Damn computer, we'll try this again..What are my chances ?

Sh!!ty Message Board program. We are planning an upgrade in a few months. Probably after the match.

Apparently you can't say c-o-c-k-y without it getting censored lol
And why does it still call me a surgeon, I should be a newbie underneath my name, this is giving me a complex
Rendering Error in layout BBCode/Image: Layout 'BBCode/Image:default' Not Found. Please enable debug mode for more information.

Thanks, I sent you a message or whatever, I don't know how to get on the chat you're speaking of. I don't want to p@#$ anybody off, nor was I trying to be @#$%y, I just thought it was okay to just list your strengths and weaknesses and let you wise sages tell us where we're at. Guess somebody didn't think that was appropriate, my apologies if someone took me as being less than humble, it was far from my intention...

Ortho2be10:

In all seriousness, to answer your questions

1. Where you attend residency has little to nothing to do with your future income potential. That will depend totally on how busy your practice is, your reimbursement, your malpractice rates, etc etc. CPT codes have no spot for residency location
Rendering Error in layout BBCode/Image: Layout 'BBCode/Image:default' Not Found. Please enable debug mode for more information.
.... Some of the most financially successful surgeons I know come from "lower tier" (read: private) programs. In fact, if the truth were known (and I am just speculating) there is probably loose trend toward graduates of "higher tier" (read: academic/research) programs making lower salaries since graduates of these programs (not all certainly) tend to be more likely to pursue academic orthopaedics - which, in general, pays less than the private world.

2. Like the numerous posts such as this one in the past - you WILL match if:
a: you apply to enough places
b: you interview well (i.e. you are not a "tool")

3. The best piece of advice that you can be given is NOT to be @#$%y or assuming, regardless of grades/scores on both aways and interviews because this will get you NOWHERE fast. Be humble and appreciative toward staff/residents/and peers and let your numbers speak for themselves.

Beats the h$%& out of me, I have no idea where people/publications get these "tier" rankings, I'm just telling you guys what I know, or think I know.
As for what kind of candidate I am, I have no idea, and while most people in here seem to be very helpful a few seem to be pretty rude. Which one are you ?
Rendering Error in layout BBCode/Image: Layout 'BBCode/Image:default' Not Found. Please enable debug mode for more information.

What in the H#LL is a "low/middle second tier" school anyway? You guys with your "Tiers"......

you sound like a lower/middle/lower third/second upper/middle tier candidate
:sick:

Oh yeah, fibula freak, loosen up dude.
It was a legitmate question, the only two "ego stroking" things I said were my boards score and my grades (of which I don't have AOA at this time, and am not guaranteed of getting it). My point was to point out my weaknesses, b/c that's what I'm more worried about, like not having any research and no sure letters yet. I'm sorry if you don't like what you got on step one, but keep your own issues to yourself. I really doubt I have the highest step one score on here, and I really don't get any ego stroke from what I got anyway, I busted my ass to do well and probably if alot of people worked as hard as I did they could have scored that too. Everyone else on here can post their info and people will answer there questions without you jumping on them, why do I get your misguided wrath ? Maybe you should either be helpful like most the people on this site or keep your mouth shut. I just wanted to know where I stood, b/c I had no clue (still don't have really) .
Now, anybody know why it says I'm an ortho surgeon next to my name ?? I put med student on my information ???

Thanks for the advice/info, I guess my next question would be what effect the program you choose has on fellowships, and/or earning power once you get out. I really doubt I'll want to go into academic, unless I decide I want to try to be a department chair or something (probably unlikely). I guess what I'd like to know if I had a crystal ball then is are you going to make alot more money if you got to the "number one" program out there (provided you fit in there and could be happy as you said) vs. anywhere else you end up going ?
Not that money is everything, but if you could make 50% more in private practice or whatever by being in a different (ie "better") residency program, that would certainly be worth at least considering wouldn't it ??

To all the current third years who will start posting on this site- this post is an example of what not to do. Upper 260s, research, all honors, hooked up with Rockwood, dated Netter's sister- will I match. Worse, will I match at an upper tier program. Some like to post their stats just to stroke their own ego. Don't be this guy, please.

To all current 3rd years out there:

Take a deep breath and RELAX!!! You all have plenty of time; just enjoy things right now!

As far as you go, you can pretty much write your own ticket. Step I- 260s, Honors, research or not will get you more interviews than you know what to do with. Don't take Step II until after you interview. No one asked about mine, and I took it in July.

Regarding Away rotations: Do as many as you can!!! This one thing alone will set you apart from every other applicant who didn't rotate there and you get a chance to see if you'd really be happy there. Most places will automatically give you an interview if you rotate there and don't screw up. I recommend doing aways in Sept, Oct, Nov and especially Dec. In July and August the programs are dealing with the new interns and won't have much time for you. Plus, just think how many students will come after you if you do one early. The only exception is if you need LORs, then do one early. I did an away in Dec and it was great b/c I was the only student and the last guy to rotate so they easily remembered me for better or for worse when I interviewed.

Advice (Finished interviewing): High-tier programs are great if you want to be a big time academic person. The saying is that you start with a five foot retractor and they take a foot off each year!!! Be sure you know what you want out of a program and in your education: size, # of residents, location, stability, staff, OR and clinic time, fellows, and RESIDENT COMRADERIE. I would say 95% of programs are great and 5% questionable. No matter where you go, you still come out being board eligible. Fellowships are out there to be had and really isn't too much of an issue b/c someone on staff knows someone else and so on. It's a small world. Each program is unique and it really boils down to where you'll fit in the most and what you want out of a program!