Residency/Step 2 Advice

[maranatha]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi,

I could really use some advice on when to take Step 2...I'm a 3rd year who will apply for next year's match. My dilemma is that I passed Step 1 with a score of 202 (on 1st attempt) that I feel does not reflect my abilities. However, I have always struggled with standardized exams and I'm not sure I could do much better on Step 2, although I'm confident I can pass on my first attempt. I have also been struggling with my shelf exams and have unfortunately only received "Pass" scores in my clerkships despite very high marks from the attendings (my school places a heavy emphasis on the shelfs). The good news is that I got "Honors" in psychiatry both in the 3rd year clerkship and in my 2nd year course. I have also had 2 leadership positions in 2 psych clubs as well as participated in neuro research between 1st and 2nd year. I will also spend two months next year on psych research.

My question is when should I take Step 2 if I'm not sure I can improve on this score? Is it better to wait until after I interview?

I would really appreciate some advice...Thanks!!!!

 

[Poety]

I'm sure you're fine - I'm a terrible standardized test taker too - and it wasn't until the end of med school that I started understanding how to study for these exams (I went to a blue book college - no mc exams at all)

I would say just get great LoR and do your sub-I electives in psych, and blow them away! In psych its most important to be smart, understanding, and patient - you don't have to have a 250 to get in to a nice residency.

Take your step 2 before interviews, and also your CS since this may be a requirement for interview invites.

To improve scores - I stopped thinking so much and went with my gut and started to trust my gut - my last exam was neuro and I did better than most of the class on instinct and not letting myself get so anxious. I prepared using review books instead of just questions which taught me nothing for the steps.

I hope this helps a little bit. Good luck - I'm sure you'll do great!

 

[jschwartz]

Hi,

I could really use some advice on when to take Step 2...I'm a 3rd year who will apply for next year's match. My dilemma is that I passed Step 1 with a score of 202 (on 1st attempt) that I feel does not reflect my abilities. However, I have always struggled with standardized exams and I'm not sure I could do much better on Step 2, although I'm confident I can pass on my first attempt. I have also been struggling with my shelf exams and have unfortunately only received "Pass" scores in my clerkships despite very high marks from the attendings (my school places a heavy emphasis on the shelfs). The good news is that I got "Honors" in psychiatry both in the 3rd year clerkship and in my 2nd year course. I have also had 2 leadership positions in 2 psych clubs as well as participated in neuro research between 1st and 2nd year. I will also spend two months next year on psych research.

My question is when should I take Step 2 if I'm not sure I can improve on this score? Is it better to wait until after I interview?

I would really appreciate some advice...Thanks!!!!

take the boards soon as you're done with core clerkships (for the purposes of the boards, that's as smart as you'll ever get).
you always have the option of withhalding your scores on the application if you think it'll hurt you. good luck!