Delay Step 2?

[cluckcluck]

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I am currently scheduled to take Step 2 next week, but do not feel like I have had adequate time to prepare. Have already submitted my application, but wanted to squeeze in Step 2 ASAP due to weak Step 1.

Couple thoughts in mind:

-If I take Step 2 now and I do poorly/don't improve on my Step 1 score much, it could possibly hurt my application. However if I do show some improvement, it could open up a couple more interviews.

-If I delay Step 2, it will not show up on my application until later, which could potentially lose me some interview spots. However, I will probably have a much more secure chance of passing the exam and improving on my score.

Which is the better option in this case? Do some schools continue to monitor your application even after the first preliminary review in case of new Step 2 scores?

 

[Bbon]

Have you taken any of the NBME practice exams? If not, you should do one asap to see where you stand. It's unlikely that your actual score will be vastly different with less than a week to go.

If you have taken one or when you do, if your score is close to where you want it, then I would go ahead and take it. I can't really comment on how much benefit you might get this late on an improved step 2. But I'm pretty sure that if you wait any longer, it's unlikely your score would have any bearing on your app one way or the other. If you end up scoring below expectations, then you can just withhold the score.

On the other hand, if your predicted score on the nbme isn't anywhere near what you want, then I don't see any benefit in taking it next week, other than being able to get it out of the way. And even then, obviously don't take it until you're confident you'll at least pass.

 

[ssm7190]

Bone, so our new score will not be automatically transmitted to programs. We can choose not to share with programs if we want?

ERAS:

To retransmit your USMLE transcript when new scores are available -
YOUR ACTION IS REQUIRED

Click on the Retransmit button to have your updated transcript sent to ALL programs that previously received it.

 

[Bbon]

Yeah, that's correct. If you don't want to share your new score, don't click retransmit.

 

[ssm7190]

great..am super excited..atleast can peacefully take step 3 without worrying now

 

[jm192]

Also consider what you're going into.

If you're trying to match Ortho and you're Step 1 wasn't what you wanted--getting step 2 in may help.

If you're trying to match something less competitive, it likely won't matter a ton. Depends on what you're looking to go into and what you're calling a weak score. Some people are disappointed with their 235.

If you're looking at something less competitive, you can go into it thinking pass it and get it over with. And if it winds up helping, you can send it.

 

[cluckcluck]

Also consider what you're going into.

If you're trying to match Ortho and you're Step 1 wasn't what you wanted--getting step 2 in may help.

If you're trying to match something less competitive, it likely won't matter a ton. Depends on what you're looking to go into and what you're calling a weak score. Some people are disappointed with their 235.

If you're looking at something less competitive, you can go into it thinking pass it and get it over with. And if it winds up helping, you can send it.

I am trying to match into something much less competitive than ortho, but the score is <220, so it is definitely a weak score.