apply with or without step 2 scores?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

greeneclipse

New Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2005
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
I did fairly well on Step 1 (245/99)... I have yet to take step 2 though.

I want to apply asap on 9/1, but I'm not sure if I should take the test early enough (july/august) to submit scores along with my application.

I would rather take it later so that I could study more.

Would it matter either way?

thanks
 
I did fairly well on Step 1 (245/99)... I have yet to take step 2 though.

I want to apply asap on 9/1, but I'm not sure if I should take the test early enough (july/august) to submit scores along with my application.

I would rather take it later so that I could study more.

Would it matter either way?

thanks

without. you have a good thing going for you, don't f-it up!
 
You are blessed. Apply without Step 2. I did it and got the residency I wanted.

My Step 2 score ended up being 2 points better than Step 1, but that would not have helped me. If you do well on Step 1, they assume you will perform well in the future.
 
I did fairly well on Step 1 (245/99)... I have yet to take step 2 though.

I want to apply asap on 9/1, but I'm not sure if I should take the test early enough (july/august) to submit scores along with my application.I would rather take it later so that I could study more.Would it matter either way?
thanks
I have heard rumors that a few programs won't schedule a student for an interview without a Step 2 score, but I don't think that is the usual practice. But some programs won't rank you without Step 2. Many hospitals have a requirement that the residents must pass Step 2 before they can begin work there. So if you take Step 2 early enough that your programs of interest can have that score prior to rank day, you should be OK in almost all situations.
 
I did fairly well on Step 1 (245/99)... I have yet to take step 2 though.

I want to apply asap on 9/1, but I'm not sure if I should take the test early enough (july/august) to submit scores along with my application.

I would rather take it later so that I could study more.

Would it matter either way?

thanks

It varies from school to school
UT San Antonio won't interview unless you have passed step 2
UT Galveston won't rank unless you have passed

Best bet is to figure out your top 5 choices & research those schools individually....also plan to have the results back by early February since programs start making their lists around then.

Good Luck.
 
The deans at my school keep telling us (M1s) that the rules are a'changin' and that everyone will be required to take Step 2 early in the fourth year, and both scores will be required for most schools for interviews by the time our match year (2012-2013) rolls around. Can anybody confirm this?
 
our dean also keeps telling us that more and more programs are wanting to see step 2 scores. we are highly encouraged to take it early even if you did just fine on step 1
 
I have a similar story/problem. I met with my advisor recently who told me that i should take step 2 ck as soon as possible i.e. before sept 1 so the scores show up on my application next year.

my step 1 score is >260, i have honors everything thus far in 3rd year, there are no red flags in my history

this advice is contrary to just about everything i though i understood about the application process for someone in my position, is this some new trend where programs only interview those with step2 scores already? I am planning on going into Radiology.

Its not that im worried about screwing up step 2 its just taking later will decrease stress and any chance of harm is minimized.

Is this some ploy by program directors that just helps them out while possibly harming students chances. Looks at the chartingoutcomes pdf is seem close to half of all radiology applicants did not report a step 2 score which i believe means that they haven't taken it by the time applications go out.
 
The deans at my school keep telling us (M1s) that the rules are a'changin' and that everyone will be required to take Step 2 early in the fourth year, and both scores will be required for most schools for interviews by the time our match year (2012-2013) rolls around. Can anybody confirm this?

lol, too funny... i had the same exact question... it seems like we M1's hear this crap every other week at my school... i have a feeling it's BS, but you never know. Some professor even mentioned that our school has (or will have) the option to not let us graduate if we don't have step 2 done by their "deadline"...

I don't even know what step 1 is yet, let alone worry about some test that's 3 or so years from now. We have enough on our plates as it is...
 
...I would rather take it later so that I could study more...
Most students at my school take Step 2 within several months after the end of their required clerkships and they tend to do well; not sure if that is related to the timing relative to the end of the clerkships. Waiting to allow more time to study may have some advantages for some students, but you are also distancing yourself from the clerkship experience. If you have done well on the subject exams and are "a good test-taker", I would roll the dice and take Step 2 early enough for it to be a factor in the selection process.
 
does this include taking both CK and CS?

If I were to wait...what would be the best time to take it?
 
.
 
Last edited:
Top