Need help...CAS application question about Step 2 CK!

[ElectricDoc]

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[HereEyeAm]

Caribbean grad + low step 1 + early app (applying now) = the odds are stacked against you

Caribbean grad + low step 1 + higher ck score (hopefully) + late app = the odds are probably still stacked against you

I'm not sure what I would do if I were in your shoes.

 

[ElectricDoc]

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[DopaDO]

Id say it depends, how bad is your step 1? Have you/are you doing any aways? Whats the rest of your cv like (research, letters, ECs)?

And then my follow up question is: if you did so poorly on Step 1, why didn't you take Step 2 earlier? You are going to be so late in the game by the time your Step 2 score come back. I also believe it'll take some time for SFmatch to process your application. Programs may not even receive your app til mid October.

If you are really passionate about ophtho and your can't see yourself doing anything else, I think you should consider applying next year. You are already going to miss all the september deadlines (a healthy amount of programs) and if your Step 1 really isn't competitive (elaborate on this) then you need that Step 2 especially as a IMG. Im just starting the app/interview process and it is extremely grueling and expensive so far and interviews don't start for another month at the earliest. Although I've heard it can be very fun, exciting, and rewarding you don't want to have to go through the app and pay for it twice.

Let us know what the rest of your app is like and we might be able to give you better advice.

 

[DrZeke]

Exactly my point. I am aware of the odds against me, but I need to pick my poison. And pick it fast.

Based on y'alls knowledge and experience, which one would you choose if you had to pick one? Applying now without a higher CK or applying later with a higher CK(meaning submitting completed app to programs on Oct 1st - which is the deadline for many programs so I still barely make the cut off)?

I would apply after making sure my app is as strong as it could be... Maybe a research year or two?

 

[123eyes]

Exactly my point. I am aware of the odds against me, but I need to pick my poison. And pick it fast.

Based on y'alls knowledge and experience, which one would you choose if you had to pick one? Applying now without a higher CK or applying later with a higher CK(meaning submitting completed app to programs on Oct 1st - which is the deadline for many programs so I still barely make the cut off)?

Dude, October is mad late. Just cause the 'deadline' hasn't passed, and some programs haven't sent out invites, doesn't mean they haven't already made their invite lists by late August. Don't waste your $ or time this year.

 

[ElectricDoc]

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[123eyes]

So question is either I pay and submit to programs around Sept 20th without CK score OR I submit to programs the day I get my CK score in(Sept 24th or Oct 1st).

Nope, question is whether you submit August 2014 or August 2015. As per my post above, deadlines are meaningless here.

 

[DopaDO]

Completely agree with the above. At this point, focus on next year especially since your "home" program told you they wanted to see your CK score.

Don't waste your money this year. Ace Step 2, get some more research, have all your ducks in order and be ready to go next year.

 

[ophthohopefulll]

I agree with most commenters here that your chances of matching with a low step 1, IMG, and late application (many applicants submit as early as July) are slim. However, I think one option that hasn't been mentioned here is to submit your application NOW without your Step 2 CK score. As soon as you get your score back, phone all the programs you are interested in and tell them you want to update your application. Say, "I'm very interested in your program and I wanted to let you know about my step 2 score". I did this last year when I found out about AOA because it was after my application had been submitted. Most programs will update your application and if you're lucky, they won't have looked at it yet.
Good luck!!