Is Step2 required for CHOP application?

[mdphd2b]

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Hi all,

I've been looking at Peds Programs to apply to next year (trying to work out ideal locations with my hubby!). One thing I came across on CHOP's website was they make it sound like you have to have passed USMLE Step 1 and 2 (I'm assuming they mean CK) for your application to be complete:

"To apply you must...Passed USMLE Parts I and II"

For those who applied this year, is that really the case? Does anyone know what's the latest one can take Step2 if applying to CHOP? Do they make a big deal and "hold" your app if you take it later in 4th year? (Our school's deadline for taking CK is Nov 30, CS is Dec 31--both are graduation requirements).

Any other Peds programs that require step2 early on?

Thanks for your input!

 

[ibeababydr]

I dont know about CHOP for sure, but I was asked by Northwestern to have my step 2 scores before the rank order lists were made.

 

[mdphd2b]

I dont know about CHOP for sure, but I was asked by Northwestern to have my step 2 scores before the rank order lists were made.

Hi ibeababydr,

I wonder if that's what they meant also and I'm reading too much into it? If that's the case, then it should be OK, b/c I'll take it by Nov '07, so it would be done (and hopefully passed!) by my ROL time.

Anyone else have experience with this?

Honestly, I DON'T want to take my Step2 so early enough for programs to see it when reviewing applications! I did really well on my Step1 (251/99) back in 2002, which was before my PhD. There's NO WAY in @#%* my Step2 will compare to that--just want to remember what I can to pass 🙂

 

[Complications]

I got my interview from CHOP before I took step 2. Not sure if they require it for ranking. Either way ... you could take it and not release the scores until you see them.

 

[ibeababydr]

Sorry, I didn't fully read everything! I did not take Step 2 until December and received interviews at CHOP, Northwestern, etc. However, I got an email in January from Norwestern and Iowa that I needed to have passed step 2 in order to be considered for their ranking.

 

[chhsu]

Actually for NWU Children's Memorial, I was only asked to have passed Step 2 before starting residency, not before ranking. I got this info at the interview and by email. I haven't taken Step2 yet and won't for another 2 weeks. So I don't know where people are hearing they have to have step 2 in order to be ranked.

 

[blanche]

Agree with the Northwestern clarification...my impression was also that Step 2 was required to start residency, not be ranked.

Another program, Michigan sent a letter about Step 2, but when I emailed them to regretfully inform that I wasn't taking it until Feb, was essentially told no big whoop--they only worry about having this prior to ranking in an applicant that may have a record of difficulty passing tests or whatever.

So my guess is that for most programs, if you have done ok not having step 2 in the file is not going to matter too much. Don't remember specifically about CHOP, the subject of the thread however

 

[ibeababydr]

This is what I received from Iowa: Since your medical school requires that you pass USMLE Step 2 as a condition of graduation, please send your results as soon as they are available. We will need them by Feb. 15th in order to include you in our rank list. Thanks alot and happy holidays.

And this is from Northwestern: Please be aware that Northwestern University has a new requirement for all applicants. All applicants must take and pass Step 2 of the USMLE and send a copy of their score (by ERAS or by mail) prior to the start of residency. If you have not already done so, please do so ASAP. So I guess it varies from each place. Sorry about the confusion.

 

[mdphd2b]

Thanks for all the replies. I realize it's program-specific. I think most med schools (including mine) have Step2 as a grad requirement.

Not sure what difference it makes if res programs require it before ranking vs. starting residency. Either way you need to pass it! Also, would they rank a person lower than expected if s/he passed Step2 but didn't kick a$$ on it?
I hope that's not how they use it!

I appreciate everyone's comments on the details for these programs. I don't want to miss out due to minor technicalities! I'm trying to get a head start on narrowing choices of cities to apply to, since my (non-medical) husband would have to relocate his position. He's in the business field so we're basically looking into the large urban centers.

Good luck in this year's Match

 

[Rybaby]

Hello,

I actually did a Sub-I at CHOP, and specifically asked about this question. The response I got was that the score is not truly required, but if you don't have a good/great score that it might not exactly be a positive thing if you have not taken USMLE II.