Is Step 2 CS required for interview?

[Monocles]

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Hi all,

I heard a rumour that some programmes are requiring a step 2 CS (skills, not knowledge) score before they'll offer interviews? Or do I have that wrong and they require it before ranking list submission?

Long story short, I'm currently registered for mid-september in LA, but I found out a bunch of my friends are taking it early October in Chicago (it would be much more convenient to drive up with them). According to the USMLE website they both have the same score release period of Dec 9 - Jan 6 (2016). Would it matter if I end up moving it back for two weeks?

Thanks in advance!

 

[vanfanal]

I second this question. Schedules for mid-September as well.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

I second splik's answer. For USMGs it is not a big deal. For IMGs, the fewer "unknowns" on your application, the better.

 

[psychattending]

I third splik's answer.

 

[NickNaylor]

I didn't take CS until December has no problems getting interviews. Because I waited to schedule my test date I originally had a much later date and, in a state of panic, looked to see whether CS was required for rankings or not. I forgot where I found this information, but roughly a quarter of programs require a CS score for ranking.

In terms of scheduling, I took it December 1st and still got my scores in time for the rank deadline, so if you take it in October you'll almost certainly be fine.

 

[Psychotic]

I didn't take CS until December has no problems getting interviews. Because I waited to schedule my test date I originally had a much later date and, in a state of panic, looked to see whether CS was required for rankings or not. I forgot where I found this information, but roughly a quarter of programs require a CS score for ranking.

In terms of scheduling, I took it December 1st and still got my scores in time for the rank deadline, so if you take it in October you'll almost certainly be fine.

I think this is around the same percentage I noticed 2 years ago - about one quarter of the programs I applied to required it for ranking.

I took CS in September, got my score the first week of December, so with time to spare, but it was nerve wracking as hell waiting on that score, sweating if I would need to retake.

 

[vanfanal]

for IMGs you really ought to be ECFMG certified/verified prior to applying. I would strongly recommend you take CS as soon as possible. You will severely limit interviews by not having this. By the time you get this, it will be very late and though you may receive additional interviews it's not good. by not being ECFMG certification/verification (the former is better) you essentially close yourself off to pretty much all of the best programs.

I'm checking the site several times daily. I'm hoping that the rest of my application, and the fact that English is my first-language, can offset the delay.

 

[Monocles]

Thanks everyone for the replies!