Some people would advocate that you do both, that is, do an away at a place where you think is more safe and then another at a place that may be more of a reach. Personally, I disagree with that philosophy, but some will tell you that.

I tend to have more of a view that if you define "safe" versus "reach" programs, you're already categorizing yourself and trying to push yourself into a mold. I think that instead you should find one or two places that you're most interested in and go there. You'll have plenty of people tell you, both here and in other places, where you should go. Your stats and things look pretty legit, so if you want that big name program then go for it, especially if you are interested in research and academics. There isn't anything in the numbers that you gave that should keep you from matching where you want, especially if you go do an away there and impress them.

That being said, remember that there are lots of great places out there to train, not all of which have a "big name".

rwbrhp29

Not positive if it is true, but I have heard that the initial cutoff for applications at HSS is Step 1 > 235 AND AOA. So, if you aren't AOA, you won't make it past their initial cut unless someone knows you and they personally pull your application out. Not trying to scare you because your numbers and app sound good at this point, but it is something to check out. Doing an away somewhere may help you get through initial cuts like this.

I know people who interviewed at HSS that were NOT AOA and did not have any connection to the program (didn't rotate, either)

I just have to chime in on this one... HSS and Harvard both rejected my application which included 255 step 1, AOA, 1 publication, 2 research projects pending pub, LOR's from prominent attendings which I earned on away rotations. That said... I am from a state school in the Midwest, no Ivy League here.

Given my experience, if you really want to match at one of these programs you must do an away there. But maybe since you are Ivy League, you will get the benefit of the doubt without rotating.

There are other advantages of rotating at prominent programs. If you work hard and earn a solid LOR from well known attendings, the letter will help you immensely attaining interviews. Following the interview process I have no doubt that interviewers really do value letters written by other docs they are familiar with or look up to.

not everyone who matches at HSS is AOA. i know for certain there was a non-AOA intern when i rotated there as an MS4. you numbers should be good enough to at least be considered at the top programs. there is no question that a ivy leaguerer needs lower numbers in order to get interview. if i were in your shoes, i'd rotate at two top academic programs (since that is what you want) you are interested and two different cities as this process is very geographic. apply to safer places, but i wouldn't spend a month rotating there when you are a strong enough applicant.

Thanks for the info!

Another quick question. How much do leadership roles influence getting into top ortho programs. My initial impression is not much. But I wanted some feedback from those who have actual experience with interviews and application process.

Thanks again,

SM

it cannot hurt; i am sure that if you have been class president x 4 years or organized some community events that will add to your overall app....i always felt that i should do anything that would make me stand out on paper compared to the other 500+ applications....once u get an interview u will have something different/new to talk about that the other 50-75 interviewees...just try to separate yourself beyond board scores b/c most people applying to top notch schools will have the same grades and u need to have something to stand out.

i had faculty ask me out leadership roles prior to med school, during med school and my hobbies.