Step 2 CS...advice

[Neigh2008]

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I recently recieved an invitation for an interview on the same day that I am I signed up to take Step 2 CS. I know I was on the waiting list at this particular program, but I would still like to go for the interview. I was scheduled to take CS in Jan and indicated that on my application. As I understand it CS is not required by most schools to match, however would it be an issue if I take the test in April? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[chocomorsel]

Simple, take the CS, and reschedule the interview if possible. You absolutely have to have the CS for graduation and residency, where you absolutely don't have to interview at this program, no matter how much you think you need to. CS spots are hard to come by this close to graduation, scoring takes three solid months, and God forbid you fail, making you have to postpone residency till you can retake it. Good luck.

 

[Neigh2008]

Thank you for the advice. You bring up some valid points. Unfortunately it is not possible to reschedule the interview and the interview is at a program that was high on my list when applying, therefore it is important that I attend the interview if possible. I know there is a small chance that I would fail CS, but I feel that is very unlikely. I guess what I am really wondering is whether or not it would look bad to take the test later that I indicated that I would on my application.

 

[173291]

It probably wouldn't look bad, as most people only care about the written board scores. The real issue is what "choco" brought up. The exam spots are hard to come by and most med schools require you to pass it before u can graduate. Also, do you really want to be worried about studying for a board exam that close to graduation, while the rest of us will be in the caribbean? I probably wouldn't go on the interview. Good luck making a decision.🙂

 

[amyl]

i hate to disagree with everyone but if you really think it is high on your list i would go to the interview -- like top three -- i would go. april is the next available date anywhere? aren't there a few places to take it? maybe you can get in somewhere else? it won't look bad, no one really cares about the cs...but it would suck if it messed with your graduation.

 

[Neigh2008]

Thanks for all the advice! I checked again and there are some spots in March, which would definately be better than April. This is definately a very difficult decision to make, but having several different opinions helps. I will have to sleep on it. Meanwhile, if anyone else has a opinion I would love to hear it. Especially if there is anyone who is in (or has been in) a similar situation. Thanks again!

 

[amyl]

i am taking it in march if that makes you feel any better.

 

[Salt Creep]

I think Amy raises a good point - check out every place you could possibly take it, even if it means having to fly a long way to a different test center. That way you may not have to take it so late, nor sacrifice the interview at the place you'd really like to end up at.

 

[VentdependenT]

Not having the CS completed and passed prior to match will not influence your rank by the program.

Go to the interview.

 

[fakin' the funk]

Not having the CS completed and passed prior to match will not influence your rank by the program.

Go to the interview.

Agree - easy one.

 

[anestheticman]

Question- do the results of Step 2CS come via email or snail mail?

Thanks!

 

[lushmd]

Question- do the results of Step 2CS come via email or snail mail?

Thanks!

e-mail, just like step 2 CK.