Chances? Below average applicant

1) Not 0, but not great. I've seen people with worse stats match. I've seen people with much better not match. Applicants don't need to be worldbeaters, just individuals with a "wow" factor. What's yours?

2) YES, do the research year. I came in with similar numbers and really pushed research that year. Paid off in a huge way. Research will completely change your application and your mindset in a world increasingly reliant on EBM for decision-making.

Hey bud. I admire your tenacity for orthopaedics. Here are my thoughts (take with grain of salt obviously). I believe in tough love so please dont think i'm being cynical. People in your situation have definitely matched into orthopaedics with the right sugar coating.

First, make sure you actually like ortho...shadowing is much different than actually being in the fire. Make sure you like being in the OR, casting in a busy ER, the lifestyle...etc. The reason I say that is because you have an uphill battle and its upto you to decide if its worth it depending on how badly you want an ortho residency spot. Its not going to be easy...but it can be accomplished.

Second, you must be realistic regarding step 1 score screening. The new average for ortho is 245ish. Most programs use step 1 score to screen but some dont. My school (unknown midwest public medschool) uses a 235 minimum. No matter how much research you may have or plan to get, the step 1 filter will screen you out unless you have some other connection.

Third, try to do well on rotations especially surgery and IM. This probably wont make or break you. While on the subject, choosing aways carefully is paramount. Chose aways where they interview you while you are there. Obviously DO NOT dick around on these rotations.

Fourth, The thing that will help you the most are connections. Question is how to get them. One of the best ways is to do research whether that be a dedicated research block or a research year. Key is to be productive with multiple pubs. You not only get great and meaningful connections, but you also demonstrate your passion for ortho, work ethic, and gain some insight. I myself did a year of research at a big name institution for the purpose of getting lots of connections. At the same time, I stayed productive, which prompted my mentors to write incredible letters and make phone calls and emails for me. I'm applying this year and I wouldn't have gotten the interviews I have if it wasn't for my connections (i'm a very average candidate).

I hope this helps. Work your hardest if Ortho is what you truly want.

Hey brother,
This is coming from a current MS4 who's going through this process now and who's numbers aren't great...but not horrible either.

1) This process sucks and if it weren't for a lifetime of being rejected by girls, I wouldn't be able to handle all these program rejections right now. Be prepared for that. Sure they like you....but there are 800 other boys hitting on them, and they just don't...like you like you.

2) Agree with everything everyone said. Its all gold. They are all wise words.

3) Definitely consider a research year. Remember that the data from charting outcomes has to be interpreted carefully. Sure yes the more interviews the better, however there are IMGs that do a research year, get only 1 interview (where they did the research year) and still match. Its all about how much a program knows you and likes you. On the other hand there are also IMGs that have done 4 research years and still no one will take them. If a program really knows you and likes you and sees the fire for Ortho in your eyes, loin and groin, there is a good chance they will rank you to match, and as long as one place ranks you up there, you're in.

4) Unfortunately the screening process is dynamic. Program directors can set on ERAS what minimum whatever (step 1, step 2, etc etc) to set to view X amount of applications. As Step 1 averages go up, so does the avg for Ortho and so does the minimum cutoff. It sucks but they have to filter somehow. And this is coming from a PD I know. So yeah, the longer you wait (provided avgs don't drop) the higher the cutoff may become. 230 will get you cut from A LOT of places. I am getting cut a lot, however my score isn't much higher and I'm already getting interviews....so there is hope.

5) Hope that helps. Its awesome that you took the time to post your question on here, and as said many times before if Ortho is your dream, follow it. People with much worse numbers (low 200s, no AOA, avg grades) match into decent programs. Just be a good guy, friendly, hard working, interested. Keep Netters in your pocket, Orthobullets on your phone, read for cases, take interest in topics and people will see your motivation.

Good luck!