Step 2

[MAVSMANIAC]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Is step 2 required when applying to Ophthalmology?

 

[MAYOphtho]

Is step 2 required when applying to Ophthalmology?

nope...but if your step 1 is lower than you'd like, then you should take it...otherwise dont sweat it

 

[bnoosha]

what would you consider a good enough score for step 1 to be considered competitive?

thx

 

[MAYOphtho]

what would you consider a good enough score for step 1 to be considered competitive?

thx

well the Ophtho average for matched applicants tends to be around 232 +/- 3.

So if you're below average, it could only help to do well on Step 2 to bolster your application. If you did a little above average but really want to bolster your application, it can help...but dont make the mistake of taking Step 2 and then dropping if you have a pretty good score.

Again, competitive for Ophtho (in my opinion) is someone who has a board score around average for matched applicants...competitive for BPEI, Mass Eye and Ear, etc might be a bit different

good luck

 

[iSight]

what would you consider a good enough score for step 1 to be considered competitive?

thx

I'd shoot for 240+ to be honest (that's the score my PD mentioned would be a pretty safe bet on getting in). But remember that your research experience, grades and extracurriculars will factor in too! Good Luck!

 

[minterr]

research, LORs and clinical grades won't make up for a subpar board score. unfortunately, I think most programs have a board score cut off to even consider you for an interview.

 

[MAVSMANIAC]

nope...but if your step 1 is lower than you'd like, then you should take it...otherwise dont sweat it

Does anyone know if EVERY ophtho residency passes on the step 2 score requirement, or should I just call and ask each program that I want to apply to?

 

[JMK2005]

what do you mean "passes on the step 2 score requirement"?

None of the programs require a step 2 score at the time of application, interview, or match.

You will need to eventually pass all three steps before you start.

 

[bnoosha]

Thanks for everyone that replied...luckily it seems that I have an acceptable board score (240)...but I have no optho research (i will have some general research + some undergrad research but nothing special) Also, I go to a school without an optho dept.
I really dont know if should take a year off and do research...or try to get an even higher score on step 2 early on. I want to make myself a more competitive applicant...b/c I would like to move back to california for residency.

Any suggestions


Thanks 🙂

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Thanks for everyone that replied...luckily it seems that I have an acceptable board score (240)...but I have no optho research (i will have some general research + some undergrad research but nothing special) Also, I go to a school without an optho dept.
I really dont know if should take a year off and do research...or try to get an even higher score on step 2 early on. I want to make myself a more competitive applicant...b/c I would like to move back to california for residency.

Any suggestions


Thanks 🙂

Research is KEY esp if you want to land one of the Cali programs. Just glance at the match stats on SDN over the last few years. All the applicants with solid interviews had some sort of research (publication, case report, abstract presentation, etc). Just find something, ANYTHING ophtho related.

I'm not quite sure a higher Step 2 score will make you more marketable. Good luck! 🙂

 

[MAVSMANIAC]

what do you mean "passes on the step 2 score requirement"?

None of the programs require a step 2 score at the time of application, interview, or match.

You will need to eventually pass all three steps before you start.

Thanks, Its good to know that none of the programs require step 2 score at the time of application, interview, or match.
Do you know if at the interview they ask "why didnt you take step 2 yet?" and if so, what should I say?

 

[MAVSMANIAC]

Thanks for everyone that replied...luckily it seems that I have an acceptable board score (240)...but I have no optho research (i will have some general research + some undergrad research but nothing special) Also, I go to a school without an optho dept.
I really dont know if should take a year off and do research...or try to get an even higher score on step 2 early on. I want to make myself a more competitive applicant...b/c I would like to move back to california for residency.

Any suggestions


Thanks 🙂

Does your general research or undergrad research consist of a publication or 2? If so, that should be enough from what I hear, as long as its a 1st, 2nd or 3rd author......and not just shaving a rat.

 

[JMK2005]

Thanks, Its good to know that none of the programs require step 2 score at the time of application, interview, or match.
Do you know if at the interview they ask "why didnt you take step 2 yet?" and if so, what should I say?

They might. It is usually asked when your Step 1 is lower. I doubt anyone would ask with a 240.

 

[minterr]

if your school doesn't have an ophtho dept, do some away rotations at programs, probably in cali since that is where you want to go. try uc-davis - very nice place full of ppl who trained in the midwest. cpmc is known to take a lot of non-californians.

 

[alleyesonme]

Thanks, Its good to know that none of the programs require step 2 score at the time of application, interview, or match.
Do you know if at the interview they ask "why didnt you take step 2 yet?" and if so, what should I say?

If you are really worried about it, take Step 2 the beginning of August. I had a solid step 1, but took step 2, then submitted the score individually to programs.

If asked "why did you not take step 2 yet", which I do not think you will get often, just be honest. Most of us are busy trying to do our ophtho rotations at home and away, do some more research, and get our applications complete, that we do not have time to take step 2.

Don't fret about step 2. Make sure all your other ducks are in a row.

 

[alleyesonme]

Thanks for everyone that replied...luckily it seems that I have an acceptable board score (240)...but I have no optho research (i will have some general research + some undergrad research but nothing special) Also, I go to a school without an optho dept.
I really dont know if should take a year off and do research...or try to get an even higher score on step 2 early on. I want to make myself a more competitive applicant...b/c I would like to move back to california for residency.

Any suggestions


Thanks 🙂

Congrats on your pursuit of ophthalmology and a solid step 1 score. Your question depends on several factors that have been addressed before, i.e. AOA status, clinical grades, LOR (IMPORTANT!!!), research, and your medical school (unfortunately, but true). Remember that California has about 37 spots (UCSF, CPMC, Stanford, UC-Davis, UCLA, USC, Loma Linda, UC-Irvine, UC-SD) and is extremely competitive. Make sure to apply broadly in addition to the Cali programs.

Going to a medical school without an ophtho program can make things a little more challenging. Not sure how your overall medical school is ranked, as this factors into interview chances. As others have said, you should look at doing an away rotation or two. I would recommend one at a top 10 institution working extensively with a big-wig, and another at a program of HIGH interest in California.

Research is a small, but important factor. I do not think that you need to have multiple publications, but you should have something to show for your research and be able to talk about it extensively!

Good luck with your quest, and I hope that all of us on SDN can help shed light on the process!