USMLE If you fail Step 2CS and can't retake before match -> automatically pulled from match?

[ophthodoptho]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi. So I just took Step 2 CS in December and won't get my score back until February. I had been out of the clinic for a while and feel like many (e.g. 8/12) of my DDx were super off/unlikely/wrong. Worried I'll get back a failing score in February right before the match. I called NRMP, and they said a failure on any of the step exams -> automatically pulled from the match and not eligible to participate in scramble unless you post a passing score before SOAP dates (which by the time I find out in february would be impossible). However, it seems like in previous years people have gotten non-passing CS score back AFTER the match or matched before scores were back. Anyone have any information/explanations on this? Just wishing I had taken it earlier at this point but still want to know the worst-case scenario.

 

[Raryn]

Hi. So I just took Step 2 CS in December and won't get my score back until February. I had been out of the clinic for a while and feel like many (e.g. 8/12) of my DDx were super off/unlikely/wrong. Worried I'll get back a failing score in February right before the match. I called NRMP, and they said a failure on any of the step exams -> automatically pulled from the match and not eligible to participate in scramble unless you post a passing score before SOAP dates (which by the time I find out in february would be impossible). However, it seems like in previous years people have gotten non-passing CS score back AFTER the match or matched before scores were back. Anyone have any information/explanations on this? Just wishing I had taken it earlier at this point but still want to know the worst-case scenario.

Unless it changed in the last few years, this is school dependent. Many schools have a policy that if you don't pass Step 2 by February they won't certify you for the match. Others will still certify that you are on track to graduate and give you the extra few months. For example, at the time I graduated from med school, mine required a CK but not a CS pass by mid-February.

That said, even if you match, not passing it by June will void your match contract.

Edit: I did forget to mention, the above I wrote is true for AMGs. For foreign grads, not having Step 1 and both halves of CK passed in time you will be removed from the match. Period.