Do I need to take step 2 as a DO?

[Gasman16]

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Hi everyone! I know there are numerous posts similar to this in terms of taking step 1 for anesthesiology but I have not seen many about step 2. I scored a 227 on step 1 and a 580 on comlex 1. I plan on applying broadly and do not desire going to the Stanfords or Yales of the world so I was wondering whether someone with scores similar to mine would need to take step 2? I feel that if I improve my score a bunch, it would not help too much but if I bomb it, then it will hurt tremendously. I just am not sure if not taking step 2 will limit my interview chances or not? Thank you for any advice in advance! If there is a similar three you can pm it to me and I will delete this post.

 

[anbuitachi]

Hi everyone! I know there are numerous posts similar to this in terms of taking step 1 for anesthesiology but I have not seen many about step 2. I scored a 227 on step 1 and a 580 on comlex 1. I plan on applying broadly and do not desire going to the Stanfords or Yales of the world so I was wondering whether someone with scores similar to mine would need to take step 2? I feel that if I improve my score a bunch, it would not help too much but if I bomb it, then it will hurt tremendously. I just am not sure if not taking step 2 will limit my interview chances or not? Thank you for any advice in advance! If there is a similar three you can pm it to me and I will delete this post.

I would take it if I were you. Study hard and do well... Your step 1 is below average and being do is another disadvantage... Do you NEED it? Prob not. There's prob a couple programs out there that doesn't need step 2 but you'd be really limiting yourself

 

[painmd87]

Take it. My step one is slightly below yours, COMLEX is the same as yours. I did almost 40 points better on Step 2, 100+ better on Level 2. I've gotten plenty of invites, and some really good ones, too. On interviews, I have received many comments about how well I did with Step 2.

It's one more test. Just take it.

 

[koan]

I would definitely recommend taking it, and doing better than your step 1 to maximize your options.

 

[floridaboy18]

Yes, it is mandatory for an interview at some programs. I know at least at Wake there are very, very few people who get an interview without step 2. Those that do normally have extenuating circumstances or did an away here.

 

[kazuma]

Yes, just take it at the end of 3rd year and be done with it. It will open up many more doors and everything is on the table, they can compare apples to apples. Get a 1yr UWorld subscription and study it throught 3rd yr. Aim for >230 and you'll have a lot of options.

 

[kzjb333]

I took step 2. I'd recommend it.

 

[DocDO2B]

Take USMLE step 2.....I can say from experience that it will get you many more interviews IF you are able to improve by 10+ points. Like it was mentioned earlier, your step 1 is below average for anesthesia and while this isn't a big deal for an MD student, as a DO this will hold you back from many programs. Do yourself a favor and study super hard for step 2 and knock it out the park.

 

[Gasman16]

Hey guys! Just wanted to send my thanks. I took step 2 and got a 262 and every program I've interviewed at has mentioned that score and congratulated me. So take step 2!!!

 

[Psai]

Hey guys! Just wanted to send my thanks. I took step 2 and got a 262 and every program I've interviewed at has mentioned that score and congratulated me. So take step 2!!!

Hmm very few of my programs have complemented my score

 

[patriot6]

Hmm very few of my programs have complemented my score

same.

 

[jayceee]

Hmm very few of my programs have complemented my score

Was it a 40 point improvement from Step 1?

 

[Psai]

Was it a 40 point improvement from Step 1?

No I think that would be impossible