Step 2 Timing and Neuro Interview Invite

[coup de chance]

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I already applied by ERAS and I'm taking my Step 2 at end of September (possibly early October) to make up for my less-than-ideal Step 1. Does this mean that programs are not going to have time to look at my Step 2 ???

I'm guessing that they've long started scheduling interviews by the time that my Step 2 comes back probably end of October.

And I imagine that programs only look at an application 1 time and then throw it out if they don't like.

What do you think ???

 

[IOMDoc]

You should talk to your program director who knows your score and also knows what you are capable of doing outside of a score. You might be a fantastic researcher or have other attributes that make it a win for you to apply now regardless of Step 1. On the other hand maybe it would be better to wait for the Step 2 scores. It is hard to advise you without knowing all your info. Your best bet is to talk to someone who knows you and can advise you properly.

 

[Yoyomama88]

Does anyone know if it is common for Neuro programs to wait for your Step 2 scores before ranking you on the match list?

 

[barrelcortex]

Does anyone know if it is common for Neuro programs to wait for your Step 2 scores before ranking you on the match list?

Here is my 2 cents on this:

They rank you immediately after they see you, usually on the same day. Likely in tiers. This rank is unlikely to change beyond a certain tier. If you do not alert the program to a new Step 2 score, it will never be downloaded and hence never make a difference. If you like a program that much, do a sub-internship, visit again. It may still not change things tho. The committee won't convene a meeting just to re-rank you after getting alerted to your Step 2.

I know it's not great news, but there's several things more important than Step 2 and the score is kinda inflated anyway. Step 1? do you have research papers? posters? clerkship grades? are your recommendations from neurology faculty? are they of any repute? what were you like in person? these things likely all have greater value than step 2.

Rock the exam if your Step 1 is deficient, email programs and confirm they have downloaded it. Sub intern/second look at places you like. Make sure the rest of your application is as good as it can be. That is all.

 

[Yoyomama88]

But this really difficult advice to give bc every neurology program probably has different methods for selecting applicants. Some programs state they dont give an INTERVIEW without a STEP2 score. I think it's just difficult to know how stringent they are with this rule, some even say they will not RANK you period without a Step 2 score.....

 

[mrcmedman]

I know case western won't give interviews without a step 2 score. I think same goes for Cleveland clinic.

While the above two schools may not appeal to you, I think that unless you get at least 235, you should write step 2 if you want to go to a solid reputable program.

 

[Yoyomama88]

232. You're telling me that's not good enough for a top neuro program without a Step 2? According to the averages, I thought I would be OK at most places.

 

[typhoonegator]

232. You're telling me that's not good enough for a top neuro program without a Step 2? According to the averages, I thought I would be OK at most places.

I think you're fine. Just send them the step 2 score when you do take it -- they'll like the validation.

 

[mrcmedman]

232. You're telling me that's not good enough for a top neuro program without a Step 2? According to the averages, I thought I would be OK at most places.

I wouldn't blame you for standing pat. But here's the flip side. Nearly all schools look at your step 2 for their final rank list. If you write it later and get below average on it, that will knock you down further on that list.

So if your application is going to get affected by step 2 at some point in this process, why not take it earlier? You are more likely to do well on it. And by doing it earlier, you can better position yourself to land interviews at those "top" programs.

The reason I say this is because I think there is an increasing emphasis on step 2.

 

[Yoyomama88]

Very good point. What about if I take it right after submitting my application, so at least if I don't do well, it won't hurt my chances of getting an interview at most places. Not sure how many places state they want it before ranking (You say nearly all?).. for the ones that don't at least, in that scenario a bad score wouldn't hurt me.

 

[mrcmedman]

I think immediately right after ERAS submission should be ok. The end of September though is another story......

I think even if you delay it you should be able to get into a solid program. But if you want the very top programs a step 2 available prior to file review would help imo