Early step II or away rotation?

[gstrub]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I couldn't get much of a response in the ENT thread so I thought I'd try here...

I have 2 options at the end of my 3rd year. One is to take Step II immediately, then do one away rotation, then interview. The other is to do 2 away rotations. My Step I score is ~5 points below the "average" for matched applicants in ENT per the 2009 charting outcomes. I will have done an AI in ENT at my home program during the course of 3rd year. I am an above average student (top 1/3-1/4) but will not be AOA, and I expect to perform similarly during M3 (mostly HPs, hopefully a few Hs). Research is not a problem.

Would you do the 2nd away and get more clinical exposure to the field considering how research-heavy my CV is, or do you take step II and try to crush it, but risk getting a similar score?

 

[smq123]

I couldn't get much of a response in the ENT thread so I thought I'd try here...

I have 2 options at the end of my 3rd year. One is to take Step II immediately, then do one away rotation, then interview. The other is to do 2 away rotations. My Step I score is ~5 points below the "average" for matched applicants in ENT per the 2009 charting outcomes. I will have done an AI in ENT at my home program during the course of 3rd year. I am an above average student (top 1/3-1/4) but will not be AOA, and I expect to perform similarly during M3 (mostly HPs, hopefully a few Hs). Research is not a problem.

Would you do the 2nd away and get more clinical exposure to the field considering how research-heavy my CV is, or do you take step II and try to crush it, but risk getting a similar score?

I think that ENT, like the other competitive surgical specialties (uro, ortho), it really depends on WHO you know, which speaks in favor of doing two aways.

Keep in mind, though, it is HARD to be an impressive student on an away. It really depends on how adaptable you are, and your experience as an MS3 will help you determine that. It will also depend on whether you are as good or better in person as you are on paper.

You should probably not be thinking that far in advance quite yet, if you are still an MS3.

 

[Frugal Traveler]

Away rotations can be double edged swords. I've seen people impress... I've seen people hurt themselves badly. Surgeons tend to like to see what you can do, though. If you think you can excel, then I would favor the away rotation.

If your shelf exams scores are high and you just recently completed the medicine clerkship, I would recommend taking Step 2CK.

The best person to ask would be an ENT at your school that knows how applicants fare there and what historically they have done.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Agree with above. ENT is a small field and connections can help the applicant with the sub-par USMLE score (not that below the average is subpar but you know what I mean).

I'd agree to do the 2 aways especially if you are the type of person who is better in person than on paper. If you are socially awkward or difficult to get along with, the away will probably hurt you.