CS Failure and Impact on Obtaining Interviews/Matching in Path?

[Unty]

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I failed Step 2 CS and will be retaking the test in the coming weeks. I was wondering what the impact of a failed CS will have on my chances for obtaining interviews and eventually matching into a program come March of 2008.

I plan on applying via ERAS in early September. I was wondering if the failed CS will impact the MAXIMUM/OPTIMAL number of interviews I can obtain. Since I will be taking the darn thing in the coming weeks, I will not have a passing score until November. Will programs hold off from interviewing me until they see a passing score on CS? I know most applicants dont have CS in, let alone a CK score, but I am in a unfortunate predicament in that I have a "FAIL" listed next to my CS results on my USMLE transcript!!! 😱 Is there anyway I can withold the CS score from programs until I get passing results on my second try. Or will that be included in my transcript along with my Step 1 and 2 CK scores?

Thanks for any comments in advance.

 

[King Arthur]

really have no answer for you (sorry), but can you elaborate on your experience as many of us soon to be paths will soon be taking this sucker. thanks, and sorry about this roadblock.

 

[Napoleon1801]

I was always under the impression that you could withold your step 2 scores on ERAS and review them to see if you wanted to send them out to your places of application. Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong...

 

[deleted113029]

ur fvcked!

have fun in FP.

seriously, chill out and come what may. no point in worrying now.

 

[Fluble]

It's my understanding that the scores are not automatically reported via ERAS unless you select that option. That being said, because you took the exam so early, you may not be able to report your Step 1 score (unavoidable) without your Step 2CS score. I recommend discussing the situation with your dean/advisor.

Most schools offer interviews without your CS score. I took mine Feb of 4th year. I received interviews from programs that specifically said that you need a score before the interview (which I obviously didn't have).

 

[LADoc00]

I have no idea what CS is, but I didnt need it...hmmm

 

[yaah]

I agree with talking to your med school dean/dean of students. I'm sure it happens a lot and they have experience with it. I think people underutilize their med school/academic deans. They are there to help you and they know everything already, so why not talk to them openly and honestly?

You also might want to post a question on this in the ERAS forum (under general residency issues), leaving off the pathology part and just posing a general question. Or I can move this thread there if you like.

 

[DarksideAllstar]

I have no idea what CS is, but I didnt need it...hmmm

CS is part of our Step 2 exam. Beginning in 2005 it became a requirement for licensure for US grads.

 

[Neddy]

Having any "FAIL" on your transcript doesn't help, but you can take some comfort in the fact that CS is probably less important to path than to any other field. If you can demonstrate that you were focused and successful in other areas more relevant to our field, you should be OK. No one really understands how that ridiculous test works anyway. Good luck.