Step 2 question

[FrickenhugeMD]

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So I have heard over and over that if you didn't exactly rock out step 1, that you should work hard during 3rd year and try to rock out step 2. My question is this; what score exactly would bring an application up?

My step 1 was a 231/99, honors in IM and everything else was a high pass for 3rd year grades. Just looking to match. The "what are my chances thread" is depressing, with people worried about matching with 260+ scores...

 

[2012mdc]

So I have heard over and over that if you didn't exactly rock out step 1, that you should work hard during 3rd year and try to rock out step 2. My question is this; what score exactly would bring an application up?

My step 1 was a 231/99, honors in IM and everything else was a high pass for 3rd year grades. Just looking to match. The "what are my chances thread" is depressing, with people worried about matching with 260+ scores...

I think a 250+ would be ideal. CK is considered to be easier but a 20 pt jump is still significant and would put your CK score above the average for rads.

 

[Adam638]

Still have a > 90% of matching with a 231 according to the 2009 Charting Outcomes. Unless you are confident you can improve your score substantially, I would take a 2nd look at the decision to take it early......If you are set on Duke or JH, then obviously the situation changes. I know plenty of people with Step 1 in the 220's who matched. This forum is often depressing when all you see is Step 1 and 2 scores in the 250-260's. Remember that this is an anonymous forum as well and most likely there is some score inflation. If I were you I wouldn't take Step 2 early. As long as the rest of your app is solid, you are going to probably need to get >250 to get any additional advantage. Just an opinion. Ultimately, do what you feel is right. Good luck.🙂

 

[jahbrony]

So I have heard over and over that if you didn't exactly rock out step 1, that you should work hard during 3rd year and try to rock out step 2. My question is this; what score exactly would bring an application up?

My step 1 was a 231/99, honors in IM and everything else was a high pass for 3rd year grades. Just looking to match. The "what are my chances thread" is depressing, with people worried about matching with 260+ scores...

Most people jump by 15-20points on step2--something like a 250+ would be a nice addition to your cv, but even if you had 230-240 on it, it's not like it's a deal breaker...

For what it's worth, I've talked to three different PDs (2 academic places, 1 community), and the general consensus I received was that anything over 230 on step 1 was competitive, and good enough for interviews at most places....but with the caveat that most places may not grant you an interview due to a variety of reasons (limited spots relative to number of qualified applicants, geography restrictions, lack of perceived 'fit', etc.)

Then after the interview, the rank list comes down to other things (in addition to your grades/scores) like ECs, research, your interview, letters, whether they thought they'd actually want to sit next to you for 8 hours a day, etc.

You'll definitely match, and probably at a very solid program. 👍

 

[FrickenhugeMD]

Update: just got my score back from both step 2's

Step 2 CS: pass
Step 2 CK: 254/99 😀

Would it be worth it to add any higher tier programs? I'm ~ 50 programs at the moment, with the mix being 1/6 higher, 1/2 middle, 1/3 lower. The $25 a piece is tough since I am broke and I haven't even submitted yet....

 

[drizzt3117]

Update: just got my score back from both step 2's

Step 2 CS: pass
Step 2 CK: 254/99 😀

Would it be worth it to add any higher tier programs? I'm ~ 50 programs at the moment, with the mix being 1/6 higher, 1/2 middle, 1/3 lower. The $25 a piece is tough since I am broke and I haven't even submitted yet....

Do you have research? (esp rads) If not, I think your list looks pretty good.