Best Time to Take Step 2 if you are trying to improve your Step 1 score?

[tomboy2]

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Hi everyone--I just found out that I got a 205 on Step 1. I want to go into either Peds or IM so I'm hoping that is an ok score for both of these specialties. Would a significant improvement for Step 2 boost my applications for residency? And if so, when would be the best time to take Step 2 so that it is on my application? Thanks!

 

[njbmd]

Hi everyone--I just found out that I got a 205 on Step 1. I want to go into either Peds or IM so I'm hoping that is an ok score for both of these specialties. Would a significant improvement for Step 2 boost my applications for residency? And if so, when would be the best time to take Step 2 so that it is on my application? Thanks!

A strong Step 2 isn't going to hurt your residency application but that 205 won't kill you either. Just make sure that you pass Step 2 comfortably. The best time to take Step 2 for anyone is as soon as you have completed third year (when the material is freshest in your mind especially medicine). If you want your scores to be back in time to make it into ERAS, you should be taking Step 2 no later than the second or third week of August of your fourth year.

Study hard and really know your Internal Medicine well. In most cases, Step 2 scores go up for just about every American grad unless something devastating happens. I am sure that this won't be the case for you. Just be sure to prepare well and put Step I behind you when you walk in to take Step 2.

If your grades are good (especially medicine and peds), there is no reason that you can't get into a great peds or IM residency with your 205.