CK release advice needed

[troopersmama]

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hi all

got CK results and was not able to match my step 1 scores (250--> 239).
i was wondering if anyone had ideas about when i should release scores. for sure i know that i'll need to release around january (prior to rank season), but if i release in january then most interviews will be completed already.

any thoughts on what i should do? hold off on releasing score, interview, then release prior to rank... or just release to all immediately?

thanks again for advice

 

[JPeds]

I would just release immediately...I know your score went down, but 239 is still a great score, and it certainly beats the mean. The standard error of measurement described in our score report was 7, I believe, so you're not that far off. I think a 250/239 will at least keep you in consideration for most places (I don't know what specialty or what programs you are applying to) and I don't think there would be any harm in releasing your score now.

 

[codeb1ue]

I'm in a somewhat similar situation. Went from 236 --> 233. I know the drop is practically irrelevant statistically but my plan was to release it after I was granted the interviews (late nov-early dec). I just don't want to take any chances of programs not granting me an interview because of not just the small drop but also having a mediocre step 2 score. From what I understand, there is no advantage at all to releasing your score earlier than later if you didn't rock your step 2. If anyone thinks/knows otherwise, let me know.

 

[mcl]

I'm in a somewhat similar situation. Went from 236 --> 233. I know the drop is practically irrelevant statistically but my plan was to release it after I was granted the interviews (late nov-early dec). I just don't want to take any chances of programs not granting me an interview because of not just the small drop but also having a mediocre step 2 score. From what I understand, there is no advantage at all to releasing your score earlier than later if you didn't rock your step 2. If anyone thinks/knows otherwise, let me know.

I certainly can't speak for everyone who reviews applications, but if I see that someone has taken the exam and I've received results from other applicants who took the exam around the same time--I expect that the nonrelease of score means something bad. Certainly something worse than a 3-point drop differential. I'd release the score to decrease the aura of uncertainty.

If you didn't include your intended Step 2 date in your CAF, disregard the above.

 

[WhoisJohnGalt]

From what I understand, there is no advantage at all to releasing your score earlier than later if you didn't rock your step 2. If anyone thinks/knows otherwise, let me know.

I think that with your score you're probably right. However, with a lower step 1 score, particularly 200ish and below, I think it's a good idea to go ahead and release step 2 as soon as you can as long as it's a passing score because at least then PD's won't worry about whether or not you're going to pass step 2. For most applicants though you're right.

 

[Ariee]

hi all

got CK results and was not able to match my step 1 scores (250--> 239).
i was wondering if anyone had ideas about when i should release scores. for sure i know that i'll need to release around january (prior to rank season), but if i release in january then most interviews will be completed already.

any thoughts on what i should do? hold off on releasing score, interview, then release prior to rank... or just release to all immediately?

thanks again for advice

Hmmm...I think this is a tough one, but can't really fully answer your question, until we consider what specialty you're applying for. If its a competetive specialty like Ortho or Derm...maybe not a good idea.
If it's a more flexible specialty IM, FM, Peds, I don't think it'll be a deal breaker at all. But then again it depends where you want to match, like JohnHopkins, maybe you'll want to wait...
In short I think your scores are both awesome and you did better on the more difficult Step/board exam.
Look at the NRMP for the average board scores for that specialty, if you're above it, I'd def release them. But also be prepared to answer why did your scores drop? Maybe someone will ask that, I'm not sure...just looking ahead for ya.
G'luck!!!