Step 2 before M3?

[taXi]

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Am I crazy to even be contemplating taking step 2 CK before returning to med school (I'm a 4th year in a consistantly 7 year program)? Does getting through M3 help a lot with the exam or would it be feasible to study on my own and take the exam while still in grad school? It seems like it would be nice to have the exam over with before even starting rotations--or it may be a downright stupid move. Thoughts on this matter are much appreciated.

 

[Neuronix]

IMO, it would be kind of a silly move as long as your Step I score is good. I don't plan on taking Step II until after the match.

If your Step I score is marginal and you're hoping to improve on it and have a lot of time now to prepare, I'm not sure why this would be a bad idea. Other opinions? This might be a good topic for the general residency issues forum. I say that but please don't cross-post. If you want me to move this thread over there after some time let me know.

 

[xanthines]

I've given this a lot of thought as well, especially since I signed up for that experimental Step 2 field trial! 🙂

I think that Step2 dates depend on a few factors. The major one is probably Step1 scores. I've heard over and over again (both on SDN and in real life) that that if your Step1 is good you shouldn't chance things by taking Step2 early. Also, some residency programs and fields don't rank unless you have Step 2 scores, so that's also a consideration. Thirdly, my clinical years friends has told me that Step2 is a lot easier because a lot of the answers seem "obvious" after going through clerkships. They say they don't always know why something is right, but they know what to choose based on real life experience.

Me? If I do well or Ok on the field trial, I might go ahead and study up now to take it kind of early. Not sure, though.

-X

 

[taXi]

IMO, it would be kind of a silly move

It is hard to disagree with this being a "silly" move. My sole motivation would be to get it out of the way. I'm the type to walk into an exam and take it as fast as possible and then never look back. I imagine it would feel great to go through M3 without any worry of step 2, but I can see how clinical experience will make some of the questions seem obvious.

Thank you both for the replies.