So When exactly should one take Step 2CK????

[Bendbiker]

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When should one take step 2CK? Do you just take it during a chill rotation or something?😕

I am an American going to a Canadian school, so nobody around me really knows. Is there a strategy to when is best to take it? You basically have to have your scores in to NRMP for a certain point in the match? 😕

need advice
Bendbiker😀

I've looked on the net and this forum, but don't find a good answer. I did pretty good on step 1 (1SD above mean) so I'm guessing later is better???

 

[turkeyjerky]

Most people at my school take 2 or 3 weeks off to study for it. Usually in the summer, fall or winter of 4th year. Only a few programs, that I know of, require you to have passed step 2 in order for them to rank you (this is obviously specialty specific). Most people tend to say that if you've done well on Step 1, then to take step 2 later. (Keep in mind you can always choose to not release your score if you take it late enough that you receive your score after you finalize your eras application.) On the other hand, following up a good step 1 w/ a good step 2 score probably cements your application as pretty strong.

 

[Guillemot]

I did well on step 1, but Im thinking that I will want to take step 2 at a time where it counts.

I think I can do well on step 2. I have to take it sometime. Why not have it help me?

Thats what Im thinking right now at least.

 

[KSDeacon]

this is something that i have been wondering about as well. I had always planned on taking the month of July to study and sit for CK and CS. However, I've heard similar things listed above, in that if you did well on step 1 that it might be advantageous to do it later. My question is, how late would be too late?

 

[FutureInternist]

this is something that i have been wondering about as well. I had always planned on taking the month of July to study and sit for CK and CS. However, I've heard similar things listed above, in that if you did well on step 1 that it might be advantageous to do it later. My question is, how late would be too late?

I think I have written this exact same answer about 5 times but here goes.
Some programs will not interview you unless you have passed Step 2 (UT-SA)
Some programs will interview but not rank (UT-Galveston)
Others don't care (UT-Houston, Texas Tech)
Research your top 10 schools and see what their individual policy is. Sitting in on the rank meetings etc it seems most PDs want a "sure bet" i.e. someone who passed their boards vs someone who did really well on step 1 but has yet to take step 2, since as unlikely as it is, they may still fail & then the program has to scramble to either find another intern or put that person in an elective rotation/vacation.

Bottom line - Take it as soon as you are ready

 

[DrUKDO]

I took mine in May at the end of 3rd year. It feels so nice to have it done going into 4th year, and gives you some confidence going out there for interviews. The programs like it because it is less of a liability for them. I would recommend to have your score back before you interview at your #1.

 

[SlaveOfTCMC]

I figure the sooner the better. You can get it out of your hair and hopefully can strengthen you for away rotations and residency


well.... for internal medicine, peds and OBGYN anyway

 

[MilkmanAl]

Most people at UAMS take the first month of 4th year (July) off to study for CK. I guess that's a good approach for a lot of people, but if you're going into anything not covered during M3 and need some rec letters from your specialty, taking that first month off is difficult to justify. As noted, a lot of programs won't interview/rank you without Step 2 at least taken, so it'd be wise to get it out of the way as soon as you can. I took it in late September and have had no problems, for whatever that's worth.

 

[badasshairday]

As I understand for IMGs/FMGs, you should have your Step 2 scores available around the time you submit your ERAS application.

 

[Bendbiker]

As I understand for IMGs/FMGs, you should have your Step 2 scores available around the time you submit your ERAS application.

Seriously? Man im having a hard time sifting through the NRMP and ERAS websites for important dates. I thought that as an american at a Canadian school i waz considered basically as an internal (US) grad in the main match and didn't need like a ridiculously high step 1 score like a FMG???

Any advice/clarifications?
Thanks for all the input so far. Our advisors at my school know nothing about the US match!😱

 

[Bendbiker]

I think I have written this exact same answer about 5 times but here goes.
Some programs will not interview you unless you have passed Step 2 (UT-SA)
Some programs will interview but not rank (UT-Galveston)
Others don't care (UT-Houston, Texas Tech)
Research your top 10 schools and see what their individual policy is. Sitting in on the rank meetings etc it seems most PDs want a "sure bet" i.e. someone who passed their boards vs someone who did really well on step 1 but has yet to take step 2, since as unlikely as it is, they may still fail & then the program has to scramble to either find another intern or put that person in an elective rotation/vacation.

Bottom line - Take it as soon as you are ready

Thanks for your reply!! Would i find this deadlibe information on FREIDA, the school websites or what?

Thanks again

 

[badasshairday]

Seriously? Man im having a hard time sifting through the NRMP and ERAS websites for important dates. I thought that as an american at a Canadian school i waz considered basically as an internal (US) grad in the main match and didn't need like a ridiculously high step 1 score like a FMG???

:

lol. sorry. I think I read Canadian as Carib.

As for Canadian graduates, I am not too sure where they lie. I think it is what you said, that you would be considered as an internal (US) grad. Not sure though.

 

[FutureInternist]

Thanks for your reply!! Would i find this deadlibe information on FREIDA, the school websites or what?

Thanks again

I emailed/called each program