Theres a lot of past posts on this topic, but the gist of it is that if you want to do it, go for it. Apply broadly, impress on sub-I's, and slip a $50 under the table . Also, you can start a research project and say that its "in the works", but make sure its fairly meaningful research. Of course, I'm in the middle of the application thing myself so kinda hard to say.

step 1 = 218
step 2 = 228
no ortho program at my home school/no big name orthopods within miles of my school
no publications
Middle one-third class rank
no AoA
Honored Surgery, rest of 3rd year grades were high pass
Didn't decide to do ortho until about this time last year after my first away elective.

I matched. It can be done

You just got to...
1. Ask yourself how much do you really really want to do orthopaedics.

2. Do everything you can from this point forward to make sure you match. At this point in the game, you can still: jump on a research project, do as many away rotations as your school will allow, apply to every ortho program in the country, ask every single orthopod you know halfway decent to call/write/email their old program to not filter out your application but to actually look at it, read this board and follow up on any advice others have given in years past.

3. Believe in yourself

If you want it bad enough, you can match.

Best of luck guys,
Gambit

Gambit,

Man it sounds like you were in the exact same situation that I am in. Step 1=220
Step 2 =pending

3rd year all high pass except surgery(honors of course)
middle third of the class
no home ortho program
not aoa
no publications
decided late to do Ortho
the only one thing that I do have is a very well known trauma guy happens to be the editor in cheif of the journal of orthopaedic trauma ( an international journal). Still dont have his letter on board but am working on it.

How many programs did you apply to and how far down on your list did you fall? If you dont mind me asking.

your help would be appreciated,

Richard