Step 2 Requirements for Interview?

[drg123]

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I'm applying for PM&R this cycle and I've run into a few programs on where it suggests that Step 2 CK/CS are required before interviews will be given out to an applicant (on their sites or FREIDA). I'm confused by this because the advice I've gotten from my advisors has been that Step 2CK needs to be taken and passed before ranking but not necessarily interviews. In my case, my Step 1 is strong (>260), so my strategy was to take 2CK later so that if I get a lower score, it's not a liability.

Can anyone clarify? Some particular programs I've seen are Pitt's and Wash U where Step 2 is mentioned but it's not clear about the timing.

 

[RangerBob]

I applied to programs where they had an explicit Step 1 cutoff that I did not quite meet, yet was still granted an interview.

I cannot imagine any program not offering an interview to an applicant with a 260 Step 1 (assuming no huge red flags). That’s an off-the-charts score for PM&R. If you don’t get an interview from a program, I would be doubtful it would be due to not having yet taken step 2.

That’s my opinion at least.

 

[j4pac]

I'm applying for PM&R this cycle and I've run into a few programs on where it suggests that Step 2 CK/CS are required before interviews will be given out to an applicant (on their sites or FREIDA). I'm confused by this because the advice I've gotten from my advisors has been that Step 2CK needs to be taken and passed before ranking but not necessarily interviews. In my case, my Step 1 is strong (>260), so my strategy was to take 2CK later so that if I get a lower score, it's not a liability.

Can anyone clarify? Some particular programs I've seen are Pitt's and Wash U where Step 2 is mentioned but it's not clear about the timing.

With a >260 USMLE...prove that you aren’t a psychopath on your interviews and stamp your ticket to a top PM&R program.

 

[drg123]

Thanks for the reassurance @j4pac and @RangerBob. I honestly wasn't sure if Step 2 was a firm requirement for interview consideration. Sounds like probably not. I was thinking I may have shut the door on some quality programs. I wouldn't be surprised though if in future years, Step 2 is a non-negotiable.

 

[bear2020]

If you're an IMG/FMG many places will not consider you for an interview until scores are uploaded. If you're an American graduation you should be fine. Just make sure you pass before you start.