205 on Step I. what are my chances?

[medman73]

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Hey, I got a 205 on step I (it was a big surprise). Is it possible to match ortho with this score? I know I have to rock step II. I'm a high-passer generally, and I like to think I'm a nice guy. Any idea what my chances are? What should I do other than nailing step II to boost my chances?

Also, I'm considering ER as a backup... Any idea what my chances would be for that?

I appreciate any responses! Thanks guys.

 

[vicinihil]

To be honest, pretty low for ortho. Now if you apply to every program under the sun and look into community and programs in not the most ideal locations, then you may have a shot. ER is a more realistic possibility but the big shot programs are probably not looking so hot. That being said, you have a shot.

 

[theVster]

To be honest that's a very low score if you want to match Ortho... you could make up for it with research and step 2 and whatever but I wouldn't cross your fingers.

ER is getting more competitive so even with that, good luck.

 

[BigRedBeta]

You do have a shot, but the only way is by going to the bottom of the barrel programs. Undesirable locations, malignant programs, things that are going to scare away most other better qualified applicants. And once you figure out those programs (use the match data on the NRMP website), you need to do away rotations at them if at all possible. SHOW them your desire to be one of them - I'm talking 14-16 hour days, doing Q3 call, whatever it takes. and you better know your **** while you're there. I mean, you'd have most likely have to do multiple aways regardless, because that's just the way ortho is, but the stakes are even higher for you.

So it's possible, but it's going to be a lot of work, and even if you do everything perfect, there's a sizable chance that you'll fail. Some med students aren't okay with that possibility, they've been successful their whole lives and faced with that possibility may just decide to move on to their next top choice.

 

[astrocreep96]

Realistically, I would guess you don't have a chance. The average in 2009 for those that obtained an ortho residency was 238, and the average for those that were unsuccessful was ~220. When 2012 comes around, I wouldn't be surprised to see the average for successful applicants to be in the 240-242 range if past trends continue. I know things can change if you're an outstanding student through rotations, etc., but you are fighting a big deficit.

Edit - maybe I jumped the gun a little bit. Looking at the charting the outcomes 2009 - there were 20+ people that matched with a score in that range. I still think it's a long shot, but clearly it is possible.

 

[Brachyury]

Have you considered PM&R as a back-up? It seems more germane to ortho than EM

 

[cartoondoc]

We love getting people who choose PM&R cuz they couldn't match in ortho 🙂

It's probably possible to match, but it's going to take much more than being a nice guy. Rock your third year rotations, kill Step 2, take ortho electives and impress the hell out of the attendings, and try to get involved in some ortho-related research. And be willing to do residency in the middle of nowhere.

 

[WellWornLad]

57 people were in this situation in 2009. 22 matched in ortho.

Page 166 (page 170 of pdf doc).

http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2009v3.pdf

 

[kdburton]

Honor every 3rd year rotation. Score high on Step 2. Do some research. Do as many aways as humanly possible in the beginning of 4th year.

 

[DocDanny]

I want to do Internal Medicine in NE Ohio. Akron, Canton, Columbus, etc.

Is a 202 going to be a good enough score? According to the date, 373 of 383 people with a score in that range matched IM somewhere. I just want to know if thats still competitive.

 

[futIDdoc]

Interview broadly and you'll match. That score is not competitive, but neither are community IM spots, so you'll be fine as long as you don't tank IM rotations or step 2.

 

[drizzt3117]

I'd probably apply to 50-60 programs in the mi/oh/east in/west pa
area and see how it goes. If you're really a md/phd doesn't that mean you have another 6 years before match?

 

[MirkoCrocop]

I want to do Internal Medicine in NE Ohio. Akron, Canton, Columbus, etc.

Is a 202 going to be a good enough score? According to the date, 373 of 383 people with a score in that range matched IM somewhere. I just want to know if thats still competitive.

you must be out of the loop because IM is one of the least competitive specialties -- a 202 will be good enough for 80% of residencies

 

[GABAnergic]

This document has a wealth of data that should be able to help answer some of your questions. My gut feeling is the same as the posters above me, if you apply broadly, you'll get what you want

Charting Outcomes in the Match 2009

 

[DocDanny]

I'd probably apply to 50-60 programs in the mi/oh/east in/west pa
area and see how it goes. If you're really a md/phd doesn't that mean you have another 6 years before match?

No, just a plain old medical student. I've been meaning to change it, but I don't know how. 😕

 

[Ana1982]

Get a 240+ on Step 2. Quite a few people have achieved it actually. And yeah, don't dismiss some of the "lackluster" programs in ortho if you really want it.

Also...just give it 2 more years 🙂 after you do rotations, your mind usually changes as to what specialty you want to be, trust me on this one 😀

 

[DocDanny]

I want to do Internal Medicine in NE Ohio. Akron, Canton, Columbus, etc.

Is a 202 going to be a good enough score? According to the date, 373 of 383 people with a score in that range matched IM somewhere. I just want to know if thats still competitive.

A few more things about me:
-I have work experience as a pharmacy technician and as a medical technician.
-I have worked on three different research projects since my senior year of college
-My med school scores have been slightly below the class average
-I was involved in several volunteer experiences and was an officer in 2 clubs
- The people at various hospitals in my area knew me well, even before clerkships, due to volunteering, research, lectures and my work experience. All of these have been done locally.

So besides rocking Step 2, what else do I need to do, and how worried should I be? And what if I want a different city?