Step 2 CK and CS before ranking?

[ytramcire]

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I'm a US senior applying for family medicine and several of the programs I'm applying to "require" or "strongly suggest" completing Step 2 CK and CS early enough so that they can have the results before they submit their rank list. I've done CK but would rather not take CS until the spring, which would be too late to meet the requirement. Do you all think this is a strict requirement or could I get away with it?
Thanks!

 

[cabinbuilder]

They suggest this so if by chance you fail the CS portion (many people do) you will not be postponed in starting your residency since you cannot start until you passed. This happened to our residency last year and it was a real pain as the chief to try to put together call schedules with two residents starting one rotation and three rotations later, respectively. Very difficult to get upper residents to do extra call to teach that late. It just makes it hard for everyone involved. Take it early, its better in the long run.

 

[andwhat]

They suggest this so if by chance you fail the CS portion (many people do) you will not be postponed in starting your residency since you cannot start until you passed. This happened to our residency last year and it was a real pain as the chief to try to put together call schedules with two residents starting one rotation and three rotations later, respectively. Very difficult to get upper residents to do extra call to teach that late. It just makes it hard for everyone involved. Take it early, its better in the long run.

CS fail rate is very, very low

http://www.usmle.org/Scores_Transcripts/performance/2008.html

 

[cabinbuilder]

CS fail rate is very, very low

http://www.usmle.org/Scores_Transcripts/performance/2008.html

This may be true for the allopathic side of things. On the osteopathic side I know of 5 people personally who failed the CS. It really throws a wrench into things when people are trying to start residency.

 

[MeowMix]

Take it and get it over with. It is one more small thing in your favor.

The reason to do it early is that, if something horrible happens and you fail, you may not be able to start residency. Do not do this to yourself. Also, the further along you get in fourth year, the harder it is to be motivated.

You can easily pick up a last-minute CS slot, fly wherever and get the thing done.

 

[andwhat]

This may be true for the allopathic side of things. On the osteopathic side I know of 5 people personally who failed the CS. It really throws a wrench into things when people are trying to start residency.

sorry to hear that. Wonder if there is any justification in it.