Applying without Step 2/Level 2? Please help.

[KarmaIsTruth]

Hi all!

I'm a DO MS-4, and I'm applying to community hospital IM programs in the area (come mid-September). I have a decent COMLEX Level 1 score (594), but I kind of lost a lot of time during third year (had fun, online gaming, got married). Yes - I know it is not a good excuse. I also did the Step 2 UWorld Self Assessment 1 and scored 224. Not too bad - until I found out that the average is in the 240s (https://www.usmle.org/pdfs/transcripts/USMLE_Step_Examination_Score_Interpretation_Guidelines.pdf). FML - lol.

So here's my questions.

1. Should I take Step 2 anyway? (I have it scheduled.) Or should I just postpone it?
   
   
2. Also, I am not very prepared for COMLEX Level 2 either (scheduled late this month). Will applying without a COMLEX Level 2 get me some interviews or will this hurt me more?
   

Overall, I'm honestly thinking of just not taking USMLE Step 2 and taking COMLEX Level 2 like in October or something (perhaps way too late). Thoughts? I appreciate anyone helping me out. Thank you!

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[SeldingerFan78]

I'm not as familiar with COMLEX but I know a lot of community IM programs don't require a STEP 2, so if you have a decent STEP 1, it behooves you to take STEP 2 late and not release your score with your application.

 

[Brorthopedic]

Yeah, don't take it if you're sure you won't beat your first score. It won't help you one bit and for IM they value Level/Step 1 far more than 2.