Please explain res application w/o Step 2 CK until End of September?

[danli77]

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Hi all,


This question is mainly for those of you who know how PD's (esp. Pathology programs) look at applications with Step 1, Step 2 CS, but NOT Step 2 CK at the time of the application (September 1).

Essentially is it really that bad if the candidate looks good all around including scores, grades, GPA, LORs, research, but doesn't have CK score in hand until end- September?

I am facing a dilemma of taking CK NOW and not doing as well as I want to b/c of lack of time spent studying, or taking it a month later and getting the score I want.

Is it worth rushing just so that I can make it for September 1, when we choose programs that we are applying to, or should I just update my file at end of September?

THANK YOU!😎

 

[TexasPhysician]

If you have a good step 1, I would hold off on step 2 ck. I delayed mine til October, and my step 1 got me an interview at every psych program I applied to. Why risk blowing your chances with a poor step 2, when a good step 1 could already get you an interview?

 

[danli77]

I appreciate your response!
To add to the post above, I am an IMG and the general consensus is that without all 3 scores ready, we would get less interviews...

But yes, I do have above a 95 on step1.

If you have a good step 1, I would hold off on step 2 ck. I delayed mine til October, and my step 1 got me an interview at every psych program I applied to. Why risk blowing your chances with a poor step 2, when a good step 1 could already get you an interview?

 

[username456789]

I appreciate your response!
To add to the post above, I am an IMG and the general consensus is that without all 3 scores ready, we would get less interviews...

But yes, I do have above a 95 on step1.

Just as an FYI/aside, most US applicants/program directors are much less concerned with (or simply don't care about) the 2-digit score, and focus on the 3 digit score.

 

[danli77]

Thanks for the heads up, but it depends on the program. I know diff PDs who look at diff digits, but since the only score they will see from now on is the 3 digit, that doesnt matter, so its just an old habit.

Just as an FYI/aside, most US applicants/program directors are much less concerned with (or simply don't care about) the 2-digit score, and focus on the 3 digit score.

 

[tco]

Thanks for the heads up, but it depends on the program. I know diff PDs who look at diff digits, but since the only score they will see from now on is the 3 digit, that doesnt matter, so its just an old habit.

Yeah...The two digit score is next to worthless.

 

[TexasPhysician]

I appreciate your response!
To add to the post above, I am an IMG and the general consensus is that without all 3 scores ready, we would get less interviews...

But yes, I do have above a 95 on step1.

I didn't realize you are an IMG. If you are aiming for the better path programs, I would consider doing step 2s earlier rather than later.

On your residency applications, just click the box that says you will manually release the scores later. If you score well, release it asap. If you fail, don't release it.

 

[45408]

the better you do on Step 1, the later you should take Step 2, generally speaking