Who is Allowed Access to the List of Unfilled Programs?

For the sake of clarity, let's take a look at the categories of candidates who will be allowed access the list of Unfilled programs during the scramble period. Here, the word 'Registered' implied Registered for the NRMP Match.

1. Registered candidates who did not match to any position
2. Registered candidates who matched only to preliminary position but had specified an advanced position on the primary Rank Order List (ROL)
3. Registered candidates who matched only to advanced positions and no preliminary positions listed on the supplemental ROL.
4. Registered candidates who did not submit a ROL
5. Registered candidates who were withdrawn by their medical schools before the match (U.S. Medical Graduates)


Thus, the unfilled programs list will be available to unmatched but NRMP-registered candidates EVEN IF:
- They did not Apply to a single residency program Or
- They had applied but had no interviews
(Of course, if a candidate had no interviews, he/she would not have a Rank Order List to submit)

NRMP has nothing to do with the interviews - all NRMP does is take Rank Order Lists from Residency Programs and from candidates and makes the Computer run the match algorithm.

Thus, if you were late in applying via ERAS because of pending USMLE steps were pending or did not register for the match since you had no interviews - remember that you can still take your chances with the scramble. In such cases, read here why you should still apply to at least one program.

Looking at the other side of the coin, the List of Unfilled Programs WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE to the following candidates:

1. The candidates who never registered with NRMP for the Match
2. Candidates who were successfully Matched
3. Candidates who withdrew from the Match, like Prematched Candidates and Candidates finding a spot through other Match programs (The SFmatch)


Q. For IMGs, is ECFMG certification and 'verified status' from NRMP needed to access the Unfilled programs list during scramble ?

A. No - they can access even without certification and complete verification. However, note that residency programs will rather prefer candidates with certification for assurance of ability to start residency on time.


Back in 2005, the list of unfilled programs was published as a single, 'static' PDF file which could be downloaded and distributed to anyone via email.. In contrast, presently the list is published as a dynamic HTML report which is updated every hour with Program Names removed as they get filled up.


Also Read:

- List of Unfilled Positions from Previous Match
- Eligibility for Post-Match scramble
- How to Withdraw from the NRMP Match