Step 2...when?

[DJ W.R.]

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This has probably been discussed multiple times but I had issues with the search function: I have a reasonable step 1 score (230s), good 3rd year core rotation grades, 2 pending pubs (both in onc), and hopefully some decent LORs...would it be reasonable to put off taking step 2 until after december? I have some fairly difficult rotations coming up (sub-I, ICU, neurosurg) and I don't want to assume that I'll have time to study. Although I'll most likely be fine if I take it in the next couple of months, I'm a bit paranoid about the possibility of not scoring too well. I'm sure programs would like to have step 2 scores...how much would it hurt to not have mine in come match day?

 

[COhiker]

I had not taken step 2 prior to applying or interviewing and it never once came up. be confident that it is a non-issue.

(my own sense is that programs would like to think that they don't put too much emphasis on test scores so for them to start questioning you on your step 2 results would be an admission that they don't look at the "whole applicant")

 

[Thaiger75]

Don't worry about Step 2. For one, your Step 1 score is fine and programs really don't care about Step 2.

 

[DJ W.R.]

Thanks for your input...one less thing to stress about I guess.

 

[COhiker]

stress about step 2 for two weeks, in february

 

[Casey]

My school requires that Step 2 be taken by December 31. I am very happy with my Step 1 score, and don't feel like putting a lot of effort into Step 2. Right now, I am scheduled to take the test Nov. 30 so that it doesn't interfere with interviews. Is it ok to just not release your step 2 score through ERAS automatically...or will this send up red flags?

Thanks,
Casey

 

[RadOncMan]

Would not send scores automatically. If it's good then release. If it's bad or just avg, then don't release. Most programs don't care very much about board scores anyway. Rad Onc isn't that closely related to medicine that Board Scores will be predictive of future success in the field. The only utility I see in Board Scores is for initial screening purposes for non MD/PhD types. If you are non-MD/PhD, you really need something to make you stand out from the rest of the crowd - be it 260 Board Scores or being Steve Leibel's son or having an incredible Rad Onc rotation where you charm the heck out of everyone while being sincere and genuine. If you are MD/PhD (WITH seminal pubs in NEJM/Nature or have something else that makes you stand out), even sub 200 Step 1 scores can get you interviews at the top programs, such as Harvard, MD Anderson, MSKCC.

 

[stephew]

i wouldnt say the step 2 is a non issue but in most cases its not probably gonig to be a break issue. The point that "something else" will help you if you have weak numbers is true.

 

[aspergillus]

i'm also looking for advice on step 2 timing. i know the issue has been discussed, but i'm wondering about my circumstance since i'm not too clear on what constitutes a "good score" to get past that cutoff for interviews. my program director seems to hint that scores not between 250-260 aren't good enough so i'm very paranoid.

i got low 230s on step 1. i was planning on taking step 2 next week so that the score would appear on my apps...but in all likelihood, i will probably score about the same (or slightly lower) b/c i have not had too much time to study. i was considering to move it to end of sept so that i can prepare a bit better but i'm not sure if the scores will have any value at that point since they won't be in until the end of oct. is it better to move my exam and try to score higher or to bite the bullet and risk doing about the same or a few points lower? anyone have any advice, please?

 

[Thaiger75]

I scored in the low 220's on step 1 and low 230's on step 2 and I matched. Again, as has been hashed out numerous times on this board, there is no "good score" cut off, and I don't know what the rest of your qualifications are. But I suppose that 230's is an average score for rad onc applicants across the board. And of the programs that I know of that does use a cut-off (which there aren't many of), I haven't heard of anything higher than a 230-240 cut off. I don't agree with what your PD says about needing to have at least 250-260. In my opinion, if the rest of your application is solid, 230's is enough.

i'm also looking for advice on step 2 timing. i know the issue has been discussed, but i'm wondering about my circumstance since i'm not too clear on what constitutes a "good score" to get past that cutoff for interviews. my program director seems to hint that scores not between 250-260 aren't good enough so i'm very paranoid.

i got low 230s on step 1. i was planning on taking step 2 next week so that the score would appear on my apps...but in all likelihood, i will probably score about the same (or slightly lower) b/c i have not had too much time to study. i was considering to move it to end of sept so that i can prepare a bit better but i'm not sure if the scores will have any value at that point since they won't be in until the end of oct. is it better to move my exam and try to score higher or to bite the bullet and risk doing about the same or a few points lower? anyone have any advice, please?

 

[user_name]

I have posted this elsewhere I believe, but will rehash it for potential benefits to others. I had a good score in 250 range and was told by other students, assistant deans, and a program director that I had nothing to gain by taking Step 2 early. I decided to take it in December while I had time off and would be sitting in airports bored and could study. I ended up going up double digits. I did not automatically release the score. I wished then that I had taken it earlier because I am certain I would have known more basic clinical knowledge closer to my clerkships. I didn't even study that hard, just lots of practice questions.
If you really fear going lower, don't take it early. I would recommend taking it early enough that if you do get a better score, you can send it to programs before rank list. I faxed a copy to everywhere I interviewed prior to rank entry. I chose to fax it so that someone had to actually look at it. I was afraid if I released it through ERAS it would never be downloaded since it was Jan or Feb by this time. I do think the score helped me match where I did because this PD liked to have the scores before rank but didn't care for interviews.
FYI, the chair at one place I went showed me their sheet from interview day. It had a table for ranking certain qualities of every interviewee with a number. This place actually required you send an undergrad transcript; I was surprised to see a blank for undergrad performance. There was also a blank for Step 2, which I did not have at the time! I don't know if they had a number that was a cutoff to make the ranklist or if it was just an aide in making a more objective opinion. They are likely not the only program that would use such a guide when, as stated multiple places on this forum, everyone is stellar. A consistent or improved performance on Steps might put you in a better position during rank list time.

 

[deleted4401]

I think there was one place that wanted the Step 2 before they'd interview, and I believe that was the program in Norfolk, VA ... Other than that, I don't think it matters. My dean said not releasing was a sort of red-flag ... I don't know how it works - do the programs know you are not releasing, or do they just see a blank? If they see "WITHHELD", I can't believe that looks okay, know what I mean?

In my limited application experience, I think rad-onc looks at board scores as a threshold ... i.e., if they have a cut-off of 230, then 231 and 255 aren't that different. It possibly matters for tie-breakers. If you don't meet the threshold/cut-off, I don't think that leaves you out. Because the research requirement is so important, you can get a look, even if your scores are below the threshold. But, by virtue of the applicants, there are places that probably have an average of 245 Step 1 sitting in the waiting room on interview day.

When I p&m'd in my earlier post, I didn't mean to say this process is unfair. It's pretty darn meritocratic, compared to derm. If you got all the goods, they'll give you an interview and a position. It's like trying to make the major leagues ... they don't turn down talent, but they might miss heart.

I can't believe I'm doing this all over again! During internship, no less ...

Simul