I'm currently an OMSIII graduating in 2019 who is interested in Ortho. I'm kinda confused about the merger and after searching these forms I figured I would just post my situation.
I believe that I am a fairly competitive student. I am in the top 15% of the class, been part of clubs, received scholarships, dean list x2, did research in undergrad but my board scores were 685 and 226 for COMLEX and USMLE, respectively. I know that my COMLEX score is relatively competitive for Ortho but my USMLE is average, at best. My question is, going into the 2019 match, is having a low USMLE score going to hurt me for AOA or post-AOA, now ACGME programs or will my COMLEX score be sufficient? Should I even bother taking Step 2? At this point, I am only focusing on applying to AOA or post-AOA residencies. Obviously I understand the importance of audition rotations, strong letters of rec, etc.
Am I understanding my situation correctly or am I totally off the mark with the merger and everything?
I believe that I am a fairly competitive student. I am in the top 15% of the class, been part of clubs, received scholarships, dean list x2, did research in undergrad but my board scores were 685 and 226 for COMLEX and USMLE, respectively. I know that my COMLEX score is relatively competitive for Ortho but my USMLE is average, at best. My question is, going into the 2019 match, is having a low USMLE score going to hurt me for AOA or post-AOA, now ACGME programs or will my COMLEX score be sufficient? Should I even bother taking Step 2? At this point, I am only focusing on applying to AOA or post-AOA residencies. Obviously I understand the importance of audition rotations, strong letters of rec, etc.
Am I understanding my situation correctly or am I totally off the mark with the merger and everything?