Competitive?

yo..

i definitely feel you man.....it's good to get a clear cut idea of what your chances are like.

There is a lotta variability and subjectiveness to this whole process, so def keep that in mind.

your step 1 score is just below the average for the matched applicants this past year (234: based on the NRMP data)...but not significantly low enough to keep a person with your background out of the mix

Here's a couple things to help you out

1) Step 2; take it early and try to kick ass and get a 240 or higher...it's an easier exam so it shouldn't be so bad to handle.

2) Aways: try to do aways (2-3) at programs your interested in...just remember that if you're looking at big name programs, a bazillion people will likely be rotating at the same time and you may not get enough face time with attendings. Do rotations at a mix of places....just not big name ones. Remember the best program is the one you match at..

3) Not sure if your research is in ortho, but try to get involved with some ortho research at your school (if feasible) if you have time. There are usually a bunch of case reports/clinical projects that residents may not have time to finish, so it's an easy way to get involved.

**Research: now many people will say and have matched without research. I don't think it deters from your application to have it, but for the average applicant, research can go a long way. I was asked about research about a majority of the interviews I went on. Because there are so many applicants with research experience (in ortho and/or other specialties), it helps to have done something substantial or at least demonstrate your interest in it. Considering orthopaedic technologies are very much research driven, it can help you out if you can get your feet wet. Again just my 2 cents.**

Hope this helps you out....good luck

OG2008

Your app looks pretty stellar except for the Step I. If you're from a top 10 med school with all honors 3rd year you are better than most people applying. However, the only problem is those programs that screen for the 230+. Apply to a bunch of places, but my guess is you will match well.

about the average (234)...

if you haven't noticed on other threads, there are loads of people with 250+ (and power to em!), however, if they all get in, then you know there are a few out there with 220's gettin' in.

I agree that Step 2 is big for you, and research will help a lot, even if you have to sacrifice a couple of sat/sun mornings to be there... not a lot of other people will!

be realistic...as to where you apply. some programs look for 250+ people. if you really want to be there, do an away, and be miraculous (i've seen it happen)... otherwise, keep plugging in, keep working, what's done is done, focus on what's to come!

good luck-

Dude, if youre from a top ten med school youre set. People always underestimate how much that helps an applicant. Going to a good school with a good ortho department is huge. I would take a step i score of 220 from Harvard over a 260 from Non-name University any day. Don't get caught up in the numbers game... There's a lot more that goes into it. On paper, you're a great applicant.

I respectfully disagree with above Larussa about Top 10 schools. Step 1 is the only standardized way to compare everyone in the country (this is part of the theory behind USMLE cut-offs) despite what type of school they attend. In other words, if somebody at an "average school" posts a 250 and a student at a "top 10" school posts a 220, then the "average" student probably actually does know more than the "top 10" kid....and the "average" student can probably handle their alcohol better ("top 10" students will argue this point).

Having said that, in your case, you sound fine. There is more to your app. than Step 1 as Larussa mentioned. Your clinical grades and pubs are definitely fine. You may want to take step 2 early because programs do set USMLE cutoffs at 230<. Don't worry about doing worse on it- everyone's score goes up on Step 2. Good luck and keep working hard.

And the Patriots win the challenge....

When I was applying, I heard much of the same. I had a Step 1 in the 220's and many said it was a long shot. I went into it freaked out, convinced I wasn't going to get any interviews. I had good grades, no publications, 1 away rotation, some ortho research, and strong letters (I think). I ended up getting 23-24 interview offers, including some top programs.

Granted, I havn't matched yet, but I feel much more confident now than I did 4-5 months ago when I was reading the posts saying that a 220's score is a nail in the ortho coffin but a solid ticket to family medicine.

Some guys have already given you good advice, so follow that. My advice to add: just don't sell yourself short. Don't get me wrong, if you have a 260, it makes the process much easier. But if your score is not out of the ballpark, you can still have success if you play your cards right.

Apparently the "more to it than the numbers" is the "Name on the diploma." Why would you want to demonstrate that you were 2 SD above the mean on a standardized examination of medical knowledge when you could demonstrate that you were wholly average but got into a "great" school based on some (presumed) "merits" earned before you turned 17?

:sarcasm:

ohhh....bitter party of one, your table is ready. haha. unfortunately, name of school on the diploma does sometimes elevate the mediocre.

Should it?