USMLE Feedback on Step2 plan

[backpackpalsy]

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USMD in 3rd year considering emergency medicine vs radiology. I finish third year with an EM rotation in May. Thinking of fitting in another elective in EM or something before taking a month off for CS and CK in July or August. I figure my EM rotations will prepare me well for CS and all my knowledge will be fresh for CK. I also kind of just want to get them both over with so I can enjoy 4th year. The other option I'm considering is pushing them back and taking a month off during interview season so I don't have to ask for time off for interviews while I'm studying. My main concern is that I plan to apply to competitive programs on the coasts and want to make sure I'm not screened out of interviews because I haven't taken Step 2 yet. Let me know if any more info would be helpful.

A few stats:

• 258 on step 1 with 3.5 weeks dedicated
• 1 H, 2 HP in clinical rotations so far

 

[afib123]

Let me know what you hear about being screened out for not taking step 2. I have been hearing advice to not take step 2 if you did well in step 1 till you submit your application

 

[chickensoupdr]

Let me know what you hear about being screened out for not taking step 2. I have been hearing advice to not take step 2 if you did well in step 1 till you submit your application

Exactly what I've been hearing too. I think some programs can even filter our your application if they don't see your Step 2. I think holding off on taking Step 2 was a thing of the past

 

[afib123]

But it's a very unclear thing. PD in neurosurgery told me that he doesn't look at step 2 if you did well on step 1 but again hard to say how it is across program and different specialities. Wish there was more clarity so I can make the decision on whether to focus on research vs sub I vs step 2 once clerkships are over.