Main Residency Match (R-1)

Application Process - Ranking - Couples

• Strategies
  
  
• Instructions

Each partner enters their side of a paired rank list in their individual account (see AWS Help Manual for Details).

Couples are encouraged to prepare their Rank Order Lists on worksheets before they begin entering their rank choices. After each enters their rank list, each should print their list and compare to the original worksheet for proofreading.

In addition to identifying each other as their partner, both partners of a couple must submit the same number of ranks on their respective Rank Order Lists entered into the ranking system. Program pairs are then formed based on the rank numbers of the ranked programs - i.e. the first choice program on each of the partners' lists form the couple's first choice pair, the second choice on each of the partners' lists form the couple's second choice pair, and so on.

Each program desired by one partner can be paired with one or more of the programs desired by the other partner, and each of these pairings can be ranked separately. In addition, an option is provided for the couple to create and rank pairs of choices in which only one partner may be matched, with the other partner left unmatched. Refer to the example shown below for the formation of Rank Order Lists by members of a couple.

Example: Couple's Rank Order List

Applicants who intend to participate in the Match as a couple should read the instructions and example below carefully before preparing their Rank Order Lists.

Step 1

Each partner should first prepare his/her own, individual preference list on a separate sheet of paper. In the following example, the letters refer to a specific program in a particular institution in that city.

Partner I	Partner II
1) Toronto-A	1) Toronto-B
2) U.B.C.-A	2) U.B.C.-B
3) Dalhousie-A	3) Toronto-C
4) Dalhousie-B	4) Dalhousie-A
5) Toronto-D	5) Dalhousie-B
	6) Toronto-D

Step 2

Next, both partners must decide together what pairs of programs they are prepared to rank. For example, they could consider all the possible pairings where the programs are in the same general location. The couple could also consider whether they wish to form any pairs where the programs are not in the same location. In some cases, one rank in the pair may be designated "No Match" to indicate that one partner is willing to go unmatched if the other can get a position. Note that the list below is not necessarily in the order that will eventually be submitted.

Partner I	Partner II
Toronto-A	Toronto-B
Toronto-A	Toronto-C
Toronto-A	Toronto-D
Toronto-D	Toronto-B
Toronto-D	Toronto-C
Toronto-D	Toronto-D
Toronto-A	No Match
No Match	Toronto-B
U.B.C.-A	U.B.C.-B
U.B.C.-A	No Match
No Match	U.B.C.-B
Dalhousie-A	Dalhousie-A
Dalhousie-A	Dalhousie-B
Dalhousie-B	Dalhousie-A
Dalhousie-B	Dalhousie-B
Toronto-A	U.B.C.-B
U.B.C.-A	Toronto-B
Toronto-A	Dalhousie-A
Dalhousie-A	Toronto-B

In this example, the first six pairings represent all the possible combinations for the couple to both match in Toronto. The next two pairings indicate that one partner is willing to go unmatched if the other partner matches to his/her first choice in Toronto. The next 3 pairings represent all possible combinations for U.B.C., including leaving one partner unmatched. The following four pairings represent all possible combinations for the couple to both match in Dalhousie. The last four pairings represent combinations of matches that the partners would be prepared to accept, even though the partners would not match in the same location.

Note that the 19 pairings shown above represent only some of the possible pairings that the couple could rank. A couple may choose to rank some or all possible combinations of their programs (including pairings with programs in different locations and pairings with one of the partners left unmatched). Ranking more pairings will reduce the likelihood that the couple will remain unmatched. However, unacceptable pairings should be omitted from the list.

Step 3

Next both partners decide together on the order in which these pairs are preferred. The couple might have a final Rank Order List of paired programs that looks like the one shown below. Each partner must then enter his/her side of the list independently into the ranking system.

Partner I	Partner II
1) Toronto-A*	1) Toronto-B
2) U.B.C.-A*	2) U.B.C.-B*
3) Toronto-A*	3) Toronto-C
4) Dalhousie-A*	4) Dalhousie-A
5) Dalhousie-B	5) Dalhousie-B*
6) Dalhousie-A*	6) Dalhousie-B*
7) Dalhousie-B	7) Dalhousie-A
8) Toronto-A*	8) Toronto-D*
9) Toronto-D	9) Toronto-B
10) Toronto-D	10) Toronto-C
11) Toronto-D	11) Toronto-D*
12) Toronto-A*	12) U.B.C.-B*
13) U.B.C.-A*	13) Toronto-B
14) Toronto-A*	14) Dalhousie-A
15) Dalhousie-A*	15) Toronto-B
16) Toronto-A*	16) No Match
17) No Match	17) Toronto-B
18) U.B.C.-A*	18) No Match
19) No Match	19) U.B.C.-B*

* Possible matches as individual applicants

The couple will match to the most preferred pair on their list where both partners can be matched (or where one partner can match and the other chooses to be unmatched). To illustrate the result of the match in this example, an asterisk (*) has been placed in the list above after each of the programs to which each of the partners might have matched on their individual Rank Order Lists. Partner I could match to Toronto-A, U.B.C.-A and Dalhousie-A; Partner II could match to U.B.C.-B, Dalhousie-B and Toronto-D. Based on these potential matches, this couple will be matched to their second choice pair in U.B.C.. As a further illustration, if one or both of the applicants could not have matched to the U.B.C. programs in the example above, then their match would have been with their 6th choice pair in Dalhousie.

If your partner withdraws from the Match, does not submit any choices for the Match or does not correctly identify you as his/her partner, then your Rank Order List will be used in the Match as if you are a single applicant.

Couple Statistics

These are the match results for the first iteration couples matching for the past six -(6) years.

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Instructions for Ranking for Couples

CaRMS AWS Ranking System for Couples

The CaRMS online ranking tool within the Applicant Webstation (AWS) allows two applicants to prepare and submit their ranking of programs as a couple. CaRMS does not identify couples to programs. It is entirely the decision of each applicant if they choose to inform a program of their status as a couple in the match. Selection decisions made by program directors may or may not be influenced by whether or not applicants are applying as a couple.

Step 1 – Identify Your Partner in AWS

Once the ranking period is open, you can log on to AWS as usual and select the "My Program Selections and Assignments" header link at the top of the page. A "Rank Order List" link will appear in the left menu on this page. Click the "Rank Order List" link and you will then see a page containing all of your submitted Programs.

At the bottom of the ranking page there is a “Couple” button. Click this button and a page will appear that will allow you to establish your participation in the Match as a member of a couple. To participate as a couple, you must be prepared to identify your partner by entering his/her CaRMS code and last name. Likewise, your partner must also identify you as his/her partner on this page (after you have logged out and he/she has logged in) prior to entering your rank order list information. It is important for both partners to be identified in the AWS system before any ranking occurs. This information is only used by CaRMS for the running of the match.

Once you and your partner have identified each other as part of a couple, you will receive an e-mail confirmation from CaRMS.

Step 2 – Enter Your Ranks

Your “rank order list” page, and the features on it, allows you to add, remove and re-order program ranks. Single applicants are encouraged to use this page to develop their lists. However, couples are encouraged to use a paper worksheet to develop their program rank lists first and then transfer their ranks into AWS. A worksheet for couples is accesible by clicking here.

In AWS, by default, the programs you applied to will automatically be displayed with a blank box to the left of each program. You can enter numeric ranks in the blank boxes (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). If you leave a gap in your numeric sequence (i.e. 1, 2, 4, 5), the system will automatically fill this gap when you save. You will receive a red message at the top of the page indicating the gap was filled. If you do not enter a number, but enter a letter or special character, the system will not accept the rank when you Save. A red error message will appear to the right of the intended selection stating, ” You must use a number to rank a program. ”

When your partner has entered some or all of his/her program ranks and has saved/submitted their list in AWS, you will be able to view their list and compare it yours. Your partner’s list is located to the right of your ranked programs list. At the top of their list, a “Refresh My Partner’s Rank Order List” link allows you to view their most recently saved/submitted list.

Couples should not use the same computer with multiple Web browser sessions open to prepare their lists. The system will likely fail and you may lose important work.

To ensure your work in progress is not lost, you must click the “Save” button each time you complete your list development work.

After your initial Save of ranked programs, you will notice that the page becomes two distinct lists. The top list contains the programs you have ranked and saved to date. The bottom list contains those programs that have not yet been ranked. Single applicants can only rank each program once, but a couple applicant can rank a program multiple times or choose to be unmatched. For strategic guidance on ranking as a couple, please click here.

You can re-order your selections in the top list by using the “Move to” box. You simply add a new preferred rank number into the “Move to” field and then save. You can add programs from your bottom list to your top list by inserting a number in the box to the left of the corresponding program and then saving the list.

You should be aware that modifications to your list affect your entire list. For example, if you choose to insert a program into Rank #4 on a list of 10 ranks, the less preferred programs are automatically moved down one rank. The program previously ranked #4 becomes rank #5, rank #5 becomes #6, and so on.

You can “Remove” a program from the top ranked list and place it back on the bottom list of unranked programs by checking the Remove box next to the program. After saving your list, the remaining ranks on your top list will be re-displayed, closing any gaps that may have been created.

You should use the “Clear” feature carefully. This action will remove all previous ranking information you have inputted and set all your rankings back to blank or square one.

Another feature on the ranking page is the “View My ROL” button. This option allows you to view and print both your work-in-progress and/or your final list. It is strongly recommended that you display and print a final copy of your submitted rank order list for your records before the deadline.

Step 3 – Submit Your Rank Order List

Once you have completed entering your ranks and have saved the list, it must be submitted in order to be used in the Match. To submit your rank order list, click the “submit 1 of 2” button on the Rank Order List page. You will be forwarded to another page where you will see your final rank order list and a submit 2 of 2 button. Clicking this button will submit your list for use in the match and will also initiate an email from CaRMS confirming your list is ready to be used in the match. Both partners in a couple must have the same number of ranks saved in order to be able to submit their rank order lists.

If the Submit 1 of 2 button does not appear at the bottom of your list, this means you have already submitted your list and no further changes have been saved. If you would like to modify your submitted list (which you can do up until the deadline), simply click the View My ROL button and then click the Edit button. Your last submitted list is identified by a date and time stamp at the top of the submitted list. Each time you successfully submit your list, you will receive an automatically generated e-mail notice from CaRMS confirming the date and time of list submission.

Rank Order List Statuses

During the applicants’ ranking period, there are three different status levels for your list: Unsaved, Saved and Submitted.

1. An Unsaved list is the default program selection list each applicant is provided with at the outset of the ranking period. An unsaved list contains only the applicant’s list of unranked programs. An unsaved list has either not yet been worked on by the applicant or the applicant has used the Clear feature to start their list from scratch once again.

2. A Saved list is a list that has been partially completed by the applicant. This list is a work in progress that will be completed and submitted prior to the deadline. Applicants should Save their lists each time additional work has been completed on their list development. The first time you save your rank order list, your screen will be split into two sections, your ranked programs list on the top and your unranked programs list on the bottom.

3. A Submitted list is a list that has been completed by the applicant. You can make changes after submitting your list, but if you do so, the list must be re-submitted before the deadline. Only lists that have been Submitted will be used in the Match. You can view and print your list once it has been submitted. It is also a good idea to submit your list well in advance of the deadline in case warning messages occur upon submission. This is especially important for couples, since the complexities of their lists are greater than single applicants’ lists. In order for couples to submit their rank order lists each partner must have the same number of ranks saved If the Submit button does not appear at the bottom of your list, this means you have already submitted your list and no further changes have been saved. If you would like to modify your submitted list (which you can do up until the deadline), simply click the View My ROL button and then click the Edit button. Your last submitted list is identified by a date and time stamp at the top of the submitted list. Each time you successfully submit your list, you will receive an automatically generated e-mail notice from CaRMS confirming the date and time of list submission.

Participating as a Single

If during the ranking process you decide to no longer participate as part of a couple you may change your status provided you do so before the ROL deadline. You can remove your couples status in AWS by clicking the “couples” button on the ranking page in AWS and then clicking the “Continue as a Single” button. However, this action will return your rank order list (submitted or not) to an unsaved rank list status.

Remember… a Saved list is not a Submitted list and will not be processed in the Match. You MUST Submit your list prior to the deadline.

CaRMS will not accept transmission difficulties as a reason to extend the deadline time. The deadline date and time is FINAL.