cutoff to submit step 2?

[Merlin0082]

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Hello,

I keep hearing that if you "do well" on step 1, you should wait until like December to take step 2, so step 2 cannot hurt you in the application process.

Just wondering, what is the cutoff of doing 'well' enough to not take step 2?

Thanks

 

[ophthope]

As an addon to this question - for those of us who are waiting to take Step 2, when is the latest we should take it? Is January okay? February?

 

[Merlin0082]

Pretty sure you have to take it by end of Dec

 

[Merlin0082]

Pretty sure you have to take it by dec

 

[rocketbooster]

Not sure exact cutoff but the best advice I've heard on other forums for other competitive fields is to take it soon after submitting your app. That way your score is not automatically sent to the residencies before you see it. If you like your score, then you can send it. If you don't like your score, don't.

That's what I'm going to be forced to do regardless. My school's 3rd year doesn't end until the end of June. That makes July being the earliest I can get an ophtho elective in for the app. Doing an optho elective for my app is way more important than getting Step 2 in on time. I plan on taking Step 2 at the end of August regardless. That also gives me the choice to send it or not and I'll still have taken it soon after 3rd year before I forget all that crap. Works out well, I think. Going to doublecheck with the school advisor at some point, though.

 

[doctortom]

I would say the cutoff to have your score is early November. Most programs decide on how they rank each batch of interviewees at the end of each interview day. Factors such as Step 2 scores, calls from faculty members etc are thus most useful prior to the interview.