Average Step I with poor Step 2: can I hide my scores?

[devildoc2]

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Hello, I am applying to mid-range and noncompetitive peds programs.

Step I = 221
Step 2 = 192

Obviously with this huge drop off in scores, I need to hide my Step 2 as long as possible. My Step 2 has NOT been transmitted to the schools, but on the ERAS application I noted that I was taking Step 2 in December.

I got a bunch of interviews, and NONE of them asked about my Step 2. I looked at all their websites and NONE of them said anything about requiring Step 2 before match.

Questions:

1) Since my ERAS says that I was planning to take Step 2 in December (this comes from my original ERAS application, not the USMLE transcript) then does that mean that I HAVE to release my scores?

2) Since none of the programs asked about Step 2 during my interviews, and none of the websites said anything about requiring Step 2 before the match, can I just hide my scores from them until after match day?

3) If I release my scores after Match Day, can the program I ranked to decline my acceptance based on that low step 2?

4) What % of applicants for peds do not have Step 2 scores submitted before the match? 10%? 50%?

5) Do you think its likely that when the school submits their ROL that they wont rank me because I didnt release my Step 2 (even though they never said anything about that durin the interview or on their website)?

 

[bks524]

Hello, I am applying to mid-range and noncompetitive peds programs.

Step I = 221
Step 2 = 192

Obviously with this huge drop off in scores, I need to hide my Step 2 as long as possible. My Step 2 has NOT been transmitted to the schools, but on the ERAS application I noted that I was taking Step 2 in December.

I got a bunch of interviews, and NONE of them asked about my Step 2. I looked at all their websites and NONE of them said anything about requiring Step 2 before match.

Questions:

1) Since my ERAS says that I was planning to take Step 2 in December (this comes from my original ERAS application, not the USMLE transcript) then does that mean that I HAVE to release my scores?

2) Since none of the programs asked about Step 2 during my interviews, and none of the websites said anything about requiring Step 2 before the match, can I just hide my scores from them until after match day?

3) If I release my scores after Match Day, can the program I ranked to decline my acceptance based on that low step 2?

4) What % of applicants for peds do not have Step 2 scores submitted before the match? 10%? 50%?

5) Do you think its likely that when the school submits their ROL that they wont rank me because I didnt release my Step 2 (even though they never said anything about that durin the interview or on their website)?

I cannot answer the ERAS questions, but I can address how my program looked at applicants while I was on the selection team. First, your scores are fine. Most mid-level programs (as where I went) are mostly looking for red flags. If you comfortably pass then you are fine. I would say that you did well on Step 1 (congrats) and step 2 you did fine. Neither would make my program think that you are a bad candidate. Having said that, we always wanted to see that you had taken step 2, but I don't remember if we wanted the scores unless we were concerned about your step 1 score (ie you barely passed or failed). This would be program dependent though.
Finally, once matched, I don't think they can turn you away. Nor would they turn you away. You are a very qualified applicant.

Don't worry. You will do fine.