Step 2 CK in late October - Hurt my chances at matching?

[J ROD]

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With the way programs are wanting Step 2 CK earlier now, if I take my Step 2 CK and do not have my score back until around late Nov/first Dec how bad will this affect me getting interviews, etc.

I mean my score would be back before programs ranked.

Average app. nothing special. Step 1 is average and grades are mostly at the B range. US MD.....looking at Psychiatry.

I cant really take it any earlier due to medical leave I took and it put me behind but I am still on track to graduate on time and have not failed anything, etc. I am afraid to try and take it in Sept with only a few weeks to study. I know I need a better score on Step 2 CK and I feel I will not be prepared.

Appreciate any thoughts as to what I should do or if I am still okay...........

 

[gutonc]

So if you can't take it any earlier what does it matter what we think?

Psych is amazingly non-competitive for an average AMG applicant so I can't imagine it will make a huge difference in getting interviews, and most programs that ask for it only want it before ranking, not as a part of the interview process decision. This advice would be different for integrated PRS, Rad Onc or Derm but for Psych (or IM, Peds, Path, Rads, etc, etc, etc) just do whatever.

 

[J ROD]

I could take it about 4 weeks sooner but with less study time. And risk not doing well. And I think I need and can get an above average Step 2 CK with some time to study and review.

Thanks for the input.

 

[22031 Alum]

The effect on your getting interviews should be tiny. If you had needed a couple of attempts to pass Step 1, or had failed a year, that would be different.

 

[Mass Effect]

I could take it about 4 weeks sooner but with less study time. And risk not doing well. And I think I need and can get an above average Step 2 CK with some time to study and review.

Thanks for the input.

I actually have current information specific to your situation since I matched psych last year and met several on the interview trail who were you in your position. The good news is, I met them on the interview trail, which means they were getting interviews. The bad news is, some of them (I think only 2) specifically said that they felt they didn't get as many interviews as they could have since they took Step 2 so late and scores weren't back yet (one of these said that in December, so later than your situation). In one instance, I was about to go into an office for an interview with the PD and the PD came out of the office to catch up with the candidate before me and I overheard them in the hall. The PD asked if his Step 2 scores would be back before ranking. The candidate said yes and the PD specifically said that if it's not, he won't be ranked.

So bottom line is, it shouldn't hurt you too bad for interviews, but it isn't ideal. In my opinion, if you need to wait until October to be better prepared, it's worth it. You will likely still get interviews at some top-notch places because it's psych and you're an AMG. You will almost certainly match as long as scores are back before ranking.

 

[Bean_Bunny]

The bad news is, some of them (I think only 2) specifically said that they felt they didn't get as many interviews as they could have since they took Step 2 so late and scores weren't back yet (one of these said that in December, so later than your situation)..

Just because they felt that way doesn't make it true. It is impossible to say you would have had X interviews if you took step 2 earlier. You are correct that it is imperative to have for ranking as programs may not rank you without it. IMO the earlier, the better when getting your exams done so as to not have any potential issues.

 

[Mass Effect]

Just because they felt that way doesn't make it true. It is impossible to say you would have had X interviews if you took step 2 earlier. You are correct that it is imperative to have for ranking as programs may not rank you without it. IMO the earlier, the better when getting your exams done so as to not have any potential issues.

What are you trying to argue here? The OP asked a question. I'm telling him what others have been through/said. The people who said they felt they could have gotten more interviews if they had Step 2 scores are going by THEIR experience and while it doesn't make it true, it also doesn't make it untrue. That's like saying "just because someone said they felt that if they had gotten a passing score on Step 1 the first time, they would have more interviews" and someone replying "just because you feel that way doesn't make it true." No, it doesn't make it an absolute truth, but I think we can all agree it probably is true. It is a fact that the more information programs have about you, the better your chances of snagging an interview and that's the bottom line. The earlier you take Step 2, the better.

 

[Bean_Bunny]

What are you trying to argue here? The OP asked a question. I'm telling him what others have been through/said. The people who said they felt they could have gotten more interviews if they had Step 2 scores are going by THEIR experience and while it doesn't make it true, it also doesn't make it untrue. That's like saying "just because someone said they felt that if they had gotten a passing score on Step 1 the first time, they would have more interviews" and someone replying "just because you feel that way doesn't make it true." No, it doesn't make it an absolute truth, but I think we can all agree it probably is true. It is a fact that the more information programs have about you, the better your chances of snagging an interview and that's the bottom line. The earlier you take Step 2, the better.

Yikes! Not trying to argue anything here. I agreed with you- the earlier the better, but I know plenty of people who didn't take it before interview invites went out and they were also fine. It's all conjecture..just making sure that's clear to the OP.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Agree with the above.

Psych is relatively less competitive than some other fields. The top programs still get their pick of the litter, and for those programs not having a step 2 at the time of interview offers might be a problem. But, if your application isn't top notch you're probably not applying to those programs anyway, so no real harm. Some programs will want to see Step 2 before offering an interview, and for those programs you might be passed over, or you might get a late offer with limited interview dates.

All that said, a later but god score is >>>> an earlier but bad score. With a poor score, all programs will see it and it will affect your interview offers AND your ranking.

 

[J ROD]

Thanks all! I scheduled it for 10/23. After talking to my top 3 programs going in, they said it would not stop them from offering an interview. Just need to have passed both Steps 2 by ranking time.

I will apply to about 5-10 more programs overall that are middle range to cover myself.