Competitive for OMS?

[tallnlanky]

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Current D3 - looking for some advice for how to bolster my future application for OMFS.

Took the CBSE in July and scored a 226 (80). Currently, I am top 5 in my state school class (size of 106), have done 1 externship at my home program, and am also involved in a few research projects (not first author but should lead to publication and possible poster). Also some fluff for ECs, etc.

My main question is, with one year left before applying, is there anything else I can do to really stand out as an applicant?

I feel like my CBSE score is only a little better than average for some of the 6 year programs I am interested in - so would retaking the test be worth it?

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[Jaa_]

Only top 5?! Definitely a retake bro

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Only top 5?! Definitely a retake bro

For reals, I wanted to ask if they're even trying.

Big Hoss

 

[BYU4you]

If you had a specific OMFS program that you are shooting for and you know they usually take higher than 80 then you could retake the CBSE, otherwise you look pretty good for a majority of programs.

I'd do some more externships if you could, I know it's hard with COVID but they are pretty helpful for not just your application but even for residency itself.

 

[Eli Manning]

top 5 in your class and an 80 on the cbse?! you need to try harder! you sound very lazy!

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

top 5 in your class and an 80 on the cbse?! you need to try harder! you sound very lazy!

I bet they don't even lift.

Big Hoss

 

[Eli Manning]

I bet they don't even lift.

Big Hoss

wouldn't surprise me one bit!

 

[nade0016]

I have concerns. Is this person asking a real question or just posting to boast about themselves?

If it is true question then I would say this: Have you spoken to your SoD OMS Chairman and PD? If not, they would have the best insight into how to bolster your application. And if you have not, why not? Otherwise, leadership and management skills.

Hmmmm.......

 

[tallnlanky]

I have concerns. Is this person asking a real question or just posting to boast about themselves?

If it is true question then I would say this: Have you spoken to your SoD OMS Chairman and PD? If not, they would have the best insight into how to bolster your application. And if you have not, why not? Otherwise, leadership and management skills.

Hmmmm.......

I understand your concern- but I am genuinely asking. Its hard to talk to my PDs when they don’t respond to my emails. But also in my situation, D4 students in my school aren’t interested in OMS (as far as I’m aware) so I don’t know who to even approach. I asked a few of the non cat and 1st year residents at my externship about my score and they had mixed reviews, which still left me wondering what more I could do to stand out or if a higher cbse was the answer (one PGY1 even went so far as to say that only cbse is the deciding factor so...)

looking back at my post I know that it could come off as bragging but it’s really not my intention I’m just trying to get some help from my fellow tooth docs. Speaking of which ty for the advice - I think I’ll also go meet my PD in his office in person

 

[tallnlanky]

I bet they don't even lift.

Big Hoss

had to pick this username for a reason rip

 

[tallnlanky]

If you had a specific OMFS program that you are shooting for and you know they usually take higher than 80 then you could retake the CBSE, otherwise you look pretty good for a majority of programs.

I'd do some more externships if you could, I know it's hard with COVID but they are pretty helpful for not just your application but even for residency itself.

Is there a resource/website that has the average scores for programs or is it just on their websites? I know our medical school counterparts have a website that shows average scores and %chance of matching to residencies but I’m not aware if oms does.

Also I haven’t really begun doing a deep dive into programs I’m specifically interested in- was hoping to get a working list in the coming weeks

 

[ncide]

Just pick up some interesting hobbies to talk about in your interviews. You have every other base covered...

 

[doktorinprogres]

Only thing I have to add is to do more externships not just b/c that's required but also to feel out the kind of program or culture that you're looking for. You're sitting pretty.

 

[bergus95]

now being in residency, I can’t understand how a simple 2 digit numerical score is such a big metric for 4 year OMFS programs. Residency is nothing like an exam you can take 5 times and build up to a solid score

 

[tallnlanky]

now being in residency, I can’t understand how a simple 2 digit numerical score is such a big metric for 4 year OMFS programs. Residency is nothing like an exam you can take 5 times and build up to a solid score

Ya i feel ya - but rn I feel like this score controls my entire application lol

 

[bergus95]

Ya i feel ya - but rn I feel like this score controls my entire application lol

Keep at it! It’ll all be okay!

 

[tallnlanky]

Follow up because I saw a similar comment in the Feb CBSE thread:

I talked to the PD and chair at my program. The PD told me my score (226) was good and said 75+ (~212+) was a benchmark he tells all applicants to aim for. However, after making this thread, I started to talk to the chair at my program more because of research projects I am involved with and he mentioned that my score used to be very good but is now more average. He didn't flat out say for me to do a retake but said it wouldn't hurt (besides the psychological trauma of studying for the CBSE again of course). However, he has told me that at our program in particular the cut-off will probably increase for interviews to a 220 (up from a 210). Probably just speculation and definitely school-specific but who knows - we did just take 2 Ivy league students, one of whom got a 258 so :/

Still contemplating a July retake but we'll see

 

[SilkyJ]

I understand your concern- but I am genuinely asking. Its hard to talk to my PDs when they don’t respond to my emails. But also in my situation, D4 students in my school aren’t interested in OMS (as far as I’m aware) so I don’t know who to even approach. I asked a few of the non cat and 1st year residents at my externship about my score and they had mixed reviews, which still left me wondering what more I could do to stand out or if a higher cbse was the answer (one PGY1 even went so far as to say that only cbse is the deciding factor so...)

looking back at my post I know that it could come off as bragging but it’s really not my intention I’m just trying to get some help from my fellow tooth docs. Speaking of which ty for the advice - I think I’ll also go meet my PD in his office in person

If people gave you “mixed reviews” about an 80, they need to chill out. An 80 is a great score and will not restrict your ability to get interviews practically anywhere. I think most people would agree that once you make the cut for interviews, no one cares that much about your scores. Realistically, 95% of the applicants on interview day look absolutely identical on paper.

 

[Xtract]

If you’re relying on cbse score to carry you through the interview cycle, you’re going to have a rough experience. Better start practicing those interview skills, because an 80 isn’t going to prevent you from matching.

 

[Jaa_]

You could be spending this time doing externships, research, outreach, etc... I feel like this is not the best use of your time. If you look at the thread for 2022 OMFS matched applicants, you'll see that scores range a lot and you definitely don't need higher than what you have to get a good amount of interviews and match.

 

[surfline]

Follow up because I saw a similar comment in the Feb CBSE thread:

I talked to the PD and chair at my program. The PD told me my score (226) was good and said 75+ (~212+) was a benchmark he tells all applicants to aim for. However, after making this thread, I started to talk to the chair at my program more because of research projects I am involved with and he mentioned that my score used to be very good but is now more average. He didn't flat out say for me to do a retake but said it wouldn't hurt (besides the psychological trauma of studying for the CBSE again of course). However, he has told me that at our program in particular the cut-off will probably increase for interviews to a 220 (up from a 210). Probably just speculation and definitely school-specific but who knows - we did just take 2 Ivy league students, one of whom got a 258 so :/

Still contemplating a July retake but we'll see

Jesus! I wonder what program this is. I’ve only heard of scores that high for the NYU MD-combined program.

 

[D1Bound]

now being in residency, I can’t understand how a simple 2 digit numerical score is such a big metric for 4 year OMFS programs. Residency is nothing like an exam you can take 5 times and build up to a solid score

How do programs gauge if a student can actually perform labor? It's one thing to destroy an exam. It's another thing to have the desire and ability to labor all day like OS residents do. I get the vibe that the tiktok generation haven't had many real jobs lol

 

[702]

now being in residency, I can’t understand how a simple 2 digit numerical score is such a big metric for 4 year OMFS programs. Residency is nothing like an exam you can take 5 times and build up to a solid score

I have thought about it as well, and I agree with your general sentiment. I however, have 2 potential reasons for its high importance for program directors:
1. It’s an “equalizer” nationwide given that GPA and class rank are class and school dependent.
2. It’s a relatively weak predictor, but a predictor nonetheless, of ability to pass OMFS written boards. At the end of the day program directors want to boast having a program wherein their residents have a 100% board pass rate at the time of graduation or immediately following graduation.

 

[Life of Pablo]

Follow up because I saw a similar comment in the Feb CBSE thread:

I talked to the PD and chair at my program. The PD told me my score (226) was good and said 75+ (~212+) was a benchmark he tells all applicants to aim for. However, after making this thread, I started to talk to the chair at my program more because of research projects I am involved with and he mentioned that my score used to be very good but is now more average. He didn't flat out say for me to do a retake but said it wouldn't hurt (besides the psychological trauma of studying for the CBSE again of course). However, he has told me that at our program in particular the cut-off will probably increase for interviews to a 220 (up from a 210). Probably just speculation and definitely school-specific but who knows - we did just take 2 Ivy league students, one of whom got a 258 so :/

Still contemplating a July retake but we'll see

Diminishing returns at this point imo. Do some research, publish it, get involved with your OS department so you get stellar LORs and you’ll be more than good. Those things would more likely land you a spot at a program over going from an 80 on the cbse to an 85.

 

[veisalgia]

I have thought about it as well, and I agree with your general sentiment. I however, have 2 potential reasons for its high importance for program directors:
1. It’s an “equalizer” nationwide given that GPA and class rank are class and school dependent.
2. It’s a relatively weak predictor, but a predictor nonetheless, of ability to pass OMFS written boards. At the end of the day program directors want to boast having a program wherein their residents have a 100% board pass rate at the time of graduation or immediately following graduation.

I think another big reason is that everyone knows the CBSE is important. So, if you do poorly it shows you didn’t put in the work to do well on a very large factor in matching into OMFS. If you can’t buckle down and do well on a standardized exam, why would a PD believe you will go the extra mile as a resident?

 

[HockeyDocOMFS]

Do not retake with this score. First, the scoring system is changing (% correct or something as opposed to numerical score), so it won't even really be comparable. I think if you retake after a 220+, it is pointless (unless your classmates around you are all scoring 230+ and theres multiple of you).

 

[tallnlanky]

Do not retake with this score. First, the scoring system is changing (% correct or something as opposed to numerical score), so it won't even really be comparable. I think if you retake after a 220+, it is pointless (unless your classmates around you are all scoring 230+ and theres multiple of you).

When does the scoring system change? And I'm not sure what my classmates are scoring, maybe similar to me, but I was just concerned based on what my chair told me about our program's matching scores for this year. I'm not 100% deadset on this program in particular but just curious if other programs are having similar trends.

 

[D1Bound]

Do not retake with this score. First, the scoring system is changing (% correct or something as opposed to numerical score), so it won't even really be comparable. I think if you retake after a 220+, it is pointless (unless your classmates around you are all scoring 230+ and theres multiple of you).

Will the scoring change for me if I have a test score from last July?

 

[RoquanSmith03]

I don't think its competitive enough. retake and transfer dental school

 

[nade0016]

How do programs gauge if a student can actually perform labor? It's one thing to destroy an exam. It's another thing to have the desire and ability to labor all day like OS residents do. I get the vibe that the tiktok generation haven't had many real jobs lol

Internships and leadership outside of a SoD. And I would say studying for a exam like the CBSE is pretty labor intensive.

 

[nade0016]

When does the scoring system change? And I'm not sure what my classmates are scoring, maybe similar to me, but I was just concerned based on what my chair told me about our program's matching scores for this year. I'm not 100% deadset on this program in particular but just curious if other programs are having similar trends.

Listen, thats a great score, you have a nice class rank and GPA. How about leadership skills/experiences? externships? research involvement? and intangibles? Letters of Recc. from OMS will be crucial (no non-oms please, PLEASE!). You nail those down items and you can probably name your interviews. After that its about the interaction during the interview.

If your program is setting a bar of 220 that will eliminate some great candidates at 215 who probably are absolute rockstars. How blind.

This is from a PD and Chairman.

 

[tallnlanky]

Listen, thats a great score, you have a nice class rank and GPA. How about leadership skills/experiences? externships? research involvement? and intangibles? Letters of Recc. from OMS will be crucial (no non-oms please, PLEASE!). You nail those down items and you can probably name your interviews. After that its about the interaction during the interview.

If your program is setting a bar of 220 that will eliminate some great candidates at 215 who probably are absolute rockstars. How blind.

This is from a PD and Chairman.

I am pretty heavily involved with research with the Chair and PD, gonna have 5-6 externships by the start of D4, and a few leadership positions (OMS club prez, student council). Thanks for the pointers!

I feel like my initial concern was stemming from not having other D4 mentors at my program to talk me through this process. Seeing the responses on here (especially the sarcastic ones) is making me realize how this test is really just one of many feathers in your cap as an applicant.

 

[D1Bound]

I am pretty heavily involved with research with the Chair and PD, gonna have 5-6 externships by the start of D4, and a few leadership positions (OMS club prez, student council). Thanks for the pointers!

I feel like my initial concern was stemming from not having other D4 mentors at my program to talk me through this process. Seeing the responses on here (especially the sarcastic ones) is making me realize how this test is really just one of many feathers in your cap as an applicant.

I'm not an OMS or a resident but it sounds to me like you have everything you need. Don't stress at all! I would be confident in what you have and be confident in your ability. It is not a question of IF but WHERE you will train. Have a little skip in your step. Go to your interviews and look everyone in the eye as you will be there equal one day.