Importance of Step II

[narcusprince]

---

Members don't see this ad.

What is the importance of step II in the ranking process? Has anyone been ranked without releasing step II?
Thanks

 

[Curare]

What is the importance of step II in the ranking process? Has anyone been ranked without releasing step II?
Thanks

This debate goes on and on throughout this forum. People say they have been ranked without Step II CK. Each dept. is different check with the department. Every dept. I have talked with say they require it.

 

[nontradappl]

This debate goes on and on throughout this forum. People say they have been ranked without Step II CK. Each dept. is different check with the department. Every dept. I have talked with say they require it.

which programs are those?

 

[amyl]

i know that oklahoma and vcu require it. the lady at vcu said they even require the CS part of step two by jan. 30th.

 

[oudoc08]

i know that oklahoma and vcu require it. the lady at vcu said they even require the CS part of step two by jan. 30th.

Oklahoma wants Step II CK to rank, but I don't think they care about CS.

 

[safari1980]

does comlex step 2 satisfy the usmle step 2 requirements?....for oklahoma?

 

[amyl]

i think they prefer usmle but will take comlex.

 

[climbingdocs]

i am thinking that if they get two people with same usmle 1 score but they differ that one has good comlex 2 and the other usmle 2, they may choose usmle 2. Just a wild guess.

 

[safari1980]

yeah...it seems like they would prefer the usmle step 2......the only time i can take it is in january as its so hard to study while on interview trail and at the same time have rotations..... will have to decide soon on whether to take it or just really on my comlex step 2 (618)...

 

[amyl]

it takes four weeks to get the scores back so unless you can take it early january i would not bother....i am taking mine middle of december so i can get the scores back in enough time for programs to make their lists.

 

[Jack Burton]

I think schools requiring step II to rank is an extreme minority, you only listed 2 programs - in fact, my medical school said that unless a program specifically tells you that they need step II, its not required - obviously if you werent happy with step I, it may be beneficial, or if they are comparing two applicants with identical step Is, but programs have not moved to requiring step II. Ive been on 5 interviews so far, and not one program has said that they need my step II.

 

[amyl]

would you mind sharing where didn't need step two?

 

[Jack Burton]

I dont want to list where I've gone on interviews, I'm not into that, but lets just say that they were reputable programs in the northeast. Ask the program - I'm sure if you ask they will say well it can only help if you have it, but we dont require it - my point is, you can only list two programs that say they require it - I'm not convinced, are there any more?

 

[Jack Burton]

Ok - how about we start a list

Programs that require step II to rank:

Oklahoma
VCU




Curare; what programs did you contact?

Any info from program directors or affiliates would be helpful

 

[climbingdocs]

I am sure programs say they don't need USMLE2. But there are programs that also say they take DOs but non of the residents is a DO. So I guess they may say one thing but do another. I am taking step II even though I got 236 on step 1. We already had discussion whether I should or not, but since I am studying for comlex 2 anyway, I am going to try to take USMLE step 2 and pray I don't do worse 😉

 

[Dr Serenity]

My philosophy (take it for what it's worth)-

Just take the stupid thing as early as you can and get it out of the way, whether or not programs "require" Step 2 to rank you. It's definitely a nice feeling to have both CK and CS done. One less thing to study for and worry about.

Disclaimer: I'm speaking as an MD student; not entirely sure how valuable this advice is for DO students regarding taking USMLE as well as COMLEX, etc.

 

[amyl]

just to let you know, vcu does not require the CS scores in time for match day, only CK....miscommunication

 

[alletst]

The PD at my home program told me they remove people from their rank list after they interview if step 2 isnt up to par or if not taken. Keep in mind this is an average program.