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Orthogate

  Friday, 01 June 2007
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Hi. Been around here long enough to know that people tend not to love this type of post, but for some odd reason I think this is a good place to get some honest opinions, and I'd really appreciate the input.

I'm a 4th year at an east coast top 10. Step 1 subpar(~220), but all honors (inc. home ortho sub-I), 2-3 pubs (small journals), hope to have solid letters from home, and have got 1-2 cool extracurriculars.

So the q is, what schools are in my range? Everything but step I seems strong, but I'm going to say that HSS, UCSF, UW.. are out of my range.

I ask because I'm trying to figure out what I can realistically expect, where I should consider subI's, and where I should prob. not rotate.

Thanks!
19 years ago
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#53159
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i didnt apply to the caliber of schools you mentioned, so in my humble opinion, don't sell yourself short. id take having a average step i from a great school than a great step i from an average school any day. go to places you want to go, even if they do seem 'out of reach' because of your step i. your app is solid-- i wouldn't be a bit surprised if you got invites to most places you apply.
19 years ago
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#53160
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I agree with cakes about your app. Step 1 isn't that important if you've got a stellar app, but I'd suggest taking step 2 if you've done well on standardized tests in the past and just screwed up this one.
I don't agree with him about the school rep vs step 1 scores. yes, step 1 is just a one day test and a one shot deal rather than an overall 3 year performance, but it's standardized. The school name will get you far b/c residency programs like making themselves look good by having big names ass'd with them, but I don't think it goes far enough to stand out above the guy next to you at the interview that went to West Point undergrad, served in the Army, then went to a state school and got a 250 on step 1. So find out what makes you stand out in addition to coming from a big named med school.
That being said, my friends that did not do well on step 1 that did get in either played Ivy League football, got into their home program where they were well-liked, had impressive leadership experience, or had a founding father of orthopedic's last name (not really). I wouldn't consider anything out of your range to apply to, but as far as sub-I's I would concentrate on your best bets. Also consider taking step 2 soon, and figure out what will make you the most interesting. good luck.
19 years ago
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#53161
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I can tell you, without a doubt with 100% guarantee, that you are NOT out of range for any top programs, including those you mention. I know several residents in those programs with 220 on step I (a few below 220). Again, I'm not just saying who interviewed at those programs, but I'm talking about residents who are actually there now. Make sure you do your away rotations so that they can get to know you.

Especially if you are from a top med program, I would pick 2 dream schools and rotate there. I am usually quite conservative with picking away rotations, and I've recommended that most people do 1 dream school and 1 semi-dream/back-up school (see previous posts). In your case, if you truly got all honors (meaning you are in line for AOA) and the only hole in your application is step 1, your chance at ANY program is solid.

I agree with the post above, but taking step 2 is a risk. Make sure you study hard and do well. Doing bad on it the second time can exacerbate your wound. If you do 240+, you are golden with rest of your application.

good luck.
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