At the mercy of a computer algorithm used to determine residency placements, 161 University of Michigan Medical School students emotions and nerves were torqued to the maximum Friday as they waited for noon.

At noon, they were handed a white envelope.

Inside that envelope lay the answer for which the students had been waiting for months: The placement for their residency, where they would spend the next chapter of their lives as doctors.

Its practice nationally to announce residency appointments on "Match Day," at the same time on the same day.

At U-M, its made into a celebration of the students accomplishments over their time at the school. If they choose, the students can announce their placements on stage during the event.

Pins graduating U-M Medical School students placed on a map Friday showing where they were placed for their residency. One-third will stay in Michigan -- the majority of which will be at U-M.

Amy Biolchini | AnnArbor.com

Beaming and electrified with excitement, Andrea Knittel, 30, of Ferndale read off her placement in front of a crowd of her fellow graduates Friday afternoon at a conference room in Building 18 of the North Campus Research Complex.

It was her top choice: The University of California - San Francisco for a specialty in OB/GYN.

Knittel has been studying at U-M for 12 years. Starting as an undergraduate student, the top programs and experience kept her at U-M through her advanced studies, Knittel said.

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Match Day 2013 for U-M medical school students: One-third will stay in Michigan