step 2 ck scheduling date

[dorian24]

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Was hoping for some advice.

Step 1: 256
Shelf exams: > 90% on all so far

I have IM as my last rotation, which I have heard is similar to step 2 ck. How much time should I take to study for step 2 ck? I am thinking about taking a very light rotation for one block (~ 1 month in length) to spend time studying for CK. Is this overkill? Any thoughts welcome.

 

[afib123]

Depends on what speciality you are going into. If you are going into a competitive speciality (derm ortho etc), you should probably study pretty hard so your score doesn't drop compared to step 1. Or just hold off till close to eras date and submit step 2 scores after submitting eras (if you end up doing well).

If you are going into IM (not sure about other specialities), I heard they like seeing step 2 but that would also depend on what programs you are aiming for. competitive programs = have to do well relative to step 1.

I guess, take some practice tests and take a call on how much you need to study depending on your match goals.

I would not think 1 month study with a light rotation would be an overkill. Our school gives 4 complete weeks off for step 2 (of course up to you if you want to use it).

 

[MSTPlease]

With those scores, Step 2 can pretty much only hurt you. I think the above post is pretty good advice. I think you need to tell us what specialty you are considering and when you are planning on taking it for the most accurate advice.

 

[dorian24]

With those scores, Step 2 can pretty much only hurt you. I think the above post is pretty good advice. I think you need to tell us what specialty you are considering and when you are planning on taking it for the most accurate advice.

Likely some combination of psych or psych + IM/peds/FM

 

[bobjonesbob]

Was hoping for some advice.

Step 1: 256
Shelf exams: > 90% on all so far

I have IM as my last rotation, which I have heard is similar to step 2 ck. How much time should I take to study for step 2 ck? I am thinking about taking a very light rotation for one block (~ 1 month in length) to spend time studying for CK. Is this overkill? Any thoughts welcome.

You should go ahead and take it shortly after IM. >90 on the shelf is 99th percentile for most subjects. You should have no problem scoring >260.

 

[MSTPlease]

You should go ahead and take it shortly after IM. >90 on the shelf is 99th percentile for most subjects. You should have no problem scoring >260.

At what point does the ~20 point bump drop off? I would think 256/260 would actually be worse than 256/not taken yet.

 

[bobjonesbob]

At what point does the ~20 point bump drop off? I would think 256/260 would actually be worse than 256/not taken yet.

It's about 10 not 20 and it doesn't really seem like people analyze the scores that closely. Most expect to see an increase but I don't think any PD is going to care if your 256 is 92nd percentile Step 1 vs 260 86th percentile Step 2.