Low scores, big programs

"Average scores" and "top programs" are going to be different to everyone on this board. If you have a 215 and are ranked at the 50% in your class, then you have a tougher shot than a 240, AOA, top 10% person. Your best chance is rotate at the "top programs" that you are hoping to land and kick ass.

Good point. I hope to find out what people view as top programs then by asking this question. Also, I guess that I was just wondering if you need like a 240+ to get into a Mayo or a Northwestern type program.

OrthoForMe - it's very complicated how it works. In general you need to have high scores but many fall through the cracks and get in to so-called top programs for various reasons, including but not limited to the WHO-YOU-KNOW factor. It's a wild and whacky process man. I had a 242 and got shot down from many a 'top program' but did get invites to less than a handful of them depending on what you consider 'top' program.

To all who are applying this year - first of all it's still VERY EARLY in the game. I see some have started to get some invites which can be scary to those who have not gotten any. I can tell you that at this point in the game last year, I had received only one invite from Geisinger in pennsylvania. I didn't get my second invite till 1st or 2nd week of November and then not again till mid to end November. So if you have not gotten any interviews yet don't fret. It's way too early. Most invites start to roll out sometime between mid-november to early-mid December.

One other thing - enjoy your 4th year of med school. You can get caught up in the whole process and it can become stressful, but believe me next year you'll wish you had enjoyed it more. You'll end up where you're supposed to be, and someone up there has your path all sketched out for you. So don't worry about the details. Just do your best, be humble and you'll match at the program you're supposed to go to. You have very little control over the process and it can be frustrating. It doesn't make sense, it can be unfair -- accept this and you'll enjoy it more.

good luck.

Sharptool...thanks for the reassurance dude. That makes me feel a lot better...it still sucks to keep waiting though.

Sharptool-

Very well said post. Thanks for the words of reassurance. Its nice to heard this coming from someone who was sitting in our shoes not too long ago!

Thanks!

My philosophy was that I would apply to every program that I thought I would be happy or at least satisfied with for five years while getting enough training. Who cares if you spend an extra $15 applying somewhere, if you've got something to do on those rare days off that you enjoy (boating, museums, bars, hiking, coast, family, whatever) you'll make due and be able to choose where you'd like to live and raise your kids for years to come after that. Granted, I didn't apply certain places (and I applied to 30+) because I felt that I wouldn't fit there (location, location, location, oh yeah, program) even though they have a great reputation. Its different strokes for different folks. If you've got the numbers (230+ and 3.7+) then don't settle for Whatevername, South Dakota for an application/interview. <p>Just my opinion, hope it works out for me and you.
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I like how all the interns are able to tell us to relax now and enjoy fourth year. I know they're right, but it's hard when we've been busting our @#&!! for years and it all comes down to this seemingly random process that just makes us throw it all out there and let the chips fall where they may. I do plan to enjoy my fourth year, mostly after match day, hopefully. Until then though it's hard for us control freaks to deal with all this. I hope the residents who still keep in touch don't take this the wrong way. I completely agree with everything you guys say about the whole application process and I definitely appreciate the advice. I just hope I can look back at all this when I'm a PGY1 and give back some of my own advice which will include to just chill as a fourth year. Thanks for all the help. :smokin: