Step 2 Score And The PM&R Match

[Llenroc]

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Did anyone here match without releasing their Step 2 scores?

I'm a U.S. senior and am taking Step 2 soon. I would prefer not release the score, as I don't anticipate a great score. My Step 1 score was around the national mean for U.S. seniors.

 

[GQPMR]

As long as you have enough interviews already and interview well, you should have no problem matching without releasing step 2 scores. I do know that some programs don't offer interviews unless they know you have taken or will be taking Step 2 soon, but that might not be the case for you.

 

[Llenroc]

As long as you have enough interviews already and interview well, you should have no problem matching without releasing step 2 scores. I do know that some programs don't offer interviews unless they know you have taken or will be taking Step 2 soon, but that might not be the case for you.

Beaumont told me they don't interview without seeing Step 2 scores first. But other than that I've gotten enough interviews (8-10). The experience with Beaumont made me wonder if PM&R programs are particularly keen on Step 2.

 

[GQPMR]

As any specialty that is going through its share of increased interest/applications such as our field is now for the past 4-5 years, the likelihood that Step 2 will be used for granting interviews will probably be getting more significant as years continue with this much interest.

There is now a requirement at many institutions that Step 3 be done and passed within the first 2 years of internship/residency otherwise you do not get promoted to your PGY-3 year. With this thought in mind, residency programs may look at an applicant and say if this person hasn't taken Step 2 early in the 4th year and passed or may be borderline for passing it (based on Step 1 scores), he/she may become an issue for Step 3 since they may not get promoted to PGY-3 status and become a problem child for the residency program. Obviously, this is all conjecture and there may not be a reality to this at all, but do not be surprised if it is being implemented as we speak.

 

[Bionic Man]

Good luck with your interview season...

 

[ampaphb]

I hid my Step 2 scores and I got every interview (11) that I applied for. Some asked for it and I gave it to them when they did. The Super Six programs didn't ask for my scores, only the middle tier programs wanted it. None of the Transitional programs asked for it, and only one prelim med program did. They badgered me to post it - upload it on eras (for all to see) and of course I didn't. I just blew them off each time I got an email from them requesting me to upload my scores. I matched into my 3rd choice in the end, and if I had uploaded my step 2 score, I might have matched even lower on my list, and may have not even gotten into my transitional program. In all likelihood, it probably wouldn't have affected my PM&R match but definitely would have affected me getting into a Transitional year program. My step 1 score was golden though, if this makes a difference.

I'm thinking that if one doesn't get an interview, it may be for other reasons besides hiding step 2 scores. Good luck.

Yes, but wasn't your 3rd choice a program that didn't fill? See I'm thinking putting a program with a malignant reputation high on your rank order list might be a reason why you matched there, but hey, then again, what do I know?

In the end, programs will find out about your scores, so "ducking" or hiding them will work against you, generally speaking.

 

[Bionic Man]

Good luck with your interview season...

 

[ampaphb]

Yes its true but one of the reasons that it didn't fill is that they were overconfident and ranked too few people to begin with in a large program, and I happened to make the cut, wherever that might have been. By the way, having unfilled positions is common, even in the most sought after programs (for example, MGH had FOUR unfilled spots in anesthesia last year and that's not because its an undesirable program).

I'm glad you are happy with your program, but do't you think every program that doesn't fill feeds both it's residents and subesquent applicants that line? Can you say "spin"? Unless they have shown you the numbers, and document for you that they actually ranked fewer applicants than they did in prior years (and of course, why would they do that, given that yields typically remain constant from year to year, particularly with large programs) then sad to say, you have drunk the NYU Kool-aid

 

[Bionic Man]

Unfortunately, this discussion has gone south. I'm not going to make this a personal issue, I just wanted to help the original poster with his/her question.

Revealing Step 2 scores is a personal choice. It is not required and I felt that since many of my co-applicants did not even take Step 2 at the time, (and matched anyway), I didn't feel that it would be fair to have to disclose my scores. When you apply for a job, you don't list on your resume your 2.0 GPA in college. You list your accomplishments and other positives. Its not lack of integrity, its not lying, its just strategy. The eras application makes an allowance for this fact. My girlfriend (at the time) is one of the hiring human resource managers at one of the Big 4 accounting firms in NYC, and she agrees with me. Its the name of the game. Sure if your potential employer asks for your GPA, then you have to give it. Likewise, if a program is hinging their decision on your Step 2 score, you have to give it.

Yes I'm extremely excited about starting at NYU next year, despite whatever reputation it might have. Happiness in life is all about expectations. Those who do PM&R based on the expectation of it being a 'chill' residency and lifestyle will of course be discouraged by the NYU call schedule, etc. and fear NYU as a malignant program. It probably is one of the hardest PM&R programs in the country and I'm sure I'll have discouraging moments myself, but in the end, NYU is still highly regarded and I'm sure that I'll land a good fellowship and/or job when that time comes.

Happy New Year, and best wishes on the interview trail...

 

[GQPMR]

They badgered me to post it - upload it on eras (for all to see) and of course I didn't. I just blew them off each time I got an email from them requesting me to upload my scores.

Sure if your potential employer asks for your GPA, then you have to give it. Likewise, if a program is hinging their decision on your Step 2 score, you have to give it.

Sorry to bring these points up, but are you saying you should or you shouldn't disclose your scores if the programs ask for them. I don't know but it seems that you aren't practicing what you are preaching.

Anyways, you (applicants) can do whatever you want to do regarding submitting the Step 2 scores, but I am going to tell you a little secret as a person privy to the process of reviewing/interviewing applicants. It is becoming more and more apparent that Step 2 is becoming a key factor in offering interviews, ranking and ultimately matching into programs. If Step 2 is not planned or taken prior to ranklist time, the likelihood that that person will be ranked highly is not very good. Now if you did wonderfully on Step 1 and seemed to do worse on Step 2 (but passed), I do not believe you will have problems matching into a program that you want if you disclose this info. If you did not pass Step 2 and are planning to re-take it, I can understand your not wanting to reveal that for fear of not being ranked highly. Just remember our field is not all about grades and board scores, we do look at personality and demeanor as well. If you are hiding something it will become apparent and without you knowing may be used against you. Just be honest whatever the situation.

 

[Bionic Man]

I did practice what I preach. I guess I wasn't clear in my situation. I gave the aforementioned prelim med program my score report when they asked for it. The difference is that in addition to this, they wanted me to upload my scores on eras for every program to see. That's when I drew the line. They kept badgering me ever other day to upload the scores even after I told them that it would be inappropriate, because they already had my scores. After awhile it became badgering and I simply did not reply to further emails from them.

It is now more apparent from the above posts that Step 2 is becoming more important, perhaps more so than last year. Like I said its an individual choice. Several of my classmates and friends from other medical schools did not post their scores and matched into their top choices. It depends on how good the rest of your application is. For me, having matched in an undesirable program apparently prevents me from giving application advice, and I understand this. I hope that in the future I can become more useful in other ways.

All I wanted to do was to earnestly help the new applicants, and I was met by sarcastic, inappropriate, and hostile remarks, and things taken out of context. There could have been more cordial, positive, and productive ways to respond to posts. Anyways, have a happy new year and good luck with the rest of the interview season.

 

[ampaphb]

For me, having matched in an undesirable program apparently prevents me from giving application advice, and I understand this.

Not at all the case - merely pointed out that, while you suggested that you matched at the third program on your ROL, many applicants might not have placed NYU as high , or even on their ROL at all. Thus even though this was a successful strategy for you, it might not be the route others would wish to pursue, given a different set of circumstances.

 

[Llenroc]

Well, I'm going to try my best to keep from releasing my Step 2 scores, because I don't think I did that well on it.

 

[GQPMR]

I did practice what I preach. I guess I wasn't clear in my situation. I gave the aforementioned prelim med program my score report when they asked for it. The difference is that in addition to this, they wanted me to upload my scores on eras for every program to see. That's when I drew the line. They kept badgering me ever other day to upload the scores even after I told them that it would be inappropriate, because they already had my scores. After awhile it became badgering and I simply did not reply to further emails from them.

Thanks for clarifying your situation. I was just trying to piece things together given that the original posts were deleted/changed. As long as you are happy where you matched and will finish your training that is all that really matters.

Every person's situation is different, just try to make the best decision you can at that time and then be able to live with any consequences should it not work in your favor. The match process is quite a humbling experience and do not underestimate its ability to break you.

 

[agdoc04]

During my interviews, I have been asked several times if I took Step 2 and what my score was. (They had not downloaded an updated application)
Duing several interviews my Step 2 score was brought up and it seemed to be a very positive that it was taken and that I did very well.

as far as releasing your score, it seems like my step 2 score has been asked about or commented on in every interview so far aside from maybe 3 of them. It has to be meaning something

 

[savealife]

My step 2 score is posted on ERAS and has been since before any of my interviews started. I did very well, and it hasn't been brought up once other than a superficial "You did very well on your boards" type of comment here and there, so take that for what it's worth (probably not much. 🙂).