I know we get a billion of these posts but heres to one more.

I was hoping to get some gauge on my chances for the match. Grades all honors 1/2/3 year. Step 1 245+. But there is the kicker, I want to do hand/upper extremity eventually, and I am a male 6' 0'' 140 lb long distance runner - any thoughts?

??? First of all, your stature won't affect whether or not you are accepted into ortho (you do have to get accepted to ortho/plastics/gen surg before you do hand). Don't worry, you'll (probably) be fine.

On the other hand, as much as we'd all like to think ortho is not just a highschool football club, I was asked at my William Beaumont interview what my lifetime max bench press was and what it is now. Being tall and thin and running long distance will not make you a better or worse orthopaedist. Just make sure you find a program that understands that fact. There are many of them out there who do understand that. Obviously there are some exceptions out there as well. I don't mean to be down on the above program. It has many strengths as do many programs with similar outlooks on what is important in an applicant. However, it's good to find a program that places emphasis on things that you place emphasis on.

As far as the numbers go, you can read from among the seemingly millions of similar posts from people who wonder if they've got what it takes to match and get some good information along with a lot of fluff and speculation. The truth is nobody knows if they'll match until they actually do or don't. I know some exeptional applicants with outstanding numbers who didn't match and nobody, including program directors who didn't rank them to match, can give a good explanation why. However, generally folks with strong numbers, strong letters and all the other stuff you can read about in all the other "do I have a chance" posts match more often than not. Just not always.

If you want to do ortho, go after it. You've probably already talked to your program director and found out wether you have a chance or not. Stop wasting time wondering if you'll make it, and start doing everything you can to ensure that you do (realizing that there is no way to make it 100% sure).

I was hoping to get some gauge on my chances for the match. Grades all honors 1/2/3 year. Step 1 245+. But here is the kicker, I want to do hand/upper extremity eventually, and I am a male 6' 0'' 140 lb long distance runner - any thoughts?

as long as its not marfan's, yer set.

as long as its not marfan's, yer set.

Fukudome with a walk-off homer off a Manu offering.

Ball game over.

Thread closed.

SportsCenter next.

is the OP serious? you have awesome numbers - go for it!

No more posts like this please. There is a search button for a reason; use it.

I know it is a stressful time on your lives, and all you want are affirmations and adulation, but if you want affirmation, seek out stuart smalley.

Sorry to lash at the poster, but the posts that resemble

I have 295 step I, 3 first author publications in JBJS, my grandfather was charlie neer and I personally hold 4 patents in the area of cartilage regeneration. What are my chances?

are pointless and not helpful. If you want to be an orthopod, throw yourself into it. If your application has weaknesses, make up for them.

One last thing: There is no magic board score. Use the search button if you don't believe me.