Good time to take Step 2 for results to return in time for residency apps?

[truth617]

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Hey everyone, I'm going to need to schedule my summer rotations going into my 4th year, and the timing of taking Step 2 factors significantly into that. I did ok on Step 1, but I'd really like to do better on Step 2 and get those results in time for my residency applications. The admin that I spoke to at my school didn't have a great idea, so I'm appealing to you 🙂

Basically, at my school, we need to get our own apps in by mid-October, but it's really suggested to get all our own material in by sometime in September. After students take care of the apps, it's mostly just a waiting game for the Dean's Letter to be completed.

So, if I'd like my Step 2 scores to be available by, let's say, Sept. 15, when would I need to take Step 2 by in order for those results to be available in time? Would ~August 15 be ok? How about if I'd just like the scores by Nov. 1? Is there a general number of weeks that it takes for scores to return, or does it depend on what time of year I take Step 2? Thanks!

 

[taekwondoc]

took mine DEC 5 and got them back JAN 11.
I think it took a little longer than most people b/c of the holidays, i would have like to have had them a little sooner.

my friend took them like NOV 30 and got his back WAY before me, probably he got in the last batch before the holiday backup...
if u wanna use ur score this is the latest i would recommend taking it.

If u have a bad step one, maybe u should take it REALLY early, like august, so it can be transmitted on your ERAS the first time... because once they download your app I think its kind of hit or miss whether they will ever update your scores once u get them.

Most people i spoke to that took it between Aug and Oct said like 3-4 wk for the score report.

 

[njbmd]

Hi there,
I did Step II in August at the end of my third year. Since I finished Internal Medicine last, it made sense to take the exam as early as possible. I studied two weeks and had it done by August 15th. My scores were back in Sept and all of my residency programs had them.

The most competitive programs, Hopkins and Mass General were impressed that I got Step II done early. I also loved that period from the day after the Match where all I had to do was show up and get my degree. This made my fourth year sweet.

njbmd 🙂