Chances and Next Steps

[MDRJ]

Hi Dr. Levine,

I'll be applying this year. I've only received "Pass" grades in my main clerkships so far, including surgery and medicine. I have 2 left. My scores are on par with my school average but I've consistently managed to get screwed because of one thing or another whether it be an unexpectedly poor evaluation or something else. For what it's worth, I am well liked by my ortho department (and on my rotations in general). Step 1 lower 240s, top med school, superior extracurriculars, multiple ongoing ortho projects with one non-ortho pub. ortho electives to be done.

Given this, what are my chances of matching into an academic program on level with places like U Washington, U Iowa, Wash U or Columbia? Any insight into what I can expect in the application process altogether? What should I be doing now to boost my chances of matching at a top program?

Also, what about away rotations?

Thanks

[wnlevine]

MDRJ,
First question is what is the scale of grading for your 3rd year clerkships - is it Honors, HP, Pass or just Honors and Pass. Your scores are less concerning if it's the latter but more problematic if the former. Not much you can do to change those grades of course - so your ortho research, USLME score, letters of recommendation, and sub-internships will be critical to help programs be less concerned about your 3rd year clerkship grades.

wnl

[MDRJ]

MDRJ,
First question is what is the scale of grading for your 3rd year clerkships - is it Honors, HP, Pass or just Honors and Pass. Your scores are less concerning if it's the latter but more problematic if the former. Not much you can do to change those grades of course - so your ortho research, USLME score, letters of recommendation, and sub-internships will be critical to help programs be less concerned about your 3rd year clerkship grades.

wnl

Honors, HP, Pass