I would schedule it by July of 4th year. I would try and make sure my CE was released before the PE so you can release it without the PE, but I would try to have both scores in before Apps open. Its become the new 'your apps not complete' thing to screen out PE. Plus that test sucks, just get it done.
I'm just entering third year now. I've heard rumblings to take it immediately after my internal medicine rotation? Good idea or no?
I don't think the rotations really matter. What matters is your level of familiarity with the test. I would go through the Kaufman books and videos, and probably the FA Step II CS cases. Not all the advice is relevant (you don't actually have time to complete BP rechecks usually.) But I think those resources do a good job of preparing you. As much as you can be prepared anyway.
Do not take both Step 2 CS and COMLEX Level 2 PE. Waste of money.
Its only unwise in the sense that if you fail it you wont be able to hide it. But 92% pass on the first attempt so I dont know that you should be that worried. I had friends that took it in march of third year and passed. Some even earlier. I was jealous of them, cause its a relief to have it out of the way.
I am going with probably not most places. But some places might. Its becoming a real problem with people not having a pass by rank time. Since it takes so long to come back that adds another layer of trouble. The intern who told me he lost interviews cause of it wasnt a FM guy he was psych.
You are allowed to take it whenever in third year after you pass step 1 / level 1. The only thing is that schools will make sure you don't take it too early or will sometime force you to take it during a certain window.
