Question about Step 2 and ranking

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keeping-it-real

keeping-it-real

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Let's say your Step 1 score was excellent. The rest of your application is mediocre. When you interviewed, things seemed to go well.

Then let's say that hypothetically you get your Step 2 score back and it is average/slightly below average.

What are the implications of this on ranking? Can this significantly drop an applicant who is already ranked?

And as far as releasing scores, I've heard that regardless of if you release, the program can see that you've taken it and it's been completed. Any suggestions on what to do as far as releasing or not releasing?

Any help is appreciated,
-kir
 
I had a 97th %ile Step I and a 92nd %ile Step II and I had to scramble


I don't know why I love to skew these threads and make the students nervous
 
you're cool
 
keeping-it-real said:
between 205 and 215
Click to expand...

If a drop from >225, I'd wonder why. Is this a candidate who's good in didactics but not organized? Is he able to multitask and see through the trees to the forest? I'd probably look carefully at his SLORs and think about it.

If he didn't provide the MLE CK, I'd have exactly the same reaction while wondering if he had failed. I'd probably do exactly the same things. On balance, I suspect it would be slightly in his favor to provide me the scores.

If he had actually failed or been right above passing, I'd say the reverse. Which is why I asked the question.

Cheers, BKN
 
Just as a quick word of advice for future applicants, which I know doesn't help you in your situation: Don't take Step 2 early if you rocked Step 1. You have nothing to gain and can only hurt yourself. When I was applying there really weren't any programs that I know of that batted an eye at applicants who hadn't taken Step 2 as long as their Step 1 was solid.
 
So what score are we considering "rocked" step 1 to take step 2 later?
 
only catch is that some em programs require step ii for ranking. didn't know that until i was out on the trail and basically was told "we can't rank you without it". i had even asked if programs required step ii and my advisors said "no". so i had to study for step ii while interviewing. not so fun. just a heads up. also had a good step i score but that didn't seem to matter. it was a pure policy to ensure that none of the matched applicants could fail stepp ii which would delay their start dates for residency.
 
cardyjones said:
only catch is that some em programs require step ii for ranking. didn't know that until i was out on the trail and basically was told "we can't rank you without it". i had even asked if programs required step ii and my advisors said "no". so i had to study for step ii while interviewing. not so fun. just a heads up. also had a good step i score but that didn't seem to matter. it was a pure policy to ensure that none of the matched applicants could fail stepp ii which would delay their start dates for residency.
Click to expand...

That's interesting. I wonder if that's either 1) a regional or 2) recent development. 3 years ago interviewing in the South I can assure you this was not an issue. As for rocking Step 1 everyone may have a different number in mind, but I'd defnitely say anything over 240 does not require an early Step 2.
 
cardyjones said:
only catch is that some em programs require step ii for ranking. didn't know that until i was out on the trail and basically was told "we can't rank you without it". i had even asked if programs required step ii and my advisors said "no". so i had to study for step ii while interviewing. not so fun. just a heads up. also had a good step i score but that didn't seem to matter. it was a pure policy to ensure that none of the matched applicants could fail stepp ii which would delay their start dates for residency.
Click to expand...

which programs? i've never heard of this...
 
thanks for the heads up, i just hope none of my programs do this, b/c i'm taking step 2 in mid-late dec
 
EM Junkie said:
2 years ago when I interviewed it was LSU-Shreveport and Tx Tech - El Paso (but they backed off mid-season).

I can assure you it does happen though....
Click to expand...

Yeah, we did. I wanted the CS as well. In fact the reaction to that little faux pas is what got me on SDN in the first place. So not a completely bad thing, since I've gotten hours of fun out of it.

Today, I'd still like to have the CK and CS, but I'll accept a good SLOR as equivalent. Refer back to my last post in this thread to see my attitude for those missing the CK. I suspect most other PDs feel the same. But I don't know of anybody requiring it now.
 
So I have a slightly different but similar question. I have spent my fall on 3 externships and honestly, I am a little burnt out and just want to go home...🙁
I have not had time to sit for CK or CS. I just want to take them and pass. As in 200 is fine by me....As an aside rant, what the hell do these tests matter for anyway..no one has ever asked me what my SAT or MCAT scores were in years.

1: Will this hurt me if I decide to apply for competitive fellowships? ....I can't see how.

2: What date should I take CK so that A: If asked on the interview trail I can say "oh yeah I am scheduled to take it soon" and B: It's late enough that it doesn't factor into my ranking.

Background: My step one and letters are very strong.
 
EdEmEr said:
So I have a slightly different but similar question. I have spent my fall on 3 externships and honestly, I am a little burnt out and just want to go home...🙁
I have not had time to sit for CK or CS. I just want to take them and pass. As in 200 is fine by me....As an aside rant, what the hell do these tests matter for anyway..no one has ever asked me what my SAT or MCAT scores were in years.

1: Will this hurt me if I decide to apply for competitive fellowships? ....I can't see how.

2: What date should I take CK so that A: If asked on the interview trail I can say "oh yeah I am scheduled to take it soon" and B: It's late enough that it doesn't factor into my ranking.

Background: My step one and letters are very strong.
Click to expand...

Make sure you take CS ASAP - the scores take a while to get back.
 
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