Let’s chat about computer matching and ranking.
There is a lot of misinformation out there. Many people think it matters way more than it truly does, and they think your chances are decreased the lower you ranked a program. NOT TRUE! GASP!
It is very important that I share the actual way that it works…
First, to summarize computer matching, you rank your programs and programs rank their applicants. Then this fancy program matches an applicant with a program in a way that is most “ideal”. “Ideal” means it’s matching the highest possible ranked program with the highest possible ranked applicant. The perfect “match” is when Sally ranks ABC DI #1 and ABC DI ranks Sally #1. True DI love!
The bottom line is that the matching system on D&D Digital is based on a computer algorithm that takes into account the programs each applicant applied to and ranks, as well as ranking lists of applicants entered in by each internship.
D&D Digital works its magic and attempts to make the best match.
Click below to watch my explanation to COMPLETELY understand the process and how it affects how you should rank your programs.
Know that your ranking of programs is only responsible for deciding where you get matched if you are eligible to match to MULTIPLE programs. That’s it.
And what makes you eligible to match? Ranking as high as possible on the director’s ranking list. In other words, getting good grades, having experience, and creating an outstanding application!
This is literally all that you need to know about computer matching. Rank your programs in the order you actually want them. There is no strategy beyond this!
How many programs should you apply to?
Technically you could apply to 100 programs and get matched to your 98th ranked choice. This is possible, but not advised, as it sounds like my worst nightmare and $10,000 in application fees alone. I think it is realistic to apply to 3-6 programs especially if you are already busy and are not willing to invest in the application fees. I also like to think in terms of spots. 50-100 spots is something to shoot for, although it is different depending on each person. If you want personalized program recommendations, apply for the Get Matched Coaching program to get the support of an expert coach.
If you feel like you have the time and financial resources to apply to more, and you are SURE that the quality of your applications will not suffer as a result, then yes, you could apply to 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 programs and your chances of getting into any of them would be the same regardless of your ranking. I, personally, would not put myself under that type of burden and rather optimize my energy towards 3-4, putting in as much time as possible to reach out to programs, do research, and make the applications as perfect as possible.
The take-home message here is that the goal is to get ranked as high as possible on the program’s list. This means creating super-competitive application materials like the personal statement, resume, and entire DICAS application (HINT: That’s what we help you do!). You don’t have to stress about the ranking or number you apply to. Just rank programs you are qualified for, and rank them in the order you would want should you get matched to all of them.
For the record, I would rank all of you #1. 🙂
Jenny
P.S. We’ve worked with enough applicants to know what it takes to stand out and be truly match-worthy! Apply today for Get Matched Coaching.
