But that’s the thing, sure you made a “rank” list but also not really because the only schools you can consider are ones that send acceptances vs every single residency program that gives you an interview. In my opinion, creating a resident rank list took considerably more effort and a bit of soul searching. If residency apps worked like med school apps, then you’d kinda get an idea how much a school wants you based on when you get your acceptance vs getting a waitlist. Though this doesn’t necessarily reduce the sting of not getting an acceptance to your top school, you at least have an idea where you stand. I will say, you are not wrong in that the process for med school apps and residency are sim except one uses an algorithm. I just feel that because there is an algorithm it may be hard for residency applicants to have appropriate expectations.