Ophtho track help

[lifeisball]

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MSIII
Step 1 - 241
fairly decent ophtho research
strong extracurriculars-- both ophtho and non-ophtho related
average clerkship grades

I've had a difficult time with my home department assessing my competitiveness. I've heard everything from "you need to do well on step 2 or it won't happen" to "you seem like a good applicant".

My questions for anyone experienced with this match:
1) how do I identify a credible mentor going forward?
2) how many programs need I apply to (i'm based in the midwest)
3) how many away-rotations should I plan?
4) should I take step 2 before applying?
5) finally, the paranoid question we all hate to see (sorry), what are my chances of matching the first time around? If sub-par, do you suggest double applying? (I do like other fields too!, just have no background in them research/extracurricularly), or suggest a research year, or something else?

Thanks for any input, cheers!

 

[motu]

Following off this - what are some ophtho extracurriculars?

 

[lifeisball]

Following off this - what are some ophtho extracurriculars?

Hey!
this involves being involved in programs that work on collecting/redistributing used glasses to underserved members of the community, as well as leading an eye-clinic that serves as an adjunct to the school-sponsored student run health clinic.

 

[.hematoma.]

I share many of the same questions as you do. I've talked to several residents from different institutions, and it seems that some value clerkship grades and others don't care as much (usually top tier programs care). What I've found is that if you have solid research it seems to turn heads. A step 1 score will get you in the door but I think the rest of the stuff will get you in.