Step 2 CK score

[Fasiculata]

I just got my Step 2 score back (257) and I scored somewhat lower than I did on Step 1 (264). I'm not sure how much difference this will make in the eyes of programs. Will this cause them to rank me lower now than they had originally been planning? Obviously it depends how other applicants did in relation to me, but let's assume I'm applying to very competitive programs. I'm still releasing my score, of course, since there are plenty of programs that won't rank me without it. I guess there isn't much I can do about it now. I was just wondering what kind of affect it will have.

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[ResidentMD]

I just got my Step 2 score back (257) and I scored somewhat lower than I did on Step 1 (264). I'm not sure how much difference this will make in the eyes of programs. Will this cause them to rank me lower now than they had originally been planning? Obviously it depends how other applicants did in relation to me, but let's assume I'm applying to very competitive programs. I'm still releasing my score, of course, since there are plenty of programs that won't rank me without it. I guess there isn't much I can do about it now. I was just wondering what kind of affect it will have.

I think you would need to do a second look STAT at all programs that you are planning to rank. Also have your advisor, program director and chairman at your home institution call ALL those programs STAT and request them to overlook this HUGE stigmata on your application, to convince the PDs at the other end that the rest of your application and your candidacy is strong enough (honestly - they may not believe it now that they see this score) to overcome this anguish of a 7 point drop in your score that has unfortunately reached you (your letter writers won't carry much weight in this misery that has befallen you) - also tell them to tell the PDs at the other end (who may not know), that a score of 257 is still nearly 2 standard deviations above the mean score for the USMLEs; so the PDs should not write you off just because of this and drop you down their ROL ASAP, especially as they thought the other part of your application was good enough to invite you in the first place; its just not fair.

 

[Scaredshizzles]

I just got my Step 2 score back (257) and I scored somewhat lower than I did on Step 1 (264). I'm not sure how much difference this will make in the eyes of programs. Will this cause them to rank me lower now than they had originally been planning? Obviously it depends how other applicants did in relation to me, but let's assume I'm applying to very competitive programs. I'm still releasing my score, of course, since there are plenty of programs that won't rank me without it. I guess there isn't much I can do about it now. I was just wondering what kind of affect it will have.

Probably very little effect whatsoever. It is not a drop off that will jump out at anyone, it is a very impressive score....You've already interviewed, they have probably already made an impression of you, and whatever that impression was, won't change based on the 257 on step 2. In fact I can see it kind of being a formality at this point, where the secretary just checks and sees that you passed step 2 through ERAS, and checks a box near your name. Maybe if you scored 40 points lower, the secretary/coordinator might pass that info on specifically to the committee.

 

[jiy76]

I just got my Step 2 score back (257) and I scored somewhat lower than I did on Step 1 (264). I'm not sure how much difference this will make in the eyes of programs. Will this cause them to rank me lower now than they had originally been planning? Obviously it depends how other applicants did in relation to me, but let's assume I'm applying to very competitive programs. I'm still releasing my score, of course, since there are plenty of programs that won't rank me without it. I guess there isn't much I can do about it now. I was just wondering what kind of affect it will have.

Withdraw from the match.If you think that score is gonna hurt you your too stupid to be someone's doctor.

 

[Moonglow]

The OP's feels that the Step 2 should score be higher than the Step 1 score. The reality is that these scores, 264 and 257, are high enough and so close that it's not going to make any difference - a 264 Step 1 and a 237 Step 2 might be something to consider, but not 264 and 257.

 

[Frugal Traveler]

Please post issues related to Step 2 in the Step 2 forum or general match forum.

Seriously, this is a NON-ISSUE. You did an outstanding job on both Steps!

 

[w a n g]

I really think the drop in score represents a lack of dedication towards medicine and you should probably apply to a different specialty at this point.

 

[Aciphex]

Is step 2 CK even required for ranking? The only schools I thought that was needed pre-rank is UCSF and Yale. All others say its only needed before the start of intern year. I received a ~270 step I so I thought it would not even matter. Oh well if it does.... can't do anything about it now.

 

[Frugal Traveler]

Is step 2 CK even required for ranking? The only schools I thought that was needed pre-rank is UCSF and Yale. All others say its only needed before the start of intern year. I received a ~270 step I so I thought it would not even matter. Oh well if it does.... can't do anything about it now.

It will not affect ranking at most programs... only programs that specified that they wanted it beforehand.

 

[Aciphex]

It will not affect ranking at most programs... only programs that specified that they wanted it beforehand.

Anyone know which ones off hand? - thanks

 

[Frugal Traveler]

Anyone know which ones off hand? - thanks

UCSF will give you a waiver for Step 2CS this year (not sure about Step 2CK). Ask.

I never figured out the real story about what Yale required despite searching their website several times.

 

[toods]

UCSF will give you a waiver for Step 2CS this year (not sure about Step 2CK). Ask.

I never figured out the real story about what Yale required despite searching their website several times.

Yale sent out an email specifically addressing this issue. They say that ideally they would like to have the scores before Feb 20th but they realize it's not possible with everyone's schedule. Hence, Step 2 CK/CS scores are now "recommended" instead of required.

 

[RonBurgandy]

Hidden in Yale's website is a comment that says that they require Step 2 CK before ranking. A lot of people I met on the trail never saw this. They did send out an ERAs message later this year saying it was no longer necessary.

 

[Sol Invictus]

Guys, I'm better than you. Wait... I'm WAY better than you. Will it hurt my match?

 

[njshibby]

think the man's worried about percentile differences being larger than points as well. both above the point of diminishing returns. sleep well.

 

[Fasiculata]

Um, thanks?
I didn't get interviews at several places to help put things into context.

 

[jiy76]

Um, thanks?
I didn't get interviews at several places to help put things into context.

That puts nothing in context. Which places didn't you get interviews at? MGH? Are you for real or is this an attempt to aggravate people?

 

[tarlovcyst]

Let me clear this up.

At the top IM programs, which I am familiar with, Step 2 CK is always a necessity. I didn't say required or recommended. Programs can say what they want in a nice way on a website, but the selection committee doesn't know this.

Having Step 2 CK and CS scores when it is time to rank the list a final time is absolutely critical. It can hurt or help the applicant. Applicants who do not have their step 2 scores in yet are at a disadvantage.

If two applicants had 230 on step 1 or within 10 points of each other, I would take the one who had a solid step 2 score, compared to the one who did not take it yet. Please don't ask me why, because that is a long explanation. I have seen applicants with 260+ on step 1, and then score less than 200 on step 2. Having a step 2 score helps the applicant get their foot further in the door, but it needs to be a decent score... for me, >200 is fine, though most CK scores I've seen are above 240.

 

[Aciphex]

Let me clear this up.

At the top IM programs, which I am familiar with, Step 2 CK is always a necessity. I didn't say required or recommended. Programs can say what they want in a nice way on a website, but the selection committee doesn't know this.

Having Step 2 CK and CS scores when it is time to rank the list a final time is absolutely critical. It can hurt or help the applicant. Applicants who do not have their step 2 scores in yet are at a disadvantage.

If two applicants had 230 on step 1 or within 10 points of each other, I would take the one who had a solid step 2 score, compared to the one who did not take it yet. Please don't ask me why, because that is a long explanation. I have seen applicants with 260+ on step 1, and then score less than 200 on step 2. Having a step 2 score helps the applicant get their foot further in the door, but it needs to be a decent score... for me, >200 is fine, though most CK scores I've seen are above 240.

I don't understand how you were a student 2 months ago waiting for your CS on here and now you are a former PD with inside knowledge?

 

[Jukebox]

I don't understand how you were a student 2 months ago waiting for your CS on here and now you are a former PD with inside knowledge?

Been wondering that myself for over a month now whenever I read his posts. Maybe the stress of the match made him crack under the pressure and become schizophrenic.

 

[Frugal Traveler]

I don't understand how you were a student 2 months ago waiting for your CS on here and now you are a former PD with inside knowledge?

LOL... it's a new Meg Ryan movie... "You got nailed."

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=685454

 

[houstoncfh]

he's probably still a junior in undergrad, prepping for the mcat

 

[Scaredshizzles]

he's probably still a junior in undergrad, prepping for the mcat

Then props to him, he'll sure be ahead of the curve on knowing how the residency application process works 4 years down the line...assuming he doesn't get a 23 on his MCATs.

 

[EaglesPA]

I don't understand how you were a student 2 months ago waiting for your CS on here and now you are a former PD with inside knowledge?

Simple answer guys. His/Her daughter is the 4th year med student who logged into his account by mistake. S(he) is an attending at a top 5 hospital.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Quick question... is CS actually necessary before ROL are due?

I have taken CK and did well but took CS in Jan. So I wont be getting results back until I actually find out where I matched... Clearly I am starting to worry about it.

 

[Frugal Traveler]

Quick question... is CS actually necessary before ROL are due?

I have taken CK and did well but took CS in Jan. So I wont be getting results back until I actually find out where I matched... Clearly I am starting to worry about it.

A few programs required Step 2CS, but for the majority, you do not need it before the ROL deadline.

 

[Scaredshizzles]

A few programs required Step 2CS, but for the majority, you do not need it before the ROL deadline.

I'm not sure anymore, tarlovcyst made it sound like it is pretty important.

 

[Phineus]

Quick question... is CS actually necessary before ROL are due?

I have taken CK and did well but took CS in Jan. So I wont be getting results back until I actually find out where I matched... Clearly I am starting to worry about it.

As per Attending tarlovcyst's advice- drop out of the match this year and take Step 2 CK/CS before the next year's interview season begins.

In all seriousness, Step 2 CK/CS results are not required before the ROL deadline by an overwhelming majority of IM programs (esp. the popular ones discussed here e.g. BWH, JHU, MGH etc) with the only two requiring these scores being UCSF and Yale.

Personally, I was NEVER asked when I was going to take Step 2 CK/CS. This further reinforces my opinion that it is NOT a deal-breaker. Also, many kids from the early match specialties matched at top schools without these Step 2 test scores (at least at my home institute).

 

[Instatewaiter]

As per Attending tarlovcyst's advice- drop out of the match this year and take Step 2 CK/CS before the next year's interview season begins.

In all seriousness, Step 2 CK/CS results are not required before the ROL deadline by an overwhelming majority of IM programs (esp. the popular ones discussed here e.g. BWH, JHU, MGH etc) with the only two requiring these scores being UCSF and Yale.

Personally, I was NEVER asked when I was going to take Step 2 CK/CS. This further reinforces my opinion that it is NOT a deal-breaker. Also, many kids from the early match specialties matched at top schools without these Step 2 test scores (at least at my home institute).

In terms of Yale they no longer "require" it. They sent out an e-mail this year about the change in policy.

I also was never asked when I was going to take CS (had already taken CK). I figured it was on my application, if it was really a problem, why would they have offered me an interview? But now, when I am looking for anything to worry about, I started to wonder...

 

[chubbykid]

Oh boy. I just received my step 2 score and it went down from 219 on step 1 to 201 on step 2. I'm an IMG applying to IM, but now I really don't know what's going to happen. I've gotten 2 invites and several rejections. How do I explain this bad score on the interviews? Any advice or predictions would be appreciated.