I need help! Take USMLE or not for EM programs?

[dreambig2night]

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I am really interested in EM, but have a sticky situation. I took the COMLEX and scored a 481/81, which is a little below the average. (500/82) I didnt take the USMLE while studying for my COMLEX even though it was highly recommended by some and now after looking at programs on the east coast most of them require USMLE scores. I dont know what to do now. I am on third year rotations and dont know if I can study for the USMLE now, and step II is only 12 months away.
Has anyone been in this situation?

My class rank is similar to my comlex score a little below average, but I have 85%+ on year I&II grades.
I havent been an EMT or done anything similar.

I guess I could apply to EM programs on the AOA but they have very few on the east coast.

What do I do?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[tkim]

Take the USMLE Step II about the same time you take COMLEX II. You do not need to take or pass USMLE Step I in order to take Step II. Having at least one USMLE score is better than nothing. Studying for Step I in your third year sounds like a tremendous effort.

 

[Toohotinvegas33]

I was at a conference that held a panel of 12 midwest EM PD's (all allopathic)and the main things they wanted to see was a SLOR from a known em program that you have rotated with, but also USMLE step 2 if you have a weak comlex. If you took step one and did well that also good, but the general consensus was to have a better step 2

 

[deleted109597]

I was at a conference that held a panel of 12 midwest EM PD's (all allopathic)and the main things they wanted to see was a SLOR from a known em program that you have rotated with, but also USMLE step 2 if you have a weak comlex. If you took step one and did well that also good, but the general consensus was to have a better step 2

What's funny about those caucus meetings is that they like to invent things. So I did well on step II. Real well. However, I did average on Step I. At every meeting I had attended, they all talked about how Step II was more applicable, etc, etc. Not one program asked about Step II, they all wanted to know about Step I. I'm sure if someone had the opposite, (high Step I, low Step II), they would do the same (why did you not do so well on Step II?). So basically, they want a total package. They also want to make sure you're someone they can work with, so they like to needle you and see how you tolerate pressure, from my experience. They don't go nuts, but they like to prod the boundaries and see how well adjusted you are.

However, if you're going to take Step II, do well. No USMLE will be better for you than a bad one, if you are applying to ACGME programs.

 

[bartleby]

You should poll the programs you are interested in applying to on the east coast and ask them if they will consider you without a USMLE score. If they say that they don't care, then you have your answer.