4th year schedule

[gschl1234]

I'm an MS3 putting together my 4th year schedule and wanted to get some opinions about step 2. I feel fairly confident that I'll pass step 2 CS and CK but have no idea what I'll get on CK. I've been just slightly above average on shelf exams. I got 230+ on step 1 and was wondering how much it would hurt if I passed but did substantially worse on step 2 CK (like 200s?). My advisor is saying that I should go ahead and take step 2 CS and CK early enough (by December) so that the programs I'm applying to will have a more complete file. I have the feeling that he's assuming I'll get a score in the same ballpark. Does step 2 even matter as long as you pass? Any advice would be much appreciated?

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[DarksideAllstar]

Take CS as early as humanly possible and get it over with. Your Step 1 score probably puts you in the category of not needing to take CK to be competitive for path. I wouldn't take CK before January unless I was 100% certain that I would score higher-- you absolutely don't want to score lower. If you can guarantee yourself 3-4 weeks of uninterrupted study, you might consider taking it early. I did not take CK until the beginning of February and had no problems with programs "wanting a complete app" before ranking me.

 

[deleted113029]

Take CS as early as humanly possible and get it over with. Your Step 1 score probably puts you in the category of not needing to take CK to be competitive for path. I wouldn't take CK before January unless I was 100% certain that I would score higher-- you absolutely don't want to score lower. If you can guarantee yourself 3-4 weeks of uninterrupted study, you might consider taking it early. I did not take CK until the beginning of February and had no problems with programs "wanting a complete app" before ranking me.

word! your CK score will probably be close to your Step 1 score due to your average shelf exams. I would take it to get it over with...i took mine in december which was early enough to send scores well before rank lists were made. i don't think this made any difference as Darkside said as I received correspondence from programs before my scores were released.

CS: take it EARLY as Darkside said! less anxiety if you take it early in your 4th year. Again, i took it in december and boy did it ruin my Xmas season.

anyway, good luck and a 230 step 1 is a great score for path.