How did your Step II score help/hurt your chances?

[dr_almondjoy_do]

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Hi,

Just wanted to know how important the Step II weighs on your chances of getting a residency. Do places care more about an improvement in scores, a very good step II, or the same score for both?

 

[fourthyearmed]

I think my Step 2 score helped me a lot. I had an average Step 1 score but I took Step 2 early (in July) and scored almost 20 points higher. I think this is what helped me get interviews at all the schools I applied to including Baylor and Vanderbilt (the best programs I applied to). If you have a very good Step 1 score I think the key is to be sure not to go down. I've heard that Peds and IM place more emphasis on Step 2 while specialties like Path, Rads, and ENT place more emphasis on Step 1 but I'm not sure how true this is.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

I think my Step 2 score helped me a lot. I had an average Step 1 score but I took Step 2 early (in July) and scored almost 20 points higher. I think this is what helped me get interviews at all the schools I applied to including Baylor and Vanderbilt (the best programs I applied to). If you have a very good Step 1 score I think the key is to be sure not to go down. I've heard that Peds and IM place more emphasis on Step 2 while specialties like Path, Rads, and ENT place more emphasis on Step 1 but I'm not sure how true this is.

I can speak for path...if you did well on step 1, the programs don't seem to care about step 2. the fact that i haven't taken step 2 has never come up in conversation during interviews.

 

[Lara]

My Step 1 score was 217, and I'm debating whether it would really be worthwhile to take a block off in July to improve on Step 2 - especially since my clinical grades have just been passes. I was hoping to take some vacation time later, but if it'll really increase my interviews I guess I'd bite the bullet. Or should I just take the cushiest elective possible and study during my free time? Unfortunately either way I wouldn't be maximizing my LOR opportunities...

Any input would be appreciated, I'm really torn regarding my 4th year schedule. Thanks!!!

 

[kas23]

Don't waste a month off studying for Step 2. Try to take 1 or 2 very easy electives and study during that time.