Is my step 1 score too low that I need to take step 2 early?

[otacon88]

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I'm an MS3 trying to figure out my 4th year schedule and wanted to know when I should take Step 2. I got a 228 (98) on Step 1. Is that too low that I need to take Step 2 early so I can get into a pretty good program?

 

[J ROD]

I'm an MS3 trying to figure out my 4th year schedule and wanted to know when I should take Step 2. I got a 228 (98) on Step 1. Is that too low that I need to take Step 2 early so I can get into a pretty good program?

yeah, that is too low....need at least a 240+..😀

jk....solid score...just apply to 10-15 programs and you will be fine....

unless EM gets REALLY competitive this yr and the averages rise ALOT.

 

[Chromatid]

please define early?? I am a student interested in EM and had a significantly lower step1... signed up for the 23rd of june, is that early??? hoping I set up my first 4th year rotation from June15-July15 and would push USMILE back to July 25ish... doesn't it take 6 weeks to get scores out and isnt sept 1st the first day anything can be submitted to schools anyway so really anything before august is pretty much safe....

 

[RxnMan]

I'm an MS3 trying to figure out my 4th year schedule and wanted to know when I should take Step 2. I got a 228 (98) on Step 1. Is that too low that I need to take Step 2 early so I can get into a pretty good program?

That's not a bad score for EM by any means. Check the NRMP stats, or any of the SDN surveys. Those surveys also allow you to calculate about how many applications you're going to need to send out to get the usual 10 ranked programs.

I wouldn't allow your Step 1 score to push you one way or the other about Step 2. Your score is fine, so do what makes you the most comfortable and allows you to do the best you can on Step 2.

 

[otacon88]

That's not a bad score for EM by any means. Check the NRMP stats, or any of the SDN surveys. Those surveys also allow you to calculate about how many applications you're going to need to send out to get the usual 10 ranked programs.

I wouldn't allow your Step 1 score to push you one way or the other about Step 2. Your score is fine, so do what makes you the most comfortable and allows you to do the best you can on Step 2.

where can i find these SDN surverys or NRMP stats to see how many applications I need to send to get my 10 ranked programs?

 

[hothause]

I have a 216 on Step 1 which is below average in general and for EM so I decided to take Step 2 early and worked really hard to make sure I nailed it. You're above average for the average EM applicant who matches, so in my unexperienced opinion it would seem you don't have anything to "make up" for by taking Step 2 early.

 

[pinipig523]

228??? I'm going to slap your face.

 

[RxnMan]

where can i find these SDN surverys or NRMP stats to see how many applications I need to send to get my 10 ranked programs?

There are links to the surveys in my signature and in the FAQ. Here is the NRMP data.

 

[otacon88]

228??? I'm going to slap your face.

well it seems like every year the class gets more and more competitive, and i know ppl who want to do internal med/family med who are getting 240+.

There are links to the surveys in my signature and in the FAQ. Here is the NRMP data.

thanks lol.

 

[pinipig523]

well it seems like every year the class gets more and more competitive, and i know ppl who want to do internal med/family med who are getting 240+.



thanks lol.

Well of course there's always some brilliant 240, 250, or even 260-er who goes into primary care.

Your score is solid and should get your foot in almost any program. There will be some programs with a 230 cut off so that may be reason to take step 2 early.

However, I think you should just sit tight and relax. You are in a good position.

 

[hothause]

There will be some programs with a 230 cut off so that may be reason to take step 2 early.

Can anyone comment on how those cut off scores work if there is a huge (over 30 point) difference in one's Step 1 versus Step2 score, with Step 2 being higher?

 

[AnonymousER]

I'm an MS3 trying to figure out my 4th year schedule and wanted to know when I should take Step 2. I got a 228 (98) on Step 1. Is that too low that I need to take Step 2 early so I can get into a pretty good program?

I took Step 2 early and improved by 20 points, did two Sub Is, wrote a paper, did research in surgery and EM, and no one noticed that I got a great Step 2 score. Programs just asked, "Is _____ the only place you rotated at?"

My point is that scores don't matter as much as people say. It's about building connections and schmoozing your own PD to become an advocate for you. People from my school have matched into ortho with a step 1 in the 190s without step 2. People with below 210 on step 1 got into competetive EM programs without honoring any course or taking step 2.

It's a game. Play it well.

 

[WildMed16]

I took Step 2 early and improved by 20 points, did two Sub Is, wrote a paper, did research in surgery and EM, and no one noticed that I got a great Step 2 score. Programs just asked, "Is _____ the only place you rotated at?"

My point is that scores don't matter as much as people say. It's about building connections and schmoozing your own PD to become an advocate for you. People from my school have matched into ortho with a step 1 in the 190s without step 2. People with below 210 on step 1 got into competetive EM programs without honoring any course or taking step 2.

It's a game. Play it well.

Great post. Thanks for the encouragement.