Step II CS scores timeline and rank!! Please help!

[5639953]

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OK... So, I am applying to Neurology and I was thinking about taking Step II CS exam in December. I logged in to see the available appointments and I was shocked to find out that you have to wait about 6 months before taking the exam. This means that results won't be back before the rank list is set by the programs. Do you think I will be down ranked knowing that I am an american grad? Some schools said it does not matter as long as you end up taking it and some schools said it would matter and we won't even rank you. I don't know who to believe on this... I was also told that some administrators don't know when it comes to issues like this. Any opinions will be apprciated. Thanks.

 

[OddNath]

OK... So, I am applying to Neurology and I was thinking about taking Step II CS exam in December. I logged in to see the available appointments and I was shocked to find out that you have to wait about 6 months before taking the exam. This means that results won't be back before the rank list is set by the programs. Do you think I will be down ranked knowing that I am an american grad? Some schools said it does not matter as long as you end up taking it and some schools said it would matter and we won't even rank you. I don't know who to believe on this... I was also told that some administrators don't know when it comes to issues like this. Any opinions will be apprciated. Thanks.

I'm not matching this year, but I was able to switch my CS date at the last minute by compulsively checking the website for updates. It is possible to find a date in the next couple months, if you're willing to travel on short notice. Just leave that website up all the time and keep refreshing 🙂

I will also be applying to neurology (once this phd gets done...)-- there's seriously places that wouldn't rank you if you don't have a CS pass? Seems harsh for a specialty that has so many spots go unfilled. Guess I'm glad I got it out of the way!

 

[lord_jeebus]

I don't think any program will care as the assumption is that any US medical student will find a way to pass the thing before starting residency.

The test is pass/fail; there is no score.

 

[5639953]

I really hope that you are right about, that programs don't care.

Two administrators or secret. , who probably know/don't know what they are talking about, told me that they will not rank me simply because my application will not be complete.

The majority of the programs' administrators that I got to talk with stated that it does not matter simply because I am an american graduate and the vast majority of american grads pass this exam.

I am just worried that these program administrators simply don't know or they are just being nice to me and don't wish to push me away. Thus, they are telling me it does not matter. Any thoughts?

If a short notice means one week, I could consider taking the exam early. But, it will be very difficult to go cross country on a notice of a day or half a day.

Thanks for all of your input. Very helpful.

 

[bjolly]

I applied to neuro last year and did not even take CS until April. No one cared. It was never brought up. I got interviews everywhere I applied and matched my first choice. I really wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Blade28]

If there's nothing you can do about it, no sense worrying, right?

Just apply widely.

 

[5639953]

Thanks... It always feels good to know that someone else was in my boat and they are now where I want to be next year. That feels great. In this case, I guess I should not worry about it.

Blade28: Thanks for your input as well. You have a very good point. The reason I am worried about it is because there is a very painful way out... That is to keep refreshing their website until I find a short notice appointment and go with that... It will be time, money and effort consuming.. Very much so... That's why I don't want to go that route unless I have to. It seems like that most people think it should not matter. I hope they are all right.

 

[Blade28]

For future reference, though, ALWAYS allow at least a few months' advance before trying to schedule any of these big standardized exams. The CS exam, in particular, fills up quickly during the first half of the year since all the MS-IVs are trying to pass it before they get too close to their graduation date.

 

[lilnoelle]

Moving to USMLE Step II forum.

 

[5639953]

Blade28, Thank you for the great advice. I will keep that in mind.