Advice for student interested in Anesthesia

[cgcrz8]

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So my situation is that I am a 5th year out of a 6th year program so I guess equivalent to a 3rd year in a traditional program. My step 1 score was low 208/86. Do you guys think I should take step 2 early so it can go out with the dean's letter? Is it so low that I need to take a year off and do research? For step 1 I had a time constraint was not exactly ready (skipped all of anatomy and neuroanatomy). I know, since I have enough time, I can do way better on step 2. I need advice badly. Thank you guys.

P.S. My plan for Step 2 CK is First Aid, USMLEworld questions, and secrets. Is that good enough, should I add in case files?

 

[Leverage]

So my situation is that I am a 5th year out of a 6th year program so I guess equivalent to a 3rd year in a traditional program. My step 1 score was low 208/86. Do you guys think I should take step 2 early so it can go out with the dean's letter? Is it so low that I need to take a year off and do research? For step 1 I had a time constraint was not exactly ready (skipped all of anatomy and neuroanatomy). I know, since I have enough time, I can do way better on step 2. I need advice badly. Thank you guys.

P.S. My plan for Step 2 CK is First Aid, USMLEworld questions, and secrets. Is that good enough, should I add in case files?

yes to both of your questions. I used the exact same study material and did very well on step 2 with average step 1 prior. Didn't bother with case files. But you should know how you do best by now. Take early
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=496901

 

[discontinuebed]

How are your grades? Stellar grades (e.g. Honors grades in all the major 3rd year courses) might overcome a lower than usual Step 1 score.

Out of curiosity, how important are 3rd year Honors? Is it possible to match into desirable anesthesia programs/locations with all High Passes instead of Honors during 3rd year?

 

[cgcrz8]

Lev, you think I should take a year off? I've had mostly all high passes.

 

[Leverage]

Lev, you think I should take a year off? I've had mostly all high passes.

Sorry for the miis understanding...No I don't think you need to take a year off and do research. Just do well on step 2 early.

 

[lord_jeebus]

How are your shelf exam scores? USMLEWorld plus either Secrets or First Aid is sufficient for people with a good knowledge base. If you scored below 70-75 I would recommend getting Case Files or something similar for that subject.

 

[Gravi69]

Sorry for the miis understanding...No I don't think you need to take a year off and do research. Just do well on step 2 early.

So good Step 2 score + all clinical high passes should provide for a fairly competitive application package?

 

[cgcrz8]

Thanks for all your advice guys, truly appreciate it! Now I just got to figure out couple's matching with a girl one year below me...

 

[pgy13]

Thanks for all your advice guys, truly appreciate it! Now I just got to figure out couple's matching with a girl one year below me...

Apply to programs in big cities with lots of slots, then hope she can follow you a year later.