Seeking advise: step2 vs. research

[DOapplicant]

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June looks to be a very light month for me. (July I start my first 4th year elective)

I'm trying to decide if next month I should study and take step2 or work on a research project at a program I'd be interested in going to.

My step1 was ok, but nothing earth-shattering - 238/96.
I think I can do well on step2, but there are never any guarantees.

I have one ophtho pub and one poster (plus some medicine stuff).
Since the furthest I'd get with an additional project by the time of interviews is a submitted manuspript, I was thinking of the project more of as an opportunity to introduce myself to a program I'm interested in.

Anyone have any advise they'd be willing to offer of which would better increases my chances of matching? Thanks🙂

 

[turkdlit]

June looks to be a very light month for me. (July I start my first 4th year elective)

I'm trying to decide if next month I should study and take step2 or work on a research project at a program I'd be interested in going to.

My step1 was ok, but nothing earth-shattering - 238/96.
I think I can do well on step2, but there are never any guarantees.

I have one ophtho pub and one poster (plus some medicine stuff).
Since the furthest I'd get with an additional project by the time of interviews is a submitted manuspript, I was thinking of the project more of as an opportunity to introduce myself to a program I'm interested in.

Anyone have any advise they'd be willing to offer of which would better increases my chances of matching? Thanks🙂

Your Step1 score is definately very good...why risk doing worse on Step2 when you really don't need to improve your step1 score? I would think some face time at a program you're interested in would be more useful.

Ophtha residents, what do you think?

 

[exmike]

I'd assume you'd have to do significantly better on step II, like in the 250's to make a tangible difference. After all, if your Step II was in the 240's, all it does is confirm that your step I wasn't a fluke. What are the chances you're do significantly better on step II compared to your very good Step I score? Personally I'd do research. You can always list is as submitted on your application, or you can bring a copy on your interviews.

 

[V05]

I agree with the above- definitely research!