Is Step 2 needed?

[MAVSMANIAC]

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Does anyone know if Step 2 is needed when applying to residency? I see lots of posts that have people not taking it because they didnt want to mess up their step 1 score. Do we just have to call the programs and find out?

 

[SamusLives]

You might try checking the program's website. Most of the ones I looked at (when I applied last year) had info about residency application requirements. Most did not require a Step 2 score for an interview (only one program I applied to wanted one).

Just a note, you can take step 2 after your transcript is sent and select NOT to automatically retransmit your score on your MyERAs; then you can take it and not worry about your score. Some programs might ask you "by the way, have you taken/passed step 2" and you can say "yep" (if your step 1 score was solid, they probably don't care what your step 2 score is...just that you passed).

 

[lord_jeebus]

Generally not, but there may be exceptions to the rule.

 

[error404]

Of about 20 programs, I had only one refuse to look at my application because of the absence of a step 2 score. It was at a program where they're making it mandatory for their own med students to take Step 2 before December.

It seems like many US applicants just take it after rank lists are due and just try to pass.