- Joined
- Apr 29, 2013
- Messages
- 486
- Reaction score
- 693
What is the current wisdom on when a student needs to have a USMLE Step 2 CK score back so that they do not lose out on interview opportunities?
Having Step 2 CK score before interview season begins
- Thread starter 2021Doctor
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2004
- Messages
- 6,009
- Reaction score
- 6,721
For an I/FMG, before sept 15...for USMD, I don’t think it matters...for DOs, I don’t know
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2008
- Messages
- 8,829
- Reaction score
- 9,087
Agree with @rokshana. If you're a foreign grad, you need it (and CS) before you apply. Period. If you're a US grad, it depends on your specialty, your Step 1, and which programs you're applying to.
If you had a strong Step 1 score, in most cases you need CK at some point before February (when rank lists are due). If you had a weak Step 1, earlier is helpful if you can make a good showing of it. Some programs care more than others - most CA IM programs require Step 2 to rank for example - but it's not typically a requirement to interview for US grads.
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2013
- Messages
- 486
- Reaction score
- 693
Ok. So I gather that there is not a single answer to this question that applies to all students in general.
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2004
- Messages
- 6,009
- Reaction score
- 6,721
No, because students aren’t seen by programs in general.
Are you a F/IMG? Ideally you should have taken it by this month
Are you a USMD? Not a deal breaker for interviews...though as @Raryn said, if you have a crappy step 1 score, then it could help you to have a CK score to help counter it.
