rongeur
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 2
(2/18/02 11:36:28 pm)
66.66.202.197
Reply | Edit | Del All Chances at top programs
I am currently planning my 4th year away electives. I am in the Northeast and would like to stay in this region. I am planning on doing an elective at Penn and HSS since I have spent time doing research at each place throughout undergrad and med school respectively.
I am wondering about my chances of actually matching at a top tier program with being top 1/3 of my class with honors in 3rd year rotations thus far (maybe AOA by the end of 3rd year, but not definitely), Step I scores of 254, strong rec letters, including one from the residency director at HSS, and extensive orthopaedic research since freshman year in college.
I have heard through many posts that a high board score and powerful rec letters can help you get a lot of interviews, but without being AOA, is it impossible to match at the top tier programs (i.e. HSS), especially coming from a non-top 10 school? I'd appreciate any opinions that could be offered. Thanks.
bmp2002
OSRR Junior
Posts: 30
(2/19/02 6:30:33 am)
152.163.197.66
Reply | Edit | Del Re: Chances at top programs
your numbers are fine ... the only problem might be that you sound like a complete tool.
if you are top 1/3, 250+, strong research and you are posting about your worries a year in advance you need to put the books down, spend some time in a bar and find yourself a companion.
Ortho2002
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 173
(2/19/02 7:39:04 am)
172.170.94.151
Reply | Edit | Del Re: Chances at top programs
amen brother. this tool will laugh his arse off when he sees my scores and where i (hopefully) match at!! scores aren't everything, and i think that i am living proof of that.
rongeur
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 3
(2/19/02 7:49:31 am)
66.66.202.197
Reply | Edit | Del Thanks
bmp2002
Thanks for the positive comments. FYI, I just got married a few months ago so by bar hopping days and searching for a "companion" are over.
In addition, looking back at some of the posts that you guys put up last year around this time contained similar worries. I don't think I am so far off since the whole process starts in the next few months.
I'm not sure if I even have an answer to my question, but thanks again.
Ortho2002
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 176
(2/19/02 7:59:18 am)
172.170.94.151
Reply | Edit | Del Re: Thanks
all we were saying is that if you really have the scores and other accolades that you have mentioned, the only thing that will keep you from matching at a top notch place is whether you "fit" the personality of the place. this is probably a bad time to ask any of us questions like that because we really don't know the answer until march 21st (no matter what programs have said to us under the table)! we are merely telling you to relax! so, go spend some time with your wife and just chill out.
Bone Jock
OSRR Junior
Posts: 40
(2/19/02 9:27:10 am)
205.183.31.120
Reply | Edit | Del Re: Thanks
Rongeur,
Dude, with 254 on the boards, you could go to your interviews in pajamas, throw your feet up on the chairman's desk and still go where ever you want to go. I won't go as far as calling you a tool, but there's some people on this site who have just cause to worry about matching. Unless you have ZERO personality, you have no problems.
menk
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 2
(2/19/02 11:03:47 am)
155.247.229.6
Reply | Edit | Del Re: Thanks
You do sound like a complete tool. The reality is that you have good board scores, but if you can't bench press 250 you have reason to worry.
IamNikolas
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 158
(2/19/02 11:46:53 am)
208.1.152.58
Reply | Edit | Del no way
I don't think you sound like a tool at all rongeur. I was worried about all this crap just like you last year, and my worries did not even begin to evaporate until I got a bunch of interviews, and now I'm still a little worried about where I will match.
All these guys who're calling you tools were tools last year, except they didn't have your credentials
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just kidding fellas.
bmp2002
OSRR Junior
Posts: 31
(2/19/02 1:58:57 pm)
64.12.96.232
Reply | Edit | Del beg to differ- nick
i think a lot of us do have those credentials but didn't want to brag or make others feeel like @#$ by posting them on this board. I think only a true ahole would write about being aoa, 262, research, dr hoppenfield's son, olympic gold winner in the 400, polo underwear model, and then ask if he has a shot at a top program.
no, you have no chance this year son - we are looking for those with 270's or better with at least 5 publications in JBJS- maybe you should consider general surgery
IamNikolas
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 159
(2/19/02 4:21:57 pm)
152.163.201.56
Reply | Edit | Del maybe but...
I know what you're saying, and I agree. But I think rongeur's message was sincere and he did not have the intentions you're describing.
bmp2002
OSRR Junior
Posts: 32
(2/19/02 4:23:33 pm)
64.12.97.11
Reply | Edit | Del seriously though rongeur
i think you have an outstanding chance at just about anywhere you apply. if you finish your 3rd year strong you will hopefully get AOA, with AOA and a 254 you will certainly attain interviews at the most prestigious progs in the country whether you rotate there or not. Getting interviews and getting in are two different things though.. to give yourself the best shot at getting in you should definitely do away rotations at those places and just be yourself- if you got all honors your 3rd year your personality will suit you well on your audition rotations.
I don't know where your from but it sounds like northeast- the big progs in the NE seem to be HSS, HJD, Harvard, Penn, Hopkins, Brown, Yale, Georgetown. Lesser progs that seem to be pretty popular and well spoken of include Uconn, Robert wood and rochester
If interested in any of these definitely do an away there, esp if it is georgetown as you will find it difficult to obtain an interview from them otherwise.
sorry bout before just thought i'd ride you a little.
Best of Luck with both ortho and your new marriage.
BoneWax
OSRR Intern
Posts: 25
(2/19/02 4:30:52 pm)
152.163.201.56
Reply | Edit | Del bmp2002, you sound like a resident already...
especially a @#$%^y Ob/Gyn resident.
rongeur
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 4
(2/19/02 6:28:05 pm)
66.66.202.197
Reply | Edit | Del No offense
I really did not want to make anyone feel like I was trying to brag about myself with my initial message. I was sincerely asking about the importance of AOA coming from my school.
I wasn't really offended by your message bmp2002, but like you said, I didn't want to send out the vibe of being an ahole and putting others down. This site attracts some pretty bad @#$ candiates of which a majority are AOA. I thought this would be the proper forum for me to ask anonymously and candidaly about my situation and get some accurate feedback.
I really would like to be in NYC and that is one of the most competitive spots to be. I have seen students from my school with perfect applications on paper who have been denied interviews at some top places -- so that isn't even based on personality yet.
I apologize for being worried prematurely, but I am just trying to be prepared and start thinking realistically.
bmp2002, I hope you take no offense on my comments and no offense was taken by me. Thanks for the good marriage wishes. Good luck to all of you mathing in the next few weeks.
bonedoc2be
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 117
(2/19/02 7:52:19 pm)
216.162.109.237
Reply | Edit | Del AOA
just think of it this way, some schools dont even do AOA
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