offered a retake(problem with the new step2 ck software)

[Ice dude]

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Hey guys,

I have been offered a retake of CK by NBME due to problems dat i encountered with the software or accept the score, it's the middle of the residency season, I am so devastated, confused what to do?
Advice needed!!!

 

[jiy76]

Hey guys,

I have been offered a retake of CK by NBME due to problems dat i encountered with the software or accept the score, it's the middle of the residency season, I am so devastated, confused what to do?
Advice needed!!!

Did you personally have any problems with the software to the point where you think it affected your performance? if the answer is yes take the test again if it didnt then don't.

 

[drguy22]

Hey guys,

I have been offered a retake of CK by NBME due to problems dat i encountered with the software or accept the score, it's the middle of the residency season, I am so devastated, confused what to do?
Advice needed!!!

wat kind of problem was it? i hope i can retake that damn test too..

 

[Ice dude]

It did affect my performance, I couldnot see 10 questions and i had to rush thru whole of the exam. The problems ranged from takin time to select an answer, change an answer option n computer froze for a couple of seconds every time i moved onto the next question. The current score which NBME has given out is 215, either accept this or retake.

 

[Ice dude]

Well, If they would have gotten back to me earlier, i would have definitely opted for a retake but still i think i will go for a retake, whtever!!!

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

It did affect my performance, I couldnot see 10 questions and i had to rush thru whole of the exam. The problems ranged from takin time to select an answer, change an answer option n computer froze for a couple of seconds every time i moved onto the next question. The current score which NBME has given out is 215, either accept this or retake.

So wait, they gave you an actual score (215) and you still have the option of retaking it?

If so, I'd retake it and try to raise my score. Sucks but very few people have the option of retaking the USMLE after getting a passing score. Take advantage of this opportunity!

 

[Ice dude]

yes they did!
I was surprised too, on giving out the score but the problem is they have replied so late to my complaint and i was holding onto apply to Internal medicine residency program, only becoz of step 2 score, as being an IMG, every program requires step2 to be in to be considered for an interview and i am afraid, i might have to drop out of this season and have a year wasted. It's hurting me so bad, I am like what the hell.

 

[PAPPAPPAP]

Just a thought... you could consider submitting that score for Step 2 and writing the selection committee a letter explaining the situation telling them that you have been allowed to retake the exam. That way, they will interview you and in the meantime you can retake the exam and submit the new scores before match. That is most likely what I would do. This is new territory for most people I imagine because I've never heard of this happening to anyone.

 

[flumazenil]

I was offered a retake on my test as well . but you have two options
1) accept the score they give you
2) retake test free of charge

I chose to take my score-but i will mention to the interviewers if they ask about my step 2 - i will show them the letter I received from NBME

 

[drguy22]

I was offered a retake on my test as well . but you have two options
1) accept the score they give you
2) retake test free of charge

I chose to take my score-but i will mention to the interviewers if they ask about my step 2 - i will show them the letter I received from NBME

How and how soon did they notify u? was your score on your letter? My comp was super slow then i was taking it...and made me rush! and freak out at the same time...

 

[flumazenil]

was notified after 2 months by email. They tell you your score on email. Then give you a pdf file telling you your options. 1) retake test free of charge and whatever you get on that test will be final ..even if you failed
2) option 2 ( if you passed) keep this score

 

[Ice dude]

I was offered a retake on my test as well . but you have two options
1) accept the score they give you
2) retake test free of charge

I chose to take my score-but i will mention to the interviewers if they ask about my step 2 - i will show them the letter I received from NBME

What was ur score? but the thing is I am not satisfied with 88, I could have gotten more easily.

 

[flumazenil]

higher than the step 2 ck average and would probably be in the 240's had i had a "working" test..but i am applying for primary care and have gotten many interviews not sure how taking it over would influence anything at this point for me

 

[jayboyadams]

This whole ordeal with the new software sounds ridiculous!! Are a lot of other people having problems like this as well? This is kinda scary that NBME has to resort to offering people "retakes" because of problems with the software. I seriously hope they're fixing this problem. Who would want to retake this test over again? And how much better are you going to do if you retake it? You'd prob get around the same score, give or take.

I just want to take the test ONCE and be done with it. That is unless I do not pass or get a crappy score the first time, then I'd be open to a retake 🙂

 

[Ice dude]

This whole ordeal with the new software sounds ridiculous!! Are a lot of other people having problems like this as well? This is kinda scary that NBME has to resort to offering people "retakes" because of problems with the software. I seriously hope they're fixing this problem. Who would want to retake this test over again? And how much better are you going to do if you retake it? You'd prob get around the same score, give or take.

I just want to take the test ONCE and be done with it. That is unless I do not pass or get a crappy score the first time, then I'd be open to a retake 🙂

Well, 215 I think is crappy and i wasted enough time arguin with the non co-operative prometric staff dat its takin forever to lock an answer n move between screens but the clock is continously ticking, even tried to show him the problem but the dumb ass, didnot understand and i was unable to finish the first two blocks

 

[cpunlamd]

I just took the CK exam today, and guess what? The exam still has glitches. Right before I was going to end the last block, the screen freezes. The technicians at Prometric came in to help and started punching keys. Seconds later it read "SYSTEM SCRIPT ERROR". They then proceeded to manually turn off the computer from the tower. When they restarted the computer, they needed to punch in their security code to get passed the Prometric screen and it automatically went to the "END SESSION" page. I was like, "what the hell!" The only explanation they gave me, was "sometimes the computer glitches, but your exam should be saved". Im going to call NBME tomorrow, and get to the bottom of this. This is rediculous!

 

[Ice dude]

I just took the CK exam today, and guess what? The exam still has glitches. Right before I was going to end the last block, the screen freezes. The technicians at Prometric came in to help and started punching keys. Seconds later it read "SYSTEM SCRIPT ERROR". They then proceeded to manually turn off the computer from the tower. When they restarted the computer, they needed to punch in their security code to get passed the Prometric screen and it automatically went to the "END SESSION" page. I was like, "what the hell!" The only explanation they gave me, was "sometimes the computer glitches, but your exam should be saved". Im going to call NBME tomorrow, and get to the bottom of this. This is rediculous!

I don't get it, what is happening, y so many people are having problems. Now I have decided finally to go for a retake, I hope so i don't have problems again.

 

[PamIsHorny]

I just took the CK exam today, and guess what? The exam still has glitches. Right before I was going to end the last block, the screen freezes. The technicians at Prometric came in to help and started punching keys. Seconds later it read "SYSTEM SCRIPT ERROR". They then proceeded to manually turn off the computer from the tower. When they restarted the computer, they needed to punch in their security code to get passed the Prometric screen and it automatically went to the "END SESSION" page. I was like, "what the hell!" The only explanation they gave me, was "sometimes the computer glitches, but your exam should be saved". Im going to call NBME tomorrow, and get to the bottom of this. This is rediculous!

I actually know two people that had the computer essentially shut off on them. All their answers were, in fact, saved. Both had the computer rebooted and the session restarted mid block right where they left off. The time was correct also. I think you probably are alright.

 

[doc39]

for you guys that were offered a retake due to computer issues...did you originally contact nbme, if so, was it via email and how long did they take to reply.? or did they contact you first...

thanks bunches!
appreciate your answers

 

[cpunlamd]

I had a few other members inquire about my situation through PMs. For those that had similar situations, this is what I did:

I contacted NBME the following business day. It doesnt hurt. Remember that they need to know what happened in the event that your score is affected by the mishap. They will never know unless you open up a case. Opening up a case doesnt necessarily mean you are doing something against NBME. It is to make them aware that an incident had occured and to make sure they have an agent look it over and double check everything is ok. I automatically had an email from them one day later stating that they are having an agent review my case, and that in about 15 days, they will have my score and an answer to whether or not anything needs to be done.

Hope this helps.

 

[drguy22]

i emailed the NBME the next day after taking my test about my comp being super slow. I just called to get a update, and they told me that my score was affected, but they do not have my score yet. So as soon as they get it either today or monday morning...they will notify me regarding my options!

IM PRAYING SOOOO HARD THAT MY SCORE IS HIGH! i cant take this over again!!!!! at what score should i take it over? i got a 230+ on step 1...the rest of my app is pretty good...senior aoa, pubs, good letters, ect ect....applying EM

any advice would be appreciated....

WEll...since that last post....i got another call....235/97... DEAL!

 

[Ice dude]

i emailed the NBME the next day after taking my test about my comp being super slow. I just called to get a update, and they told me that my score was affected, but they do not have my score yet. So as soon as they get it either today or monday morning...they will notify me regarding my options!

IM PRAYING SOOOO HARD THAT MY SCORE IS HIGH! i cant take this over again!!!!! at what score should i take it over? i got a 230+ on step 1...the rest of my app is pretty good...senior aoa, pubs, good letters, ect ect....applying EM

any advice would be appreciated....

WEll...since that last post....i got another call....235/97... DEAL!

well, if it's 225+, don't retake the test.

 

[cpunlamd]

I received an email back from NBME stating that my score shouldnt be affected and that all data were saved. But no mention of my score. Im going to call now a see if I can dig up an answer.