PLEASE... I REALLY Need Advice

[MandaGoose]

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Hi all,
I am a 4th year and about to start my applications for EM residency.

here is the deal...I FAILED Step I by 3 points..Re-took the exam and made a 201...still not that great. I do not do well on exams, never did (not even on the MCAT)
BUT the EM advisor told me to go for it, said that since I am from a good school, my chances are a bit better/
Anyway, I just finished up 3rd year and now I have 2 1/2 weeks to study for Step II (take it Aug 27th)..then I do my first EM rotation at my school in Sept.

My question is, should I put off Step II till after EM rotation so that I will have more clinical experience and have more time to study??? I learn better hands on..and Im terrified about taking Step II because I need to rock it!! But the EM rotation also requires a presentation and a test, but I also feel like I will overall be more prepaired and confident at the end of doing the rotation.

I really need some sound advice on this..my Step II scores are on the line..as well as my chances of even getting into residency in EM..

oh, and 1st and 2nd years..all passes, one honors...3rd year.. I passed surgery, high passed in everything else but Peds, which I honored in..I have honored in all my clinical scores, but of course, I do TERRIBLE on tests, thus bringing me down to pass and high pass.


Please give any advice..I know I am reaching to even get into EM with failing step I, but I know that this is what I want to do.


Thanks
MandaGoose

 

[normalforce]

Mandagoose,

Postpone it till after your EM Clerkship. I have talked to numerous people who tell me EM really helps solidify the info. Also, you can study now and when you are on the rotation as it is not too overly labor intensive (such as surg and ob).

Good luck.

Normalforce

 

[Renovar]

The post above is right. EM solidifies step 2 info in that it will get you thinking on your toes and come up with the next step in management, which are similar to the questions asked on step 2. Furthermore, surgery stuff on step 2 are usually EM/trauma and management related so you may have a leg up on that aspect of the test after you do your EM.