What Should I Do About Conflicting Dermatology Residency Interviews? A Primer on Match Math

Competitive dermatology applicants often find themselves invited for two or more interviews on the same day. Sadly, some of these applicants don't cancel the interview(s) that they are unable to attend until the day before. Late cancellation makes it difficult for "wait list" applicants to interview due to travel logistics and high cost. Late cancellation may ironically result in matching at a less desired program on their match list!  Remember that in the small universe of applicants receiving conflicting invitations to interview, applicants will typically employ different strategies for creating their rank list. Some will rank programs based on prestige, others will rank programs based on their sense of "fit", and many will base their decision entirely on geographic considerations. Applicants unable to attend an interview who promptly notifiy the program about it in time for that program to invite another applicant may move a competitor away from blocking the path to matching at their first ranked program!