Specialty-specific review for Ophthalmology (Ophtho) applicants. Matched applicants averaged Step 2 CK 258. We help you meet that bar.
The patterns reviewers flag most often when screening Ophthalmology candidates.
No ophthalmology-specific research or sub-internship
Step 2 CK below 255 (matched US senior mean ~258)
Not obtaining a letter from an ophthalmologist
Applying only to integrated programs and ignoring joint programs
Low AOA status — 27% of matched applicants had AOA elected
Ophtho research with publications or case reports
Sub-internship and direct faculty assessment
AOA membership (27% of matched applicants elected)
Step 2 CK above 250
Strong letter from program director at a ranked program
Three concrete moves we'll work through with you, drawn from current NRMP / Charting Outcomes data.
Apply broadly to both integrated (56 programs) and joint (67 programs) to maximize chances — 123 total programs offered 525 positions in 2025.
Use all 7 signals; 90% of applicants who signaled all 7 programs received at least one interview from a signaled program per SF Match 2025 data.
Aim for a Step 2 CK above 255; matched US allopathic seniors averaged 258 while unmatched averaged 245.
US MD match rate 70.5% · 30 positions
Read more →IRUS MD match rate 82.8% · 52 positions
Read more →NeurosurgUS MD match rate 68.7% · 268 positions
Read more →OrthoUS MD match rate 73.1% · 929 positions
Read more →We'll pair you with a reviewer who's served on Ophthalmology selection committees. Your personal statement, CV, and signal strategy — line-edited against the bar above.
Data sourced from NRMP / AAMC, NRMP / AAMC. Match year 2025.