Originally posted by cali
I am a rising 4th year planning to go into anesthesiology...I am very happy with my Step 1 score and do not want to take the chance of not doing as well on Step 2...I am wondering if it is possible for me to take step 2 late in July but not have my score made available to the programs I apply to.
Alright, this is my 2 cents.
First, if you did stellar or above average on step I nobody is going to ask to much about when you will take step II.
Second, if you are concerned about having a poor showing on step II then do not take it in enough time such that you have the scores before interviews...why would you want to set yourself up like that?
Third, if you take it early you should plan on sharing that information with the programs. Your score or the fact that you passed will often be noted on your med-school transcript. The programs you interview at may very well request a "fresh" transcript before final ranking.
Finally, either take it early and plan on sharing the information or don't. Do not start with the mentality of "can I hide this until after" I match, get the contract, get the job, get the promotion, etc... Hopefully, your career will be long and prosperous. It is sometimes hard but try to approach it with the goal of being open and straightforward. Try to eliminate any trait or tendency to "hide" something for your benefit. This kind of trait will slowly grow, sneak-up on you and tank your career sooner or later. There is nothing wrong with taking a test in a way that optimizes your options. I will say there is arguably something wrong with choosing to take a test at a time that might be less then helpfull and then trying to with hold the information. Remember, you are choosing the date not them. Do not try and have it both ways. I have no doubt that if you took step II and your score was better then step I, you would be calling these programs up and making sure they knew about it! Be honest with yourself and the programs. Because if you start residency with a tendency at doing something less you will be regarded as a snake by your fellow residents, nursing, and attending staff. 80% of residency is about culminating trust. YOU ARE CHOOSING to take this gamble or not, you make this bed and you should choose to sleep in it no matter how it turns out.
