Step 2 CK

[protamine SO4]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Long time onlooker, first time poster. I have seen various threads regarding Step 2 CK scores in relation to Step 1 and have seen multiple different answers. My question relates to a lower Step 2 CK in relation to Step 1 in two different scenarios.

Scenario 1: Step 1: 225, Step 2 CK: 218. Apply to mostly mid-tier programs and a few reach programs.

Scenario 2: Step 1: 253. Step 2 CK: 247. Apply to mostly top 25 programs and mid tier programs.

How do programs analyze these scores? Are the scores statistically different in either scenario?

 

[disorder]

Long time onlooker, first time poster. I have seen various threads regarding Step 2 CK scores in relation to Step 1 and have seen multiple different answers. My question relates to a lower Step 2 CK in relation to Step 1 in two different scenarios.

Scenario 1: Step 1: 225, Step 2 CK: 218. Apply to mostly mid-tier programs and a few reach programs.

Scenario 2: Step 1: 253. Step 2 CK: 247. Apply to mostly top 25 programs and mid tier programs.

How do programs analyze these scores? Are the scores statistically different in either scenario?

Scenario 1. Mid-tier. It's doubtful you will get reaches from top "20" places unless you have other things in your app that make you look stellar.

Scenario 2. Yes.

I believe programs will analyze it this way.

Scenario 1. Sub-par. Sub-par. And they might take a second guess at your lower step 2 score since it's still below average (and at 218, well below average with the new average being closer to 240)

Scenario 2. Great. Great. They won't care that your step 2 score is "worse" than your step 1 score.

 

[HoldTheCoffee]

In both your scenarios, the Step 1 and 2 scores are essentially the same. A few points worse probably won't doom you. At least, that's what I've been told. If you went from a 260 to a 220, that would probably be a problem.

 

[CanIMakeIt]

In both your scenarios, the Step 1 and 2 scores are essentially the same. A few points worse probably won't doom you. At least, that's what I've been told. If you went from a 260 to a 220, that would probably be a problem.

Agreed. Your step 2 is not going to hurt you in either case. No one care re few points here and there.

 

[swamprat]

I'm sure this has been asked before but I know application cycles change and ppl have different view points, currently an MS3 and I'm starting to think about step 2 and just wanted to get an idea from ppl currently in the interview process on the importance of taking step 2 early vs. later when you have a good step 1 score ( >250 ).. do programs know ur working the system or do they just not rank you until they get a step 2 score or whats the deal?

 

[gutonc]

I'm sure this has been asked before but I know application cycles change and ppl have different view points, currently an MS3 and I'm starting to think about step 2 and just wanted to get an idea from ppl currently in the interview process on the importance of taking step 2 early vs. later when you have a good step 1 score ( >250 ).. do programs know ur working the system or do they just not rank you until they get a step 2 score or whats the deal?

Just take it. Some programs will want a Step 2 score to interview you (this is almost universally true if you're an IMG), others want a Step 2 score to rank you (this is becoming more common although I don't think it's a majority yet). The likelihood of you tanking on Step 2 if you did so well on Step 1 is prety low (although obviously not 0).

 

[infarct]

I'm sure this has been asked before but I know application cycles change and ppl have different view points, currently an MS3 and I'm starting to think about step 2 and just wanted to get an idea from ppl currently in the interview process on the importance of taking step 2 early vs. later when you have a good step 1 score ( >250 ).. do programs know ur working the system or do they just not rank you until they get a step 2 score or whats the deal?

study for it and take it...u wont tank👍