For those who just matched... I could use your input

[kid Icarus 3]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey everyone,

Congrats to those of you who matched, I hope to be there next year. I had a couple questions that I was curious if anyone might be willing to weigh in on.

1. Did anyone hear of programs who won't rank you without a step 2 CK score or is this mostly hearsay? I am contemplating taking it in January, essentially after I've matched. My Step 1 score is 253 so I feel like it could only hurt me to take it early but I really don't want to miss out on any program if they require a step 2.

2. I have a friend who has a step 1 thats 220 and is applying ophtho. If there is anyone out there with a similar step score who matched could you share what you did to make it happen? It would be greatly appreciated.

3. I'm considering applying for an away at the Moran Eye Center in Utah because I've heard fantastic things about that place. If anyone has done an away rotation there I would love to hear about your experience.

Feel free to PM me if you'd prefer. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I wish you all the best in training and beyond.

 

[Eyelovesurgery]

Congrats on choosing ophthalmology! It's a crazy application process, but so worth it.

1. My Step 1 was similar to yours, and I took Step 2 CK in October. Although I did well, no one asked about it and I did not release it to programs. I ended up really happy with my match.

2. I also have a friend who had a 220 and ended up studying super hard for Step 2 CK, which she included in her application. I think this helped her, and she matched at a good program.

3. I didn't do an away at The Moran, but I did interview there. Almost all the applicants on my interview day had done an away there, so I can only imagine that it helps tremendously if that's where you want to go. I was really impressed with the program and ended up ranking it as my #4 only because it is far from my home state.

Best of luck. Feel free to PM me with specific questions anytime!

 

[kid Icarus 3]

Thanks for the great response, Eyelovesurgery. I may PM you in near future.

Any other responses are GREATLY appreciated, particularly in regard to opinions concerning when to take Step 2 CK and if anyone felt that programs wouldn't rank until they saw that score. Thanks in advance.

 

[ophtho_applicant15]

I scored a bit lower than you on step 1, took step 2 ck in september, had my score which was a few points higher than step 1, but was not asked about it once during any of my interviews

 

[AgentMichaelScarn]

I stressed about this too, but I think it's fine to take Step 2 late, especially if your Step 1 score is good (which it definitely is!). None of the programs I interviewed at required it for ranking. Only one place asked me for it during an interview, but I hadn't taken it yet and they said that was fine. Reasons to take it early: if your score could use improvement or if your med school requires it done by a certain date.