NRMP Voluntary Rank Order List Lock
October 10, 2025
🔒 NRMP’s Voluntary Rank Order List (ROL) Lock: What It Means for You
Starting with the 2026 Main Residency Match, the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is testing a new idea called the Voluntary Rank Order List (ROL) Lock. It’s designed to make the Match fairer and calmer for applicants by removing the pressure around post-interview or “second-look” visits.
🧩 What Is the Voluntary ROL Lock?
After interviews, programs create a Rank Order List — their private list of applicants ranked from first choice downward. Normally, that list can be changed until the national certification deadline in March.
Under the Voluntary ROL Lock Pilot, some programs can choose to lock their list early inside the NRMP’s R3® system. Once locked:
- The program cannot make any edits.
- A lock icon (🔒) appears in the R3® Program Directory.
- Applicants know the ranking decisions are final.
💡 Why the Pilot Exists
Applicants often worried that second looks or thank-you notes could change their ranking. This pilot fixes that by requiring that any post-interview visit happens only after the program has locked its list. That means your visit can’t influence your position — because the list is already frozen.
For official details and pilot updates, visit the NRMP page: Voluntary Program Rank Order List Lock Pilot – NRMP.org .
🏥 Which Specialties Are Participating in 2026
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Vascular Surgery
Combined Med-Peds programs are not participating yet. Other fields may join later if the pilot succeeds.
🧠 How This Helps You
| Before the Lock | After the Lock |
|---|---|
| Programs could adjust ranks after visits | Locked programs cannot change anything |
| Applicants felt pressure to do second looks | Second looks are now truly optional |
| Visits might have affected rankings | Visits occur only after the list is locked |
| Hard to know if rankings were final | 🔒 Lock icon = ranking frozen and final |
In short: Lock = Peace of Mind.
🗓️ Timeline at a Glance
1️⃣ Interview Season (Oct–Jan) – Programs meet candidates.
2️⃣ Ranking Opens (Feb) – Programs begin entering lists.
3️⃣ Program Locks List (≈ Feb 9) – Program clicks “Lock.” 🔒
4️⃣ Second Looks (Feb → late Feb) – Optional visits only after lock.
5️⃣ Applicant Certifies List (Mar 4) – You finish and submit yours.
6️⃣ Match Week (Mar) – Results released. 🎉
❓ Applicant FAQs — 20 Key Questions Answered
1. What does “locking” mean?
It means the program has certified and finalized its Rank Order List. Once locked, it can’t be changed.
2. Does locking mean I’m ranked?
No. Locking only confirms the list is finished—not who’s on it.
3. Will I ever see if I’m ranked or where?
No. Programs’ rank lists are confidential. Applicants only learn their match result in March.
4. When can a program hold a second look?
Only after the program has locked its ROL. This rule is the core of the pilot.
5. So every second look is after the lock?
✅ Yes. Programs must lock at least 24 hours before their first post-interview visit.
6. Can my visit change my ranking?
❌ No. Once locked, the program can’t move you up or down.
7. Do I have to go to the second look?
No. Attendance is completely voluntary and won’t affect your rank.
8. Why would I go if it doesn’t change my rank?
To learn more about the program so you can decide how to rank it on your own list.
9. How will I know a program has locked?
Look for the 🔒 lock icon next to that program in the NRMP’s R3® Program Directory.
10. What if there’s no lock symbol yet?
That means the program can still edit its list until it either locks or the March 4 deadline.
11. What if a program hosts a visit but hasn’t locked?
You can still attend, but know the program might still change its list afterward.
12. When do programs lock their lists?
They’re encouraged to lock by February 9, 2026, or at least 24 hours before their first post-interview visit.
13. Who collects RSVPs for visits?
Usually the GME office, so the process is confidential and program staff don’t know who signed up until after the lock.
14. What if a program misses the sign-up deadline to join the pilot?
They can participate in a later Match cycle — the pilot runs for three years (2026–2028).
15. Does this change how I submit my own list?
No. You still certify your ROL by the usual deadline (March 4).
16. Does the lock apply to SOAP?
No. It only applies to the Main Residency Match®.
17. Does this mean programs are more ethical now?
The goal is to increase trust and transparency by showing their list is final before any further contact.
18. Can a program unlock after locking?
No. Once locked, the list is frozen until Match results are released.
19. Which specialties are in the first pilot year?
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Vascular Surgery.
20. Where can I learn more?
Visit NRMP.org or email pilot@nrmp.org.
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