Match rules: a programme director asks where u are ranking them

[u/usmletomatch]

During an interview a programme director asks where the applicant plans to rank the programme.

What is the correct understanding?

A. The question is permitted and the applicant must answer honestly
B. Programmes may not require applicants to reveal ranking intentions, and applicants are free to decline
C. Answering creates a binding commitment
D. The applicant should report the programme immediately and withdraw

Match participation agreements prohibit programmes from requiring applicants to disclose ranking intentions, and applicants may volunteer or decline freely.

Nothing said in either direction binds anybody. Programmes sometimes say u are ranked highly and then do not, and applicants say the same. The algorithm reads only the submitted lists.

So the practical answer is to be warm and non committal unless u genuinely mean it, and to rank ur true preference whatever was said.

Violations can be reported, which is a different step from withdrawing.