Step 2CK

[hydrogen1]

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Currently finishing up third year and preparing to take step 2 CK. Did okay on step 1 but would like to make up some ground on step 2 if possible. My final rotations are family medicine, then off for 4 weeks for CK studying, then 4 weeks of psychiatry. Many of my classmates are taking CK at the end of this 4 week time period off for CK studying. I would like to study during this 4 week time period and then take CK after psychiatry because I have found that my performance in this specialty is lacking without me having done the rotation.

My question is does it matter when I take step2 CK in proximity to the 4 week time period that I have taken off to study for Step 2 CK. Will it look negatively if I dont write the exam during that time. Or is it acceptable for me to take the 4 weeks for CK studying, then do my psychiatry clerkship (effectively my last rotation with step 2 CK relevance) and then sit for step 2 CK? Not sure if it matters or not but I would like to wait until after psychiatry.


Thanks!!

Hydrogen1

 

[hydrogen1]

Any advice?

 

[Raryn]

Doesn't matter. Doubt anyone pays attention to what time you take it, just as long as you get your score back relatively early enough. Applications come out Sept 15, you probably want your score back by early Oct if you are depending on it to make up for a so-so step 1.

 

[operaman]

I would probably just take it at the end of your 4 week period unless your performance is psych is the singular element dragging your score down. Don't underestimate how hard it is to motivate yourself to study for this thing, and it only gets harder as you get more accustomed to the MS4 lifestyle.

Psych is arguably the easiest of all the CK subjects because it is so finite. Take one week or your study time and bang out PreTest and Lange Q&A for psych -- that's about 1100 questions - and you'll be totally set. You'll notice that all the psych review books are tiny - this is not by accident! Personally, I think you are more likely to forget other info than gain much from your actual psych clerkship.

If I had it to do over again, I would take CK asap after third year. I delayed until November-ish because my Step 1 was really good and I didn't want to risk a lower CK, but my ultimate score was 10-15pts lower than my NBME immediately after 3rd year.

If I were so, I would:

1) Sign up for a CK date at the end of your 4 week block
2) One week prior, take a fresh NBME under test conditions
3) If your score is good, go ahead and take the exam
4) If your score is bad AND psych is the albatross dragging you down, then pay the fee and delay your exam until after the clerkship.

My guess is that you'll be pretty happy with that last NBME and be ready to get the whole thing over with.

 

[hydrogen1]

Cool guys thanks for the advice, helps a lot.


Cheers,
Hydrogen1