Step II required for interview?

[Multifidus]

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I've heard that many programs require a Step II score prior to granting interviews or ranking applicants. Is this true and if so when should Step II be taken by (ie how long does it take to get a score?). I had been under the impression that if you were happy with your Step I score, you could potentially be better-off delaying Step II so that the score would not be available until after you had interviewed and the programs had made a decision on your application. Any advice would really be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[DrRobert]

Every program will grant an interview without a Step 2 score. The only program that is known for sure to require Step 2 (CK, not CS) for ranking is Oklahoma.

 

[Chillio]

Most of the applicants I've seen come interview at our institution had not taken step II by the time their application submission

 

[no oxygen]

I agree with the above posts...only a small number of programs require Step II scores for RANKING and even fewer require them for an INTERVIEW. In my experience this year, OU, New Mexico and MCV requested CK and/or CS scores for ranking while St. Barnabas in Jersey required them to even consider you for an interview. Still, about 90% of the programs I applied to didn't care that I didn't have a Step 2 score in.

So, my advice: if you're Step 1 is solid and the rest of your app is attractive, it probably won't matter...you'll get plenty of interviews. That said, it sure does suck having to study for CK/CS when most of my class is living the good life right now. I wish I had taken it earlier.

 

[metsin06]

I've heard that many programs require a Step II score prior to granting interviews or ranking applicants. Is this true and if so when should Step II be taken by (ie how long does it take to get a score?). I had been under the impression that if you were happy with your Step I score, you could potentially be better-off delaying Step II so that the score would not be available until after you had interviewed and the programs had made a decision on your application. Any advice would really be appreciated. Thanks!

I never understood why so many applicants consider putting off Step 2. Firstly, Step 2 is a significantly less challenging examination to prepare for and do well on.

Secondly, if you do well on the exam, it adds an incredibly positive attribute to your application that a lot of other applicants will not have as applications are reviewed and decisions are made on invites and ranking.

Thirdly, if you do well on both Step 1 and Step 2 program directors feel much more confortable ranking you highly because they know you will pass the relatively easy Step 3. This is a particular concern in anesthesiology, because didactic and clincial anesthesia is poorly represented in undergraduate level medical education in the US.

Bottom line, a good step 2 score is a huge asset to an application and very attainable with a little hard work.

 

[militarymd]

This post is obviously from someone who has a poor background knowledge and historical perspective on medicine in the US.


I guess you're right. I guess I don't understand the osteopathic training pathway.

So correct if I'm wrong.

The osteopathic training pathway is planned from the beginning to switch to the allopathic training pathway once you finish with pre-graduate training.....Is that correct?

The switch over is pre-planned because you know from the get-go that there will be more osteopathic graduates than there will be osteopathic residency slots..right?

After you finish the allopathic residency, then you have the option to switch back over to the osteopathic boards again..right?

Was the summary accurate?.

Hey, Met,

You didn't answer my question in the other thread....how about it?

 

[ear-ache]

I never understood why so many applicants consider putting off Step 2. Firstly, Step 2 is a significantly less challenging examination to prepare for and do well on.

Secondly, if you do well on the exam, it adds an incredibly positive attribute to your application that a lot of other applicants will not have as applications are reviewed and decisions are made on invites and ranking.

Thirdly, if you do well on both Step 1 and Step 2 program directors feel much more confortable ranking you highly because they know you will pass the relatively easy Step 3. This is a particular concern in anesthesiology, because didactic and clincial anesthesia is poorly represented in undergraduate level medical education in the US.

Bottom line, a good step 2 score is a huge asset to an application and very attainable with a little hard work.

I agree with your perspective on this. I feel taking Step 2 CK (and CS) early was a big boost to my application.

 

[chessknt]

Zombie bump. Is this still accurate? On FREIDA quite a few schools (OHSU for example) say "Yes" under step 2 required for interview. Does this mean I need a step 2 score available for them to even consider my application complete and review it for an interview?

 

[Nooblet]

Zombie bump. Is this still accurate? On FREIDA quite a few schools (OHSU for example) say "Yes" under step 2 required for interview. Does this mean I need a step 2 score available for them to even consider my application complete and review it for an interview?

no, do not need to get an interview. will need to begin residency

 

[gasblaster]

no, do not need to get an interview. will need to begin residency

However, some will require it before their ROL is due.

 

[chessknt]

Thanks for responses.