Step 2 Timing

[j fizz]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi, I'm a MS4 wondering when to take Step 2 CK. I think that my application is fairly strong. I did well on Step 1.

I'd like to take Step 2 late, like in February, so I don't have to worry about it for a while. Is this a problem for gas residencies?

 

[lvspro]

Hi
Step 2 timing is a tricky thing. Here is the advice I received on a similar q from posters on this board.
Timing of step 2 is an issue that depends on the overall strength of the applicant. Other factors to consider.
1. Step 1 score
2. 3rd yr rotation evals/scores
3. Gas rotation scores
4. US vs IMG
5. Personality
6. Inter-personal skills
7. Publications ?
8. Connections in the department (HUGE!!!)
If you're a cool cat that did well on S1, 3rd yr rotations, did well on a gas rotation, and are a US student, then chances are pretty good you can take S2 that late and still get a strong residency. I've seen different admission comittee scoring sytems, and S2 places around 3rd place on a list of importance. Btw, these sytems were posted on this board somewhere. On the flipside, if you feel you may be an otherwise "weak" applicant, then a strong S2 can go a long way in the admission eval.
I am also in the application process, and the glaring hole in my app is my IMG status. My other fields are pretty strong, but I don't want to take any chances so I am gonna drop bombs on S2 in september. I have heard from a few people, including a university based PD and my own advisor, that I won't have any problems securing a spot. They say that although I am an IMG, which unfortunately is a red flag at many programs, my 3/4 yr grades and S1 score will open the door, and my people skills will walk me thru it during the interview. I think it may help that I am a US-born IMG with no communication barriers. Even with all of this, I wanna take S2 in order to try my luck at a few top-notch programs.
Hope this helps
Peace
Lo

 

[PassinGas]

US student with good step 1 and strong application otherwise, then it doesn't matter when you take step 2 (except for the few programs that require it). Also, you could always take it shortly after you submit ERAS and your step 1 scores to the various programs you are applying to for residency. Don't check the auto release of step 2 on ERAS. That way you will find out your score on step 2 and be able to choose whether or not you want to resubmit your USMLE transcript so that the programs will get your step 2 score. You could submit your score if it is even better than step 1 or simply keep it to yourself if it is worse. Win-win for you.

Also, and trust me on this one--you will likely be much happier if you take step 1 sooner rather than later. Come January your desire to sit for step 2 will fall off quickly, and you will probably wish you had taken it sooner.

 

[j fizz]

Thanks to you both for replying. lvspro that's very helpful. It sounds like you've got it figured out.

Passin, I was wondering about Step 2 requirements. Do you mean it's required at some schools for acceptance, or prior to entering a program? Any way to find out which are the few programs that require it? I tried looking on Freida but got no info there.

As for your advice, your picture of flagging motivation is well painted. However, I don't have any free time until Feb. I'll be taking some time off of my scheduled rotations for interviews, and then Jan-Feb I have a busy Med rotation. I feel like I'd rather let it hang over my head for a while as long as I can focus on it for a week or two and THEN just take care of it. I think I can muster the motivation with the white envelope looming... I just want to make sure I don't screw myself by waiting.

 

[PassinGas]

There aren't many programs that "require" step 2 for the match. In fact, when searching programs to apply to last year, I only found one, Virginia Commonwealth, which stated on their website that "USLME Step 2 ck exam and/or COMLEX 2 ce exam by January 31st - or applicant will not be considered on the NRMP Rank List."

My best advice would be to look up each of your programs' website once you have decided where you want to apply. The individual programs will likely list their applicant criteria so that you will know exactly what is expected to apply. For the vast majority of programs, step 2 is not required, so I wouldn't worry too much. I didn't take step 2 early either; I just didn't want you to be surprised if you were applying to a program like VCU.