How would programs view an applicant who took Step 2 but not Step 1 (DO applicant), as long as they scored well on Step 2?
Applying with Step 2 without Step 1
- Thread starter aDOdoctor
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2013
- Messages
- 25,469
- Reaction score
- 39,636
it will depend on if you are able to get a license in the state of practice without Step 1, and it will depend on how comfortable they are with accepting COMLEX, all of which will vary program to program
how did you end up taking step 2 an not step 1? Step 1 is arguably the more important of the 2 for residency purposes (IRL Step 2 is more applicable clinically but it hasn't be the great predictor for other tests, and yes, residencies do care think about Step 3 and board pass rates when looking at your app)
I ask, because I wouldn't be surprised if the question came up again
how did you end up taking step 2 an not step 1? Step 1 is arguably the more important of the 2 for residency purposes (IRL Step 2 is more applicable clinically but it hasn't be the great predictor for other tests, and yes, residencies do care think about Step 3 and board pass rates when looking at your app)
I ask, because I wouldn't be surprised if the question came up again
Well, you can't take step 3 unless you have passed step 1 and 2 already.
http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/bulletin/QF_Eligibility.pdf
http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/bulletin/QF_Eligibility.pdf
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2008
- Messages
- 8,827
- Reaction score
- 9,082
The OP is a DO. He will presumably have COMLEX level 1 and 2 before applying, but is just asking about the feeling about taking USMLE step 2 but not 1.
USMLE is not necessary for him for licensing.
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2005
- Messages
- 22,124
- Reaction score
- 19,353
Says the med student.
Any USMLE is better than none for a DO. If your COMLEX is decent, and Step 2 is good (240+), don't bother with any other tests...you're likely to just f*** things up.
I didn't take it yet. I have the opportunity to take it (you don't need to take Step 1 to take Step 2) since I made the regrettable error of not taking it last year (had change of specialty plans), and was hoping if I took Step 2, it would boost my application in some way than straight up COMLEX.
Thanks, that did seem a little absolute as I know of at least one pretty reputable program out there that will consider Step 2 even though Step 1 is missing. I'm assuming you mean a COMLEX >600?
Wondering if @aProgDirector could comment on how you and other PDs feel about this? I realize it's not very common as I've gotten some odd looks from an advisor when I brought up the idea.
D
deleted245139
I did only USMLE 2. More similarities to comlex in content, and did well >250. I was getting married, and it was a lot of coin to drop on a second exam. That said... If you can, I'd recommend you take it. No issue with license. You'll need comlex 1, 2, 3 and PE alone for that. All ohers are gravy.
That's good to hear! You mean only take Step 2, right? I'm assuming you matched ACGME? Did any PDs comment on you only having one exam?
D
deleted245139
Yep, just USMLE 2... No problem. Helped w an Apple's to Apple's comparison of scores. I had a >670 comlex so may have helped. I'm sure not having step 1 filtered me out of places too though. If you can take it. I'd suggest doing it. My field, EM, is a little more DO-aware too. Maybe that helped? Not sure
And yes. Sorry, at an ACGME EM program
And yes. Sorry, at an ACGME EM program
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2006
- Messages
- 10,709
- Reaction score
- 15,521
There isn't "an answer". Some programs will be happy with just COMLEX. All will look at your USMLE if you have it. A good score will help you, a poor score will hurt. Any program that filters requires Step 1 won't review your app at all. So it's a mixed bag.
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2013
- Messages
- 25,469
- Reaction score
- 39,636
Point taken. I'd like to think some step is better than none, but who knows. Sort of an odd sitch.
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2005
- Messages
- 22,124
- Reaction score
- 19,353
No, I recommend not taking Step 1. It wasn't (and still isn't) clear to me that the OP hasn't already taken Step 2.
This is why it would be nice if people would ask the actual question they want an answer to. The question as written sounds like, "I took Step 2, do I also need to take Step 1?", but it can also be interpreted as "should I take Step 2?".
My bad then. I haven't taken it yet. I did take a Step 2 NBME yesterday and did better than expected (260), so I feel I can do ok on it if I did take it.
My main question, though, was how would programs view it if a student had a Step 2 score in hand without Step 1. I realize any Step is better than none, but would programs give a closer look to someone who only had Step 2 (provided they have a decent COMLEX), or would they say it's not good enough, we want the Step 1?
Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile app
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2008
- Messages
- 8,827
- Reaction score
- 9,082
Taking Step 2 and getting a decent score will help you. But no one knows how much, and there's still some programs that will filter you out.
So some places it will help, other places it won't. No real way to give you numbers on the proportion of each because at most each of us has experience with 1-2 places.
Makes sense and I understand that it's an odd question, thanks for the input, everyone. Sounds like the overall consensus is the benefits outweigh the risks and will give a closer look at some places as long as they don't screen with Step 1.
If any budding DO is reading this though, take both exams so you remove some of the nagging doubts of your residency match outcome.
D
deleted245139
I think you're absolutly right, having a USMLE score period will help, supposing it's a good score. That said, if you only have 1 score to bring to the table. USMLE 1 will hold more sway. For step 2, specialty depending of course, there is more score variability, and they tend to run higher. 🙂
