4th year advice

[Cauchy]

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[Cawolf]

I can't really comment on away scheduling because I didn't do any, but just a couple thoughts after reading your plan.
-Your Step is fine, so consider if you will do really well on CK before taking it so early. Most people pushed it off so it would not be on their app in case they got another score in the 240s. If you get 260+ easily, then by all means take it so early.
-I found that having a non-ophtho letter didn't help at all - it was never mentioned. If I could do it again I would have had 3 ophtho letters. It sounds like your home PI will be a good one, followed by your home ophtho letter, and probably another one from an away ophthalmology rotation with hopefully a well-known person.
-People apply to so many programs every year that your thought of targeting sort of goes out the window. If you applied to all the midwest, mountains, and south, you would still probably add a few more.

Best of luck. Feel free to PM if you have any questions (matched this year).

 

[realba11]

If you take Step 2 CK in August and the score comes out after the CAS deadline, you should be able to control whether you update your app with your score correct?

 

[Cawolf]

If you take Step 2 CK in August and the score comes out after the CAS deadline, you should be able to control whether you update your app with your score correct?

Yah or even later, like in Fall is what I saw more often.

 

[Cauchy]

@Cawolf thanks for the input. PM sent. Any other input from recent graduates or residents is appreciated!

 

[Newyawk]

Your application is great. I would work on ensuring your letter writers know you well and trying to leave the best impression on your home and away rotations. Your med school is mid-tier but obviously has a top ophthalmology program. Try to make as many connections as possible. Ask different attendings to shadow, see who you click with, show them that youre fun to be around, are easy to work with, and work hard. Ask if they have any case reports etc you can work on.

In terms of having a 3rd letter from a non-ophtho: i had 2 ophtho as well and the 3rd letter never got brought up. If you can find someone who seems to really like you and is willing to write you a strong letter you are probably better off with an ophtho letter.

 

[Cauchy]

Thank you all for the advice so far. Something else I have been considering is whether or not to do an early surgery sub-I to make up for my passing grade in the surgery clerkship. Is this considered necessary, or would I be ok doing the sub-i after submitting my application and focusing on ophthalmology rotations?

 

[Cawolf]

If this isn't something required by your school, I would be hesitant to commit your limited time for ophthalmology rotations to such a time-intensive month. I personally elected to do a required medicine sub-internship after submitting my ophthalmology application.