Ophthalmology chances

[whiteguyfromFL]

Hi All,

I just got my step score and am fairly disappointed but wanted to consult the community. I got a 243, go to a top 10 MD program, 7 publications to date (one first author ophtho, 2 other ophtho, the rest outside of the field and an ARVO oral talk), received the RPB Medical student research fellowship for $30k, 4/7 honors in core rotations, and I'm getting my MBA next year at Stern as well. Sort of panicking so talk me down off the ledge please.

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[Cawolf]

A 243 is fine, almost at the matched mean. The rest of your application is more important, and it seems you have good research and grades. As long as your letters are good, I would imagine your chances are quite good. If you are really worried, you can always take some time to study for CK and do really well on it prior to applications. That decision should be made with your PD or mentors who know you well.

 

[Dr. Doctor MD]

Hi All,

I just got my step score and am fairly disappointed but wanted to consult the community. I got a 243, go to a top 10 MD program, 7 publications to date (one first author ophtho, 2 other ophtho, the rest outside of the field and an ARVO oral talk), received the RPB Medical student research fellowship for $30k, 4/7 honors in core rotations, and I'm getting my MBA next year at Stern as well. Sort of panicking so talk me down off the ledge please.

You're completely fine. 243 is only a few points below average for optho and coming from a top 10 school will more than compensate. Not to mention your research is great, not a whole lot of people have 7 actual pubs. Quite frankly you will be one of the more competitive applicants in my personal opinion. I would not panic at all, you are in really good shape!

 

[harrislakers123]

You should match if you network and do an away or two!

 

[CyrusHabs7695]

:troll:

 

[ball123]

This sounds like a troll post but anyways I had a step score few points above yours and 12+ ophtho related pubs and matched at a top ten program. You'll be fine. Just try to pump out a few more pubs MS4 year before application and make sure to get strong ophtho LORs (these are very important).

I know it's a stressful process and ophtho being super competitive does not help but you'll be fine! Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[whiteguyfromFL]

This sounds like a troll post but anyways I had a step score few points above yours and 12+ ophtho related pubs and matched at a top ten program. You'll be fine. Just try to pump out a few more pubs MS4 year before application and make sure to get strong ophtho LORs (these are very important).

I know it's a stressful process and ophtho being super competitive does not help but you'll be fine! Let me know if you have any questions.

Truly not a troll post. I was aiming for a 250 so was pretty upset with the 243. I know its an absurd score to be that disappointed in.. I appreciate yalls advice!

 

[sab3156]

You're going to match without any problem, and perhaps at a pretty good program, as well. I have several friends from top schools who went into Ophthalmology with below average scores. Ophthalmology is a specialty that pays a lot of attention to the reputation of your medical school. Make sure your letters are good and that your home program makes some calls for you if you have that kind of relationship with them.

 

[timeflies]

Top 20 MD school, 245/261, 10 pubs (1 first author ophtho, 5 other ophtho, rest unrelated), 2/7 honors. Didn't get as many interviews as most of my classmates, but matched earlier this year at a top 15 program. Get great LORs and you will do just fine.