So I am a current 3rd year applicant with my heart set on orthopedics, here are my stats:
Medical School: In Puerto Rico, considered an American medical school
Sidenote: Did not plan on coming here, as my Spanish was far from fluent and I did not know anyone on the island before coming here, but life happens and I took a shot and so far it has been a great experience that has broadened my perspective to say the least.
Step 1: 249
Step 2: Will take in summer
Undergrad/Graduate: BA in Philosophy, BS in Molecular Biology, MS from an American Medical School in the Northeast
1st-2nd Year: No honors, many Bs. Classes were taught in Spanish so I was learning that along the way.
3rd Year: Still going, 2 Bs so far
Research: Summer internship in melanoma, presentation at a meeting held at our school, literature review on cancer metastasis to collagenous tissues (may be pertinent to ortho), clinical research with publication potential on glaucoma from where I did my masters, 2 posters from undergraduate with presentations on the effects of antihistamines and various other drugs on bacteria
Extracirriculars: Secretary and VP of Internal Medicine Interest Group (left this year because I became interested in surgery), founder and co-president of a journal club, in a few other clubs
Personal: I would now consider myself fluent in Spanish and I was raised speaking another language, and so far I have had excellent comments from attending physicians in my 3rd year (knock on wood)
4th Year Plan: We have 4 away rotation electives, I plan on doing all of them in Ortho in places that have students from schools similar to mine
I would sincerely appreciate any constructive feedback on my chances so far. Considering Step 1 score alone, the NRMP gives decent odds based on my bracket and I realize that a strong Step 2 is crucial in my application. Other than that, any advice or comment from an admissions committee member would be especially helpful.
