Got interviews before failing step 2

[psyguy]

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Hello,

I find myself in an interesting situation. I am currently invited to go to 7 interviews but I just found out that I failed step 2. In fact, my first interview is on Monday. Does anyone have any experience with this? How do I address this in the interview if they ask?

Thanks

 

[jon_jon]

It's fairly early in the interview process. Most programs will not ask you for Step 2 scores unless you did poorly on Step 1. If you interview later say in January, they may start asking about Step 2 scores. Also it depends on which program you are applying for. Programs that traditionally get a lot of applications from IMGs may ask for Step 2, since I believe IMGs need to take Step 2 before applying for residency, if I am not mistaken.

Don't worry too much about it and try to re-take it when you have had enough time to study for it. As long as you pass later, it shouldn't be a problem unless you make it out to be one.

 

[Sessamoid]

If they ask about Step 2, you can always sidestep the question and say that you're going to be taking it in the Spring. It's the truth of course, just not the WHOLE truth. 🙂

 

[Renovar]

Originally posted by psyguy
Hello,

I find myself in an interesting situation. I am currently invited to go to 7 interviews but I just found out that I failed step 2. In fact, my first interview is on Monday. Does anyone have any experience with this? How do I address this in the interview if they ask?

Thanks

I hope you chose the "withhold score" option (and not the "release score") on your ERAS when you submit your application.

That way, there is no friggin way a program will know that you failed unless 1. you volunteered that information and 2. you are asked about it. If your step 1 is competitive (assuming that's probably why you got the interview in the first place), I would imagine most programs wont ask.

If you chose the "release score" option, you may be in a world of hurt. Programs may already download it and have it in your file by the time you have the interview, which means your interviewer will be staring at it during your interview which may mean bad news.

If I am in your situation, I will just try to make the best out of it, and not volunteer that information whenever possible. But when confronted, just give your reason and say that you will pass by the time residency starts (which is probably the biggest reason why they care - unless, you are an IMG.)

 

[dwstranger]

jon jon,

You are mistaken! 😀

IMGs don't have to have taken Step 2 to apply -- we just have to have passed by the time ROLs are due or we are dropped from the Match. But sometimes it is in the IMG's best interest to have taken it early and have their score when they interview (unless, of course, the score sucked) to show that they can hack it.

 

[jd807]

i know a guy who knew he failed step II and still matched IM at Stanford. They didnt find out until after the match. They gave him a deadline to have it passed or else he would be dismissed. But at least he got away with it.....

 

[sean wilson]

Gave him a deadline of what date?