Optimal time to take Step II when applying to competitive residencies

[mddo82]

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I am currently completing my third year rotations and would appreciate some advice regarding scheduling step II. Presently most interested in radiology or a competitive IM residency. So my questions are...

1. Is there an optimal time of year to take step II? I'm very happy with my step I scores and fear my step II scores could only hurt my application. However, its my present assumption that the more competitive programs like to see step II scores as well.

2. My present resources are planned to be Boards and Wards; Secrets; USMLEWorld; and Case Files/Undergroung Vignettes. Anyone have anything that they are using or have used that should be added to this list?

Thanks for any advice in advance! Good luck to you all!

 

[lankysudanese]

However, its my present assumption that the more competitive programs like to see step II scores as well.!

I am not sure that ur assumption is true. If you are happy with your Step I score and do not need to improve upon it on Step II to make yourself a better applicant on paper, then you should take Step II when it is most convenient for you. If you end up scoring much higher on Step II, then you can always decide to disclose this info with the programs. If you are not too excited with your score, then you will not lose out on anything because most programs make decisions without having Step II scores for all their applicants.

The most important thing for you to do right now is to secure high grades in your basic clerkships (which will affect AOA, dean's letter, and are important for the match) and start working on getting LORs. These aspects of your application are much more important than ur step II score (regardless of what you get).

Good Luck

 

[Pewl]

I am not sure that ur assumption is true. If you are happy with your Step I score and do not need to improve upon it on Step II to make yourself a better applicant on paper, then you should take Step II when it is most convenient for you. If you end up scoring much higher on Step II, then you can always decide to disclose this info with the programs. If you are not too excited with your score, then you will not lose out on anything because most programs make decisions without having Step II scores for all their applicants.

The most important thing for you to do right now is to secure high grades in your basic clerkships (which will affect AOA, dean's letter, and are important for the match) and start working on getting LORs. These aspects of your application are much more important than ur step II score (regardless of what you get).

Good Luck

I have spoken to a number of program directors in the competitive specialty that I am interested in. The general consensus is that they do not look very much at letters of rec or grades outside of their particular field. I even heard one program director say that he doesn't even pay much attention to the dean's letter because the dean is simply a "cheerleader for all his students." This makes me believe that doing well in the rotation that you're interested in and getting good letters of rec for the specialty that you're interested in are the most important things.

 

[cgk]

I have spoken to a number of program directors in the competitive specialty that I am interested in. The general consensus is that they do not look very much at letters of rec or grades outside of their particular field. I even heard one program director say that he doesn't even pay much attention to the dean's letter because the dean is simply a "cheerleader for all his students." This makes me believe that doing well in the rotation that you're interested in and getting good letters of rec for the specialty that you're interested in are the most important things.

I'm a MS3 hoping to ultimately match into RAD/ONC. By any chance is that the residency that you are referring to? I hope so because even thought I got a 265 on step 1, I am finding it very difficult to honor my clinicals ( I've completed Peds and am presently doing surgery) It's all so random. Too many moving parts that make up your final grade.