“I have submitted an extenuating circumstances application. If I am successful this will increase my chances of receiving an offer from my 1st network preference.” - MISCONCEPTION
This is not the case. If the extenuating circumstances application is granted, your network preference list will be reduced based on the circumstances of your application and an assessment of travel time to the home hospital. You may not be guaranteed an offer from your first network preference as the algorithm does not make distinctions between applicants based on extenuating circumstances.