As of late I have become fascinated with the match processes. I have to ask, how often does this really happen? From every indicator I can find even individuals with subpar board scores still get a spot someplace. Lets say your heart was set on a moderately difficult specialty such as ER or gas, and that your scores were, across the board, subpar. Now maybe not failing or passing the boards by a point, but just a click below the average, say 200 USMLE, and a C average in your classes. Just by passing all your classes, boards, and with a few away rotations, couldnt you bet on getting a spot someplace? It seems to me that as long as youre not looking for a top tier spot (read derm/rad onc) and you were willing to go anyplace, you could get a spot? According to NRMP, people with 190-200 represent a large chunk of those who got a spot for both gas and ER, while derm, plastics, and rad onc have less than ten a piece with less than a 210. Please advise?