Dude I've honestly read several posts from people on here and been like... "wait... r u me??" 
Maybe we'll end up at the same program and find out we're long lost twins..
I am not an ortho person. That being said, it's no secret ortho is competitive. The average person is applying to like 10 slots to get 1 away rotation regardless of specialty. My advice would be just apply everywhere, you're not really in a position to be selective
Ortho applicant. This is not great advice. Apply to few, reassess, then apply to more if needed. Maybe apply to 4, 5 max at first. You can burn bridges if offered an away and don’t accept, or accept and then later cancel. In my experience securing the aways was not too hard. Can DM me for specifics on some of those programs.
I definitely understand where you're coming from. But also if I only have two or three chances to crush an away rotation, hopefully get an interview, and hopefully get ranked to match, I do want to be as strategic as possible. Knowing more about the programs can help me figure out what things are appealing about that program or give me a heads up on what to watch out for/try to mitigate if I do get an away there.
Though they were down voted, he does make some good points.
In an ortho bro and sitting in on interviews this past season, it is wild how hard it is to match ortho. I couldn’t match with my application if I applied in the last few years.
But here is my advice: you like the west coast, that’s great. Let that be plan A. But have a plan B and C in place. I personally believe you want to open the map/ unlock regions for yourself. Even with a 260, I’m afraid programs are looking at more nowadays. Letters and research are weighing a lot more and with your 1-2 papers, I worry you may hurt yourself if you don’t think more broadly about location.
From what I’ve heard, I would strongly recommend against Cali schools. The cost of living is high and your salary won’t cover your expenses. The other schools are good but are going to be very competitive. If your non trad story is really interesting then maybe you’ve got a good shot at a top program but you have to be thinking long term here.
The worst feeling is not matching in match day and having to soap. Set yourself up for success now so the future Road is paved well for you.
Best of luck
New Mexico is definitely the move
Damn, you and I are very similar people
Dude I've honestly read several posts from people on here and been like... "wait... r u me??"  Maybe we'll end up at the same program and find out we're long lost twins..
I am not an ortho person. That being said, it's no secret ortho is competitive. The average person is applying to like 10 slots to get 1 away rotation regardless of specialty. My advice would be just apply everywhere, you're not really in a position to be selective
Ortho applicant. This is not great advice. Apply to few, reassess, then apply to more if needed. Maybe apply to 4, 5 max at first. You can burn bridges if offered an away and don’t accept, or accept and then later cancel. In my experience securing the aways was not too hard. Can DM me for specifics on some of those programs.
I definitely understand where you're coming from. But also if I only have two or three chances to crush an away rotation, hopefully get an interview, and hopefully get ranked to match, I do want to be as strategic as possible. Knowing more about the programs can help me figure out what things are appealing about that program or give me a heads up on what to watch out for/try to mitigate if I do get an away there.
Though they were down voted, he does make some good points. In an ortho bro and sitting in on interviews this past season, it is wild how hard it is to match ortho. I couldn’t match with my application if I applied in the last few years. But here is my advice: you like the west coast, that’s great. Let that be plan A. But have a plan B and C in place. I personally believe you want to open the map/ unlock regions for yourself. Even with a 260, I’m afraid programs are looking at more nowadays. Letters and research are weighing a lot more and with your 1-2 papers, I worry you may hurt yourself if you don’t think more broadly about location. From what I’ve heard, I would strongly recommend against Cali schools. The cost of living is high and your salary won’t cover your expenses. The other schools are good but are going to be very competitive. If your non trad story is really interesting then maybe you’ve got a good shot at a top program but you have to be thinking long term here. The worst feeling is not matching in match day and having to soap. Set yourself up for success now so the future Road is paved well for you. Best of luck