Is USMLE Step 2 becoming more necessary for Unviersity IM programs?

[fingerscrossedpremed]

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So I was originally under the impression that Step 2 just wasn't necessary for DO students looking into academic IM programs who took step 1. It seems like the opinion on that has changed some recently (which is why I'm bringing up a topic discussed ad nausem on here before, sorry 😳). I'm planning on applying to probably 30-40 middle tier Univeristy IM programs, and maybe a few upper just to see (pretty quickly starting to realize DOs just don't match into upper tier IM barring special circumstances) what happens. I'd prefer not to email all 30 places, but I may email a few of my top choices to see their preference even if their website says they accept both scores.
I don't want to take step 2, spend another $500, and take another 8 hour test unless its going to be a substantial upgrade to my application. I scored 250+ on step 1 and 720+ on level 1. I'm also a little concerned about under performing on step 2 and tainting my step 1 score and application.
Anyways, so i get there isn't any unanimous answer for every program, but whats the general consensus on taking step 2 as a DO student with a step1 score for middle tier IM programs?
Thanks so much!

 

[BorntobeDO?]

I would say yes if you are interested in fellowship. I had the privilege of talking to a friendly Cardiac Fellowship director and asked her directly about this. She said she would absolutely consider DO's but she advised that I 'at least' take Step 1 and 2 if I was interested.

 

[fingerscrossedpremed]

I would say yes if you are interested in fellowship. I had the privilege of talking to a friendly Cardiac Fellowship director and asked her directly about this. She said she would absolutely consider DO's but she advised that I 'at least' take Step 1 and 2 if I was interested.

Ah. I didn’t even consider having a step 2 score being a factor in fellowship selection. Good point. Thank you for your reply!

 

[IsWhat]

It’s my understanding that a good step 2 will mask a poor step 1, but the ultimate question is how much a bad step 2 affects a good step 1...Yeah, this is an interesting question.

 

[hallowmann]

As far as I've understood it, you should take Step 2 CK if you want university IM as a DO.

The real question is a matter of strategy though. I think you'd be better off delaying it to the end of Aug if that's possible and it won't reduce the likelihood of how you'll do. That way your apps will be in and you can release your score report to programs before getting the CK result. If its higher, then you don't need to worry about it you can resubmit the score report. If its way lower then you can just resubmit the report later in the cycle, like after interviews, but before ROL is due.

Obviously its up to you. I generally recommend most DOs applying ACGME to take both Step 1 and Step 2 CK provided they think they'll do well.