Importance of Step 2 scores to ER programs

[QuietFlight]

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I'm aware that residents play a large part in the selection process and wanted to ask if you could give me a general idea of how important step 2 scores are when ranking applicants. If an applicant scored in the 90+ percentile on step 1 and then scored in the 25-50th percentile on step 2, how big of a red flag would this be and would it ever be significant enough for that applicant to not earn a position at his/her program of choice? All other factors (class rank, sLORS, clinical grades) are very strong. I'm aware that different programs place more/less importance on certain factors so I am hoping to get a general idea. Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

 

[Colbert]

I'd also like to know the reverse, say the application scored bottom 25-50% for Step 1 and top 25% for Step 2, how much would make up for the low Step 1?

 

[Powdermonkey]

i'd also like to know the reverse, say the application scored bottom 25-50% for step 1 and top 25% for step 2, how much would make up for the low step 1?

+1.

 

[ccfccp]

I'm not sure how it works at other programs, but here once you get an interview, both step I and II are rated equally when factored into your application. One could argue step I is more important because often one gets interview invites based solely off step I.

In either of the aforementioned cases (high step 1, low step II or vice versa) you're likely going to have to field a question or two regarding the score. I think the latter situation is the easier one to answer (ie "I didn't do as well on Step I, so I buckled down and worked my butt off and did much better.) Just be ready to talk about it, and be up front. Don't dodge the question.

That being said, one fault isn't going to sink your application (assuming everything else is up to par...)

 

[Hawkeye Kid]

All other things equal, I would rather see a mediocre step 1 and stellar step 2 than the other way around for two fairly simple reasons. First, step 2 has previously been correllated with clinical performance while step 1 hasn't. Second, step 2 is more recent so more likely to be indicative of current performance.

Having said that, if everything else in the application is strong (including interview) and the step 2 score isn't horrible, it's unlikely that this will have a hugely negative impact, especially if you have some sort of explanation. In the end, how much of a difference this makes will be fairly program dependent (and whether you're closer to the 25th or 50th %ile).

So, will this affect getting interviews? Probably not at most places. But you will likely be asked about it, especially if it doesn't fit the rest of your application.

 

[Colbert]

Today was application start day for all allopathic programs and as such I was rethinking my application strategy. I took COMLEX and USMLE and am in the group of USMLE Step 2 CK that will be released Oct 6. I already got my COMLEX Level 2 back and scored > 130 higher than I did on Level 1. I'm anticipating have a similar result on the USMLE. My question is should I wait for my Step 2 CK score which should be a vast improvement on my Step 1 but won't get it until Oct 6, or am I going to miss opportunities by waiting to submit?