IMG's, when do you recommend....

[bts4202]

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Hey everyone, for those of you who have actually taken step 2 CS or the CSA, when do you recommend that we take it? Would directly after IM be smart, or should we wait until after all cores?

 

[Leukocyte]

I would say Definately AFTER all cores, but....

It also depends on how strong is your Step 1 score. If you got 240+ on Step 1, I would delay taking Step 2, UNLESS you are sure that you will be able to get a Step 2 score above or equal to that of your Step 1.

The above is fine if you are going for IM et al.. But for the more competetive specialities, a FMG looks more attractive to a PD if it ("it" here is on purpose, and not due to grammatical error) took all the Steps before applying.

Good Luck.

 

[bts4202]

Is step 2 CS graded? I was under the impression that it was purely pass/fail? I am not talking about the CK part, just the CS (old CSA).

 

[Leukocyte]

Is step 2 CS graded? I was under the impression that it was purely pass/fail? I am not talking about the CK part, just the CS (old CSA).

I am sorry, I ment Step 2 CK, NOT CS. Yes, the Step 2 CS is pass/fail.

 

[bts4202]

SO then do you still recommend to wait until after all cores to take the CS? Or would after IM be adequate preparation?

 

[Leukocyte]

Hey everyone, for those of you who have actually taken step 2 CS or the CSA, when do you recommend that we take it? Would directly after IM be smart, or should we wait until after all cores?

Sorry bts4202 😳

I just re-read you original post and it read ".....for those of you who have ACTUALLY TAKEN the CSA......" I have to admit that I have not taken the CSA yet, so my personal recommendation is worth didly as far as the CSA goes. I thought you were asking about when to take Step 2 cK. I guess I have to change my eyeglasses or go get a Lasik. 😳

Anyway, I can tell you that Ross university recommends (rather REQUIRES) taking the CSA after completing 48 hours of core rotations that MUST include Internal Medicine and Surgery. Also, my friends, who actually took the CSA, told me that the "blue book" is golden for the CSA.

So considering that every Ross student I know who took the CSA, passed it on the first attempt, maybe it is worth taking Ross's recommendations and wait until you finish 48 hours of core rotations that include IM and Surgery. And yes, do not forget to read the " CSA blue book". Some also considered the new First Aid for the CSA (Step 2 CS) to be helpful as well.

I am sorry again for misreading your OP. 😳

Good Luck

 

[Swaydaa]

Do it after your cores, but BEFORE you transmit your ERAS apllication if possible. As an IMG, you must have a complete application from the start. You don't need loose ends when a residency director looks at your file.