Step 2 - how long can I wait?

[Idiopathic]

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Realistically, especially since the COMLEX is so crazy with scores (June test takers still dont have them) with the switch to CBT. Will waiting until mid-January make it more difficult for me to match, assuming Step I score is high enough?

 

[vecuronium]

Realistically, especially since the COMLEX is so crazy with scores (June test takers still dont have them) with the switch to CBT. Will waiting until mid-January make it more difficult for me to match, assuming Step I score is high enough?

Man with your score of 258 I wouldn't touch step 2 with a 10 foot pole. Relax...you'll be fine.

 

[Idiopathic]

But will I need it to be ranked, is my question. If I wait till mid-January (ideal), then I likely wont have scores back in time for ROL. Will a program rank you without a passing Step II score?

 

[aredoubleyou]

you DO NOT need step 2 to be ranked, just to have passed b4 internship

 

[dancelover]

I have no idea which programs this applies to (or which specialty for that matter), but our dean's office gave us a lecture on the importance of having your Step 2 score availble prior to the rank list being made. They told us that "some" programs are not ranking students unless they have a passing Step 2 score reported, lest they end up with PGY1s that haven't passed it. Maybe it's just a scare tactic to get us take it earlier. I don't think there is anyway to know for sure, other than contact each program directly and ask.

 

[vecuronium]

all right let's use common sense here. the man (or woman) scored 258 on Step 1. i would wager my life that he will pass Step 2. i'm sure there won't be a pd out there unreasonable enough to not rank you, idio, simply because you haven't taken step 2.

also, if you took it mid jan, with the 4 week turnaround, you'll have your score by rank time anyway.

i roomed with 3 senior last year and none of them took step 2 til mid feb. they all matched at the first choice. so don't sweat it.

 

[Sugar72]

all right let's use common sense here. the man (or woman) scored 258 on Step 1. i would wager my life that he will pass Step 2. i'm sure there won't be a pd out there unreasonable enough to not rank you, idio, simply because you haven't taken step 2.

also, if you took it mid jan, with the 4 week turnaround, you'll have your score by rank time anyway.

i roomed with 3 senior last year and none of them took step 2 til mid feb. they all matched at the first choice. so don't sweat it.

I got an email from VCU that said I needed to pass USMLE step 2 before they would rank me. I didn't know if everyone needs to pass step 2 or if they want the DO's to take the USMLE. Since I am completely obsessive compulsive about taking every standardized test I could possible be eligible for - I am already all over it!

 

[VentdependenT]

Don't bother with step II considering that saucey step I score. You are golden.

 

[Idiopathic]

I got an email from VCU that said I needed to pass USMLE step 2 before they would rank me. I didn't know if everyone needs to pass step 2 or if they want the DO's to take the USMLE. Since I am completely obsessive compulsive about taking every standardized test I could possible be eligible for - I am already all over it!

Well, that doesnt make sense. USMLE step II wont get us licensure (for DO's) so why would you have to take it? As for the score turnaround time, with the new CBT, scores are taking 10+ weeks already, with some of the first test-takers (in June) not receiving their score yet. I could take it in mid-December and not have it until April.

I think Ill take it January 11. Ive talked to two departments who said it wouldnt be a problem, so unless I find out something different by Monday...