Step 1 Score

[FatCityDr]

I got a 238/96 on step 1. i high passed every basic science class in the first semester, and honored every basic science class thereafter. (not sure how much weight is placed on 1st and 2nd years of school, and no grades back yet from clerkships). what do you think are my chances of matching ?

thanks -

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

I got a 238/96 on step 1. i high passed every basic science class in the first semester, and honored every basic science class thereafter. (not sure how much weight is placed on 1st and 2nd years of school, and no grades back yet from clerkships). what do you think are my chances of matching ?

thanks -

You're screwed...j/k. Dude, I wish I was in your shoes. Unless you have a malignant personality and/or no interviewing skills, you should fair well in the ophtho match. According to my experience (and SDN!) the following are important:

1) Good Step 1- (230+ to be competitive, average was 229 last year)
2) Good 3rd year grades- (Honors in Medicine and Surgery helps)
3) Shine during your ophtho rotations (Be on time, ask questions when appropriate, show interest, show initiative, etc)
4) Strong LOR's- (Big name helps since ophtho is a relatively small field)
5) Research- (helps, especially for big programs, i.e. Wills, Wilmer, Bascom Palmer. Just be able to articulate well when asked about your research during interviews)
6) AOA- (obviously helps, but only around 20% of those who matched last year were AOA)


I know, I'm just a 2nd year, but being on SDN for a number of years will teach you all the info you ever wanted to know...and some you never cared for. Plus I worked as an ophthalmic tech at a academic ophtho program for 2+ years before starting med school. G'luck.

 

[TeddyKGB]

I got a 238/96 on step 1. i high passed every basic science class in the first semester, and honored every basic science class thereafter. (not sure how much weight is placed on 1st and 2nd years of school, and no grades back yet from clerkships). what do you think are my chances of matching ?

thanks -

Looking good my man. They look at 1st and 2nd year for sure. It all plays a role in your class rank. Keep it going in your 3rd year and you should be set.

 

[FatCityDr]

thanks for your help; i appreciate it! but, i was hoping for some opinions of those on the other side of boards and the match ;-)

You're screwed...j/k. Dude, I wish I was in your shoes. Unless you have a malignant personality and/or no interviewing skills, you should fair well in the ophtho match. According to my experience (and SDN!) the following are important:

1) Good Step 1- (230+ to be competitive, average was 229 last year)
2) Good 3rd year grades- (Honors in Medicine and Surgery helps)
3) Shine during your ophtho rotations (Be on time, ask questions when appropriate, show interest, show initiative, etc)
4) Strong LOR's- (Big name helps since ophtho is a relatively small field)
5) Research- (helps, especially for big programs, i.e. Wills, Wilmer, Bascom Palmer. Just be able to articulate well when asked about your research during interviews)
6) AOA- (obviously helps, but only around 20% of those who matched last year were AOA)


I know, I'm just a 2nd year, but being on SDN for a number of years will teach you all the info you ever wanted to know...and some you never cared for. Plus I worked as an ophthalmic tech at a academic ophtho program for 2+ years before starting med school. G'luck.

 

[rubensan]

dear fat,
you're off to a stong start: your preclinical grades and board scores are something to be proud of. so keep up the good work. a lot of people applying for ophtho will have similar credentials. some of them won't match. work hard in 3rd year and work your butt off on medicine and surgery, get LORs from these rotations and get in good with someone in ophtho at your program. someone who is well known is ideal, but more important, someone who is going to take a genuine interest in your career and future. do some research with this person, work hard, be genuine and sincere and make a good impression so that the letter of rec he/she writes for you makes an impression with those reading it. Good luck and be proud of your accomplishments thus far!

thanks for your help; i appreciate it! but, i was hoping for some opinions of those on the other side of boards and the match ;-)

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

dear fat,
you're off to a stong start: your preclinical grades and board scores are something to be proud of. so keep up the good work. a lot of people applying for ophtho will have similar credentials. some of them won't match. work hard in 3rd year and work your butt off on medicine and surgery, get LORs from these rotations and get in good with someone in ophtho at your program. someone who is well known is ideal, but more important, someone who is going to take a genuine interest in your career and future. do some research with this person, work hard, be genuine and sincere and make a good impression so that the letter of rec he/she writes for you makes an impression with those reading it. Good luck and be proud of your accomplishments thus far!

FatCityDr,

There you go. Almost exactly what I said out of someone else's mouth. Now do you believe me?

Doctorsaib's words of wisdom: "Never under-estimate someone."

 

[Buck Strong]

Apply Broadly...especially if you're applying to all the top 10 programs, I'd apply to just as many second and third tier programs. Good luck future ophthalmologists....

 

[rubensan]

Apply Broadly...especially if you're applying to all the top 10 programs, I'd apply to just as many second and third tier programs. Good luck future ophthalmologists....

EXcellent adivce!