Months are Prematches more likely in?

Traditionally, the later months or December and January have been the more likely months - but note that such offers can come anytime. These days, just as IMGs rush to apply early to maximize interview chances, many Residency Programs, too, are offering prematches as early as September to improve their chances of filling as many positions as possible and get it done early.

Q. After an Interview, when is a Prematch offer Made ?

Again, no real rules on this one , coz an offer may made as early as immediately after the Interview OR even a month later. A lot of times, the offer comes via phone or email immediately after a candidate writes a "Thank you" email to the Program Director after the interview. So don't forget a thank you email after you have Interviewed ;-) Let's just say, generally speaking, the more a program has a history of unfilled positions, the more likely it is to offer a Prematch position.


Also Read:

- How to Determine If A Residency Program Offers Out of Match Positions
- Prematch Basics



Just A Personal Opinion:
Until 2-3 years ago, many people contemplated going for the Match rather than accept a Prematch from a low-ranked program. But, these days of intense IMG competition, Prematches are going to be extremely valuable in the coming years. 2005 season was ample evidence of 'match' frustration with many instances of high scores going matched and lower scores/credentials getting a position via prematches.

Moreover, this trend will only make the Match more of a Gamble than it already is - because when prematch positions are given out and reduces the total positions available for the match, only the Program directors and the NRMP get to know that a candidate has withdrawn from a Match - not the other candidates who will be participating in the Match.

All this may prompt stricter regulations on prematches - coz if prematches get so promiment - the Match process itself may be threatened to be redundant and too risky for IMG candidates ..or maybe eventually either Prematches will be scrapped OR AMGs will be allowed to accept Prematch offers too...

God ! Am I thinking tooooo much !