Step 2 CS and Pre-Match

[sirvandy]

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Does anyone know the latest possible date one should have taken the Step 2 CS by in order to qualify for a Pre-Match spot? And I'm talking about the regular-Match specialties like IM, Psych, EM, Rads, Surgery, etc., not things like the San Francisco match (i.e., ophthalmology). Thanks!

 

[kemper6036]

why not ask the program that you are hoping to pre match into?

 

[sirvandy]

why not ask the program that you are hoping to pre match into?

I don't have any specific program in mind yet. I just mean generally, when do programs who do pre-matches like/require to have the student they're considering for pre-match to have completed the CS by. Ideally, I would like to pre-match, and so I am willing to take the CS earlier than I had originally planned. I was going to take it in late December, but now I'm thinking I should take it in late October/early November at the latest in order to be eligible for a pre-match somewhere, should I be so lucky as to have a program be that interested in me.

 

[Labslave]

I don't have any specific program in mind yet. I just mean generally, when do programs who do pre-matches like/require to have the student they're considering for pre-match to have completed the CS by. Ideally, I would like to pre-match, and so I am willing to take the CS earlier than I had originally planned. I was going to take it in late December, but now I'm thinking I should take it in late October/early November at the latest in order to be eligible for a pre-match somewhere, should I be so lucky as to have a program be that interested in me.

If I were you, I'd get it out of the way ASAP. It decreases your stress for the rest of 4th year, gives you time to retake it in the (rare) event that you fail, and I think it would definitely help you out with the situation you've outlined above (programs will know you already have this box checked).

Additionally, you'll only need to study for a few dedicated days before taking it, so it's not like you're going to have to sacrifice anything in your schedule. I honestly don't see the benefit of pushing it off until later - even if you find out it's not going to help you get a pre-match, I'd still take it ASAP.

 

[kemper6036]

If I were you, I'd get it out of the way ASAP. It decreases your stress for the rest of 4th year, gives you time to retake it in the (rare) event that you fail, and I think it would definitely help you out with the situation you've outlined above (programs will know you already have this box checked).

Additionally, you'll only need to study for a few dedicated days before taking it, so it's not like you're going to have to sacrifice anything in your schedule. I honestly don't see the benefit of pushing it off until later - even if you find out it's not going to help you get a pre-match, I'd still take it ASAP.

true...its a nice weight to have lifted