147 looks and not one reply, I think that ortho directors frequent these sites, your input would greatly be appreciated

Take everything at this forum with a grain of salt. I think your best chances of matching will be at your home program. I would do 2 externships at programs you would probably get an interview at without externships. Reason: Places like the Campbell Clinic get 80+ rotators a year and do not interview all of them. The places you rotate at will really get to know you and you will be ranked higher.

If you are a 4th year interviewing this year, stay confident and don't worry about the numbers game. If you were enthusiastic and friendly at your interviews, you will have a lot better chance than someone with great scores and a dull personality. Rank all of your programs and do something to keep your mind off things until March 18th.

My $0.02

HJ

Doodier --

Most of the 4th years are focused right now on the current match, which is likely the reason your vague "Subject" got a lot of hits but no replies.

You look solid on paper, just keep working as hard as you can, do the aways as mentioned in the post above, but I also recommend that you take Step 2 early (so your score is available when you submit your application in September). Bust your butt and get a good Step 2 score and that will open more doors for you than your current 215.

Good luck!
KneeDr

thank you both for your insight and direction

With a solid step 2 you are definitely in the ballgame and I know of people who have matched at reasonably good places with your stats even without a good step 2. The best advice I ever received 3rd year when I was getting ready to start doing aways was that you need to make YOUR spot at a program. I know it sounds cheesy it is very easy to blend in to the interview crowd - in my opinion, unless you ae a tool, rotate at a place you really want to go - it is your best shot at endearing yourself to a place.

i completely agree. you need to rock your away rotations. also pick places to rotate where you feel you could live and have a realistic chance of going to. a lot of places that get tons of rotators do not interview them all (i speak from experience) and then you feel like you wasted a month. so choose wisely. but all in all, if you work your butt off and be yourself, things will work out. good luck.

i third that. away rotations really help you if you perform well.

Any help on which programs are less competitive?

ortho itself is competitive. i don't think there's any place that you can say that you'll apply and it'll be your safety or that it's a ton easier. i applied to a ton of programs that i thought reputation-wise weren't as good, and still didn't get interviews. I would think though that the community programs (which I only applied to one, and got an interview) may not get as many applications, so your chances/odds might be better.