MS3 - Thoughts and considerations

With your background and track record (high step 1, AOA) having one or two blemishes on your record won't preclude you from possibly getting in. I know reading this forum induces some stress and makes one feel like it's impossible to get into ortho without having a perfect application. I will that agree that things seem to be getting more and more competitive but I just want to reassure you that no matter what happens with your surgery rotation you will most likely be fine. Although I do have a interesting background similar to yours my step 1/2 (low 250s) and grades (mostly HPs including one in surgery, only Hs in ortho rotations) are much lower than yours and I still have received enough interviews to have a decent chance of matching. So just keep working hard, try to do more research, get good letters, and apply broadly, there is so much that can't be controlled in this process and worrying about things doesn't help (I know easier said that done), but if you want this, give it your all and go get it and I'm sure you will be successful

I agree with the Outlier. Speaking from experience, I am in a similar situation currently going on many interviews. If I had to guess, I feel like the step 1 score is the biggest factor in getting an interview. These programs are getting slammed with so many applications, it's the easiest way to filter out applications. Then comes the letters, grades, etc. I doubt one grade would make a huge difference, and you don't even know how you did yet!

With your Step score you should be able to get enough interviews, and once your foot is in the door, don't let them close it on you : )

Thanks guys, for your responses. I hope you both had great success in the match last month and are on your way. I think when I wrote this, I was looking for reassurance and as one of you said, it's easy to think you have to be perfect, but from what I've heard, so much of this is how you interact with the members of each program you rotate/interview at. The application is only part of the battle. Thanks again!