I think your numbers don't look bad at all. From what I've heard, any Step I score over 230 can't hurt you, so I think that it's high enough where you don't have to kill yourself to rock Step II early in the year. However, I think if you do take Step II early and do improve your score a lot, it could only help. With the option of not reporting your Step II scores until you know how you did, you can wait and see if you do well before anybody sees them.

But the larger issue is your 4th year rotations. I would just find a couple places you'd really like to go, rotate there, and impress people while you're there. I did two aways at places that may have been a stretch on numbers alone, but I think I improved my stock by rotating there and doing well (though match day will tell whether or not I did well enough!). Doing well on away will raise your chances at that particular program and are a great way to get good letters from ortho people known well in the field.

Finally, there may still be time for research. The most important part about research in my limited interviewing experience isn't getting it published, but that you know it like the back of your hand and can show that you're an expert in one small area of orthopedics. Every single place I interviewed at asked about my research and it was a great way to have something interesting to talk about.

Hope this helps!

rwbrhp29

you are not competitive for top programs(top 20), but I know you have better numbers than people who have matched. Just be realistic and realize this is very competitive even for people with great numbers and grades.

i think mr hard-on is smoking dope. your score is pretty good, your grades are fine and if you determine that ortho is for you and are passionate, then many programs will be interested in you (interview offers). pick a place or two to rotate at and impress them with work ethic, positive attitude and enthusiasm for ortho and i bet you'll be surprised at how good of a program you might get into. dont stress this like most people on this site do.

I agree with the previous post and personally I think you should go for whatever program you want. If you decide you want one of those top places, don't let anyone tell you it's not possible. Your score isn't going to blow them away, but it's not the only thing on your application and if you rotate there and they love you, then the score will matter less and less.

rwbrhp29

I agree with previous posts- you should do well, especially if you work hard on aways, have good letters and are an interesting person.
As for the top 20, that is bs for 2 reasons:
1) I know people with less than your scores who have gotten into "top 20" programs
2) You can maybe make an argument for which programs are in the top 5-10, but i would be shocked if anyone can tell me a differenence between the 15th and 30th best programs. Plus places are in constant flux.
So find a place you like and work your ass off and you will be fine.

If ortho is what you want, then you need to focus on it. Improve on your step 2 scores. Do well on your rotatotions. Do some research. You need to work hard if you want to live the ortho dream!