Did I not do well enough?

[DoubleDown82]

Kind of an advice thread...here is my situation:

got a 227 / 92

was really thinking i would do much better, kind of expecting it, but it didnt work out that way. (keeping a long story short)

I want to do ophtho - I have 2 publications / posters at national conference, so far have no year III grades. I have definite legacy in the field, indirectly linked to a few programs. Thoughts?

I really appreciate the advice, and look forward to reading about other peoples' experiences.

 

[thackl]

Considering the average for Ophtho is something like a 228, I'd say you're screwed

 

[Pike]

Kind of an advice thread...here is my situation:

got a 227 / 92

was really thinking i would do much better, kind of expecting it, but it didnt work out that way. (keeping a long story short)

I want to do ophtho - I have 2 publications / posters at national conference, so far have no year III grades. I have definite legacy in the field, indirectly linked to a few programs. Thoughts?

I really appreciate the advice, and look forward to reading about other peoples' experiences.

For last year's match the average was 230 - thus some below and some above. Those below probably would be helped by stuff like 2 publications and connections - go for it.

 

[Mye Eye]

Considering the average for Ophtho is something like a 228, I'd say you're screwed

i was under the impression the ophtho avg was in the mid to upper 230s? either way, this person is boasting about their publications and stuff b/c they know they will match with that score and just want to hear us say it

so here we go: "with your legacy and publications...u will match somewhere"

 

[DoubleDown82]

I am truly under the impression that my step 1 (227 / 92) is too low for ophtho, I am not trying to boast at all. I have been told that with a step 1 like mine I would need serious backup credentials to be able to match, so I was just laying it out for a better idea...

Either way, I appreciate the advice because I was disappointed with my score and feel like I'm going to have a tough time finding a decent program.

 

[CaptainZero]

either way, this person is boasting about their publications and stuff b/c they know they will match with that score and just want to hear us say it

Way to make a rash judgement about someone/something that you truly have no idea about. Very few well adjusted people would feel a need to boost their ego in the manner you have suggested. And even if the person is looking for a little reassurance, so be it. Is helping/supporting other med students not what SDN is at least partly here for?

 

[thackl]

I am truly under the impression that my step 1 (227 / 92) is too low for ophtho, I am not trying to boast at all. I have been told that with a step 1 like mine I would need serious backup credentials to be able to match, so I was just laying it out for a better idea...

Either way, I appreciate the advice because I was disappointed with my score and feel like I'm going to have a tough time finding a decent program.

Your fine, and I was just kidding in my post. The avg for Ophtho over that past 5yrs has been 228 (not sure the exact # last yr).

 

[(nicedream)]

If you have "definite legacy", pubs, and connections, I wouldn't be surprised if step I didn't matter at all. You still have step II as well.

 

[Doc Ivy]

Sheesh, you would think that posters on this thread would know a little stats i.e. the definition of "average".

I don't claim to know anything specific about matching in optho-- but in any normally distributed population the mean=median=mode, this implies that some scored higher and some lower but most who matched in optho probably scored around 230. Even without your connections and publications it would still make sense to apply with your "average" score. Optho at Mass General? Not so sure but even with a 250 you'd still need a little help from Jesus for that. Go for it!!

 

[BlackNDecker]

but even with a 250 you'd still need a little help from Jesus for that. Go for it!!

Are you trying to say Jesus couldn't get into a decent Optho program? I am sooo offended. He has more publications (in more languages) than anybody in this forum. He even is credited with making a blind man see using only mud. When was the last time a previously blindman ran out your ophthamologist's office crying "I can see!"

 

[Doc Ivy]

Are you trying to say Jesus couldn't get into a decent Optho program? I am sooo offended. He has more publications (in more languages) than anybody in this forum. He even is credited with making a blind man see using only mud. When was the last time a previously blindman ran out your ophthamologist's office crying "I can see!"

Very funny

My point is, getting into a top program is a crapshoot, even with great scores it's not a sure thing. It's a lot easier, but by no means guaranteed

 

[gschl1234]

Your fine, and I was just kidding in my post. The avg for Ophtho over that past 5yrs has been 228 (not sure the exact # last yr).

Thackl,

How do you find out the past avg Step 1 scores for various specialties. Not interested in Ophtho myself but would like to have an idea in general.

thanks.

 

[thackl]

Thackl,

How do you find out the past avg Step 1 scores for various specialties. Not interested in Ophtho myself but would like to have an idea in general.

thanks.

People who match post on here. Apparently, that info is given to them. For my school, it's tracked and we get the info every yr.

 

[bigfrank]

I am truly under the impression that my step 1 (227 / 92) is too low for ophtho, I am not trying to boast at all. I have been told that with a step 1 like mine I would need serious backup credentials to be able to match, so I was just laying it out for a better idea...

Either way, I appreciate the advice because I was disappointed with my score and feel like I'm going to have a tough time finding a decent program.

Absolutely false. The US-MD match rate in Ophtho is now in the mid-to-high 80's (86-88%). Ophtho is not as competitive as it used to be. You'll match; just apply to get 10 interviews.

 

[thackl]

The US-MD match rate in Ophtho is now in the mid-to-high 80's (86-88%).

I was under the impression that it was in the low 90's?

 

[Cowboy DO]

Do they have stats for radiology? I know its less competative than it use to be.