Step 2CK score & PMR

[Lotuseater]

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How important is the Step 2CK score for getting on program rank order lists? What if the Step 2CK is much lower than Step 1, though still not awful?

I got interviews with a score in the 90's on Step 1, but I feel like my Step 2 score is going to be in the low 80's, anyone else in the same situation as me, or have an opinion as to how this will affect programs ranking me, independently of other factors in my applic?

 

[Rocket1]

minimal to no effect at all

 

[Lotuseater]

woahhhh are u serious? I always heard that Step 2 CK is typically deemed more important than the Step 1 to residencies, because it reflects your ability to handle patients and your clinical knowledge base.

I forgot to mention that I am an IMG, though I'm a US citizen with all USA clinicals & US LORs. I'm sure the fact that I'm an IMG may make a difference as to how important my Step 2 CK score is...?

Thanks for the advice by the way! 🙂 Anyone have any differing opinions?

 

[Shalom77]

I agree that Step 2 scores are important. I can't really answer your question but check out the NRMP Charting Outcomes in the Match:

http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2007.pdf

The best predictor for matching was number of programs ranked, but the second best predictor for 3/4 groups (one of the groups is independent/less competitive specialites) is USMLE 2 scores. Table 3 shows the predictors for the Match in general.

If you go to the PMR section you can see what percentage of independent applicatants with certain ranges of USMLE 1 and 2 scores matched among other info.

The hard thing is that there are of course factors that may make you different than the average independent applicant - but I've found looking at it somewhat helpful to give me a sense of where I might stand.

 

[GQPMR]

I can't speak for what score on Step 2 will make on your chances at a program, but I do know that some residency programs won't even interview you if you haven't taken Step 2 yet.

 

[Gauss]

but I do know that some residency programs won't even interview you if you haven't taken Step 2 yet.

Never heard of that
If you have gotten interviews then your board scores are fine, they are used to screen apps for interviews at most programs. And Step2 scores aren't a dealbreaker if everything else is reasonable