Do I have to have my Step 2 scores back to get an interview now?

[J ROD]

I am off cycle as a 3rd year and will not get to take Step 2 CS until the beginning of Sept and Step 2 CK until late October. Therefore, I should get my CS around the first of Nov and CK around middle of Dec.

I know that programs are stressing Step 2 more and I am curious as how this may affect my interviewing. I am pretty much an average applicant numbers wise. Have passed everything first try and US MD. Just not sure if they will want my Step 2 scores before granting me an interview or is just having taken them is enough.

Everyone I asked at my school had their scores back already and could not advise me. So, that is why I am asking here.

I was hoping to do a little better on Step 2 CK and wanted a few more weeks to study why I am waiting on late Oct instead of early.

I would appreciate any insight anyone may have that has currently dealt with this. Thanks.

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[slappy]

If the step 1 numbers are weak, I would absolutely try to get the step 2 scores in by the time by the time you apply to maximize your chances (even though most mid-tier programs would grant you interviews regardless). Is your schedule too tight in the next six months that you can't start reading now and be ready for the exam mid-August?

 

[J ROD]

If the step 1 numbers are weak, I would absolutely try to get the step 2 scores in by the time by the time you apply to maximize your chances (even though most mid-tier programs would grant you interviews regardless). Is your schedule too tight in the next six months that you can't start reading now and be ready for the exam mid-August?

yeah. September would be my first real time to study. They are not weak per se. Just average.

 

[st2205]

What kind of places are you looking at? We have interviewed numerous people who only have step 1 but having it passed is always a plus.

 

[J ROD]

Southeast. Not Emory, Duke. More average programs.

 

[st2205]

I think you should be ok.

 

[J ROD]

Hope so.

 

[MacDonaldTriad]

Back in the day, everyone took their steps at the same time as everyone else. It was less flexible, but much more fair and straight forward. Simpler times I guess.

 

[TexasPhysician]

Being "off-cycle" is more of a red flag. I took my step 2's around the same time you did. No one cared including Duke and Emory. I did not apply NE or Cali or to any VERY competitive place though. I'm a little older, but I haven't seen much change in the step 2 arena except at the more competitive places.

 

[J ROD]

It is for medical reasons. I have passed everything first time. Thanks for the info.

 

[Baller MD]

Being "off-cycle" is more of a red flag. I took my step 2's around the same time you did. No one cared including Duke and Emory. I did not apply NE or Cali or to any VERY competitive place though. I'm a little older, but I haven't seen much change in the step 2 arena except at the more competitive places.

What is off-cycle?

 

[J ROD]

Doing a 3rd yr rotation in 4th yr.