Applying without Step 2 CK score.

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VCorp

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I'm currently applying for the match cycle this year. I'm an US-IMG that doesn't need a visa. I've passed both Step 1 and CS on my first try, but haven't taken CK. I'll be taking it in two weeks. This means I won't receive my score till the end of November. Everything else in my application is good to go with letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.

Just wondering how much of an impact this will make on my application.
 
I'm currently applying for the match cycle this year. I'm an US-IMG that doesn't need a visa. I've passed both Step 1 and CS on my first try, but haven't taken CK. I'll be taking it in two weeks. This means I won't receive my score till the end of November. Everything else in my application is good to go with letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.

Just wondering how much of an impact this will make on my application.
This is one of those questions where it makes a huge difference if you went to school inside or outside the US. If you went to school abroad, regardless of whether you need a visa, you need an ECFMG certificate to become licensed to practice in the US. To become ECFMG verified, you need to pass Step I and both halves of Step II. Most programs will not even look at the application of a foreign grad before that point.

In addition, you're already very late for the this cycle. Applications opened Sept 15, most programs are already probably pretty far in their review cycles, especially in specialties that start interviewing earlier (i.e. all the less competitive specialties that an IMG might want to apply for).

Basically, the only thing that you have to lose by applying this year is money... but understand that your application will be very delayed, and that you very well might not get too many (or any...) interviews. While you apply, make sure to look for alternate jobs to keep you busy next year in case you don't match.
 
I'm currently applying for the match cycle this year. I'm an US-IMG that doesn't need a visa. I've passed both Step 1 and CS on my first try, but haven't taken CK. I'll be taking it in two weeks. This means I won't receive my score till the end of November. Everything else in my application is good to go with letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.

Just wondering how much of an impact this will make on my application.

I agree with the other poster. I was in the same position as you, I submitted my application on sept. 16th , didn't take my step 2 ck until end of september. I am an IMG, I didn't receive my score until mid oct. and i didn't receive any interview until after I got my score back. It will be very difficult to get interviews in your case as some programs are already done sending out all the invites and you can only count on cancellations by the time you get your score back.
 
I am not taking my ck yet and I am an I IMG, my first iv came in mid OCT, the other 2 came recently. I am just very busy. I applied without ck and had the same concern as you before, what I found so far is the same as other posts: big names or some other very good programs will send you an iv without ck, however, it will be a very funny and frustrating at the same time process. Good luck with you!
 
I am not taking my ck yet and I am an I IMG, my first iv came in mid OCT, the other 2 came recently. I am just very busy. I applied without ck and had the same concern as you before, what I found so far is the same as other posts: big names or some other very good programs will send you an iv without ck, however, it will be a very funny and frustrating at the same time process. Good luck with you!

A lot of places will not put someone on a ROL until they have all the passing scores. They may interview you, but will not rank you unless they know you passed all three. They won't take the chance that they match with someone who turns out to not pass the test, and then isn't eligible to start residency and they have wasted a spot.

On another note, the whole I was just too busy to get around to taking the test is just silly to me

You need the score to get a residency.

Med school is about getting a residency, it is the critical thing that all of hard work leads to

What could possible make you "so busy" that you fail to take care of one of the critical steps to achieving that goal.

Don't miss the forest for the trees.
 
Okay, then thank you for your advice!
 
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