optho for "average" to "below average" student?

[SDNer]

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Hi,

I'm currently going to a top 20 school and I'd say based on first year performance, I'm probably at bottom 25% of the class. 🙁 besides trying to turn things around academically including doing well on the boards, is there anything i could do to increase my chances of matching in optho? I'm doing research...but not optho related. are there particular programs that are "easier" to match into? i.e. the CMS/Finch or NYMC for pre-meds but for prospective optho students. thanks.

 

[jonnyboy]

don't sweat it if you haven't done stellar 1st year. i had the same concerns as you do. in my opinion, i don't think 1st and 2nd year really matter at all (sure you may not be AOA, but most aren't), as long as you don't have anything that is blatantly negative (F's on your transcript). this is only my opinion, but i think the most important things are listed below (the order of importance seems to be different for each program, but i think it is generally in order of importance):

*board scores (necessary for inital consideration--shoot for at least a 230 (obviously can match with lower--most do), 240+ will open a ton of doors, 250+ you're lovin' life, 260+ you must have cheated!! 🙂 )
*med school you're coming from (especially top 10)
*research--especially ophtho pubs (especially important for matching at 'top' programs)
*letters of recommendation (both content, but even more so, who from-big ophtho name)
*3rd year grades (surge, medicine most important?)

others that i think can definitely help:
*additional degrees (especially PhD)
*the strength of your school's ophtho department
*away rotation at top choice
*random things that make you interesting and unique

MOST important point: the whole process has a huge random component to it. shoot high, shoot low, cover your bases, hope for the best, expect the worse, and be happy if you match, no matter where it is--you're going to be an ophthalmologist!

just an opinion, i'm sure others have different perspectives