USMLE How late can I take STEP 2 CK without it affecting my residency application poorly (by not being in on time)?

[PS2summerdays]

I was going to take my STEP-2 CK in July. However, due to bad luck, I may have to take my sub internship during this time instead. This would mean I would then take my STEP 2 CK on August 31st. I am applying Internal Medicine.

I have two options:

1. Take Sub-I in July to get letter in time and take STEP 2 CK in August.
2. Take STEP 2 CK in July and take Sub-I in September, so my letter is late.

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[afib123]

depends on how you did on step 1. if you did well, I have been told it doesn't matter. I am applying to a surgical subspeciality. might vary for IM.

 

[PS2summerdays]

depends on how you did on step 1. if you did well, I have been told it doesn't matter. I am applying to a surgical subspeciality. might vary for IM.

I got 23x on STEP I. Pretty average. I don't wanna go anywhere super competitive.

 

[afib123]

well the average for step 2 is in 240s so you will likely get higher on step 2 than step 1 provided you study for it, but I don't think not taking step 2 ck is going to play a big role if you end up doing on average on it
However, if you take it and can get in the 250s that will help