Step 2 score and ERAS reporting

[chigirl]

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I just took Step 2 and am about to submit my application. What should I do for the section on USMLE? I am worried that I may not have performed as well as I would have liked. Should I say I'm awaiting the results or that I plan to take it? I've heard that you don't have to mention it on ERAS because most schools don't require it and that way a bad score doesn't affect your application.

 

[Blade28]

Hmmm...tough question. You're afraid to admit that you took it, in case you don't want to release the results?

 

[chigirl]

uhh...pretty much yeah. BTW blade...how is the hospital in Hawaii? Do you feel like you've seen a decent amount of pathology? Are things more laid back?

 

[ortho2003]

Mark that you have taken the exam on ERAS, but do not choose to submit it at this time. If you get your score and do well, you can submit later. That is what I did when I applied. I doubt many people will ask if you have your score if you haven't submitted it, but they may notice if you took it and your score went up. I had a couple comments on my step II score on the interview trail.

 

[InductionAgent]

I agree with Ortho and for another reason:

It's generally not a good idea to lie in on any sort of written and signed application about something that can be uncovered easily. If you say at the time of your submission that you have not yet taken USMLE 2, and then end up submitting scores, all they have to do is check the date when you submitted your application and stated "not yet taken" against the date of your exam which was prior to your submission. You will then have to tell another lie, like "I just forgot to submit the scores," which even if they believe you, makes you look careless.

 

[Blade28]

uhh...pretty much yeah. BTW blade...how is the hospital in Hawaii? Do you feel like you've seen a decent amount of pathology? Are things more laid back?

Which hospital? I did a path elective at Queen's, the largest hospital here.

 

[BellKicker]

I just took Step 2 and am about to submit my application. What should I do for the section on USMLE? I am worried that I may not have performed as well as I would have liked. Should I say I'm awaiting the results or that I plan to take it? I've heard that you don't have to mention it on ERAS because most schools don't require it and that way a bad score doesn't affect your application.

I chose to automatically transmit my usmle transcript. That means the programs may know my step 2 score a few days before me.

Now I'm not sure whether that was a mistake. I already have a bunch of interviews and it seems like releasing the scores could do more harm than good. Too late, though. 🙂

 

[chigirl]

Thanks everyone!

Blade...not actual pathology but the spectrum of cases you saw. For instance, at a large hospital in a metropolitan city you would expect to see everything in Cecil's. Do you feel like you saw a wide variety of different cases?

 

[Blade28]

Things are definitely more laid back...and you know how pathologists are. 🙂

Got to see a good variety of cases...I was only there for 3 weeks, but got to see a fair variety of cancers (thyroid, breast, kidney, GI, etc.), skin lesions, renal slides, blood smears, etc. Lots of FNAs, cores, etc.

 

[Hamlet MD]

Does ERAS charge another $50 for re-submitting your USMLE scores?

Thanks in advance.

 

[spacetygrss]

Does ERAS charge another $50 for re-submitting your USMLE scores?

Thanks in advance.

I just asked that question to the "eras lady" in my dean's office this morning. She said yes.

 

[spacetygrss]

Question:

What is the general opinion on choosing the automatic re-transmission option for Step II scores? We are being encouraged by our Dean's office to choose that option, but I'm a little skeptical (ANYONE can have a bad day and bomb the test).

Input would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[ortho2003]

I just asked that question to the "eras lady" in my dean's office this morning. She said yes.

The lady is wrong. I submitted my original application Sept 1 with the option to resubmit my scores later. When I got my scores in Oct, I resubmitted them at no cost. Every program gets a message from eras when your info is updated so they can download the latest.

 

[spacetygrss]

The lady is wrong. I submitted my original application Sept 1 with the option to resubmit my scores later. When I got my scores in Oct, I resubmitted them at no cost. Every program gets a message from eras when your info is updated so they can download the latest.

Well, that's good to know. Thanks.

So, would you recommend the re-transmission route overall?

Thanks.

 

[chigirl]

Ok I figured it out. There's no additional fee for resubmission. You can choose to send your Step 1 but not your Step 2 if you opt not to automatically resubmit. I chose not to because i can always resubmit it later if my score is good but also happen to "forget" to resubmit it if its not.

 

[ortho2003]

Well, that's good to know. Thanks.

So, would you recommend the re-transmission route overall?

Thanks.

that is how I did it and I have no regrets.

 

[Peeshee]

When do you think is a good time to take Step 2 CK for residency applications? I want to take it when I am ready, so I dont want to rush it. Does it look bad if when you send in your apps. that you dont have your step 2 ck score yet? If the step 1 score was not that good, do you think it would be better to have step 2 results in time for apps.?
I'm confused as to whether it's impt. to have the scores ready for apps. or for the interviews. Most interviews start in November,right?
If anyone could give me some advice,I'd appreciate it!

 

[argh]

When do you think is a good time to take Step 2 CK for residency applications? I want to take it when I am ready, so I dont want to rush it. Does it look bad if when you send in your apps. that you dont have your step 2 ck score yet? If the step 1 score was not that good, do you think it would be better to have step 2 results in time for apps.?
I'm confused as to whether it's impt. to have the scores ready for apps. or for the interviews. Most interviews start in November,right?
If anyone could give me some advice,I'd appreciate it!

it all depends on your satisfaction with your step 1 score and your confidence in matching or bettering it on step 2. if you bombed step 1, you should probably take step 2 relatively early and study your a$$ off. if you think you did alright (that is, well enough to get the interviews you want) and are trying to match or beat your step 1 by a bit on step 2, my advice is to take step 2 about 2-6 weeks before your first interviews (which usually start just after thanksgiving for regular match) so that you have the ability to say you don't have your scores yet with a straight face. that gives you the option of riding through the season without revealing your score if you want, or letting everyone and their mother know. if you killed step 1, I wouldn't bother until like february or something.