Step II When?

[fuegorama]

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I would like to have my USMLE Step II available as part of my package for ERAS. I also want to be able to submit on the first day available (Sept 1?).


My school has a bizarre senior scheduling plan.
Required rotations run up to August 1. We then have to return to campus for a required two week "colloquium". The next two weeks are empty save for COMLEX 2.

My audition rotations start ~Sept 1.

Qustions:
1. I have read the NBME 6-week waiting period. From those receiving scores this year, is this accurate? Does this mean I would have to take it around July 15? 😱

2. Can you simultaneously do the intensive studying required during a tough rotation and perform well in the clerkship?

3. Will the COMLEX 2 for the class of 2007 be on computer?!!!! I cannot get a straight answer from my school. My real question is...can I schedule that thing at will?

4. Does anyone have thoughts or suggestions for this situation?

 

[DrMom]

I don't know why COMLEX 2 wouldn't be computerized, since they have already implemented it with my class. There are around 40 testing dates starting in July of 4th year. You'll be able to choose from any of those 40 dates.

Personally, I would schedule the exam during a lighter rotation. That said, I'm not doing that (mine is right after my required sub-I). I just started fitting in some studying 2 months in advance to compensate for the fact that I can't fit much in at a time.

I wouldn't worry about having a USMLE score by Sept 1. My understanding is that very few programs use a step 2 score to decide who they're interviewing (unless you really need to compensate for your step 1 score), but some use step 2 to help decide their rank list.

 

[StringBean]

Some answers...

1. I took USMLE Step 2 on 9/3/05 and got my scores back on 10/6/05... and I was stuck in that small group who were the first to take the new 'FRED' version and they said it would take 6-8wks for results. Obviously it didn't take that long and I am truely LOVING NBME for that! So my advice would be to give yourself 4 wks to wait for results... most people get the report 3-4 wks after they take it.

2. I'd say if possible schedule some time off to study for the exam. Trying to study for the test AND for a rotation (provided you are trying to inmpress) woulsd not be impossible... but I do think it would be difficult to do your best in either.

3. the COMLEX 2 should be on computer from now on. My year (those graduating 2006) were the first to take it on computer and as far as I know all COMLEX exams from here on out will be on computer. We got a few dataes each month to chose from to schedule the COMLEX. By the time you take it next year you should have many more dates then we did (or so they promise). DO NOT count on the NBOME to have your scores ready in the same amount of time that USMLE takes to get you your scores... COMLEX takes much longer so if you want them to be there for your app plan accordingly.

4. My suggestions:
a. see if you are able to schedule some time off to study... whether it be simply vacation time or "research" time. Some schools (mine included) do not advertise that students are able to take time off but it can still be fit into your schedule (I did this, had a whole month off to study after approaching school about the possibility and came to the conlusion that it was totally possible for any student to do it if the pleased).

b. If you really need the score (meaning if you need a GOOD score... improved from Step 1) take it before your audition rotations because 1) you won't have the time to study for other things when your trying to kick butt in a specific rotation and 2) it'd be VERY helpful to have a good solid grasp on things before you start that audition rotation.

c. you DO NOT have to have your application in by Sept 1st to do well with respect to interviews and the match... you do have a little leway (sp?). Obviously the earlier you get it in the earlier they have it to look at... but don't forget that most schools do not start uploading applications until sept 15 and most don't have interview dates until early to mid october. Also Dean's letters don't go out till Nov 1st and some programs wait to see them before inviting for interviews (tho this is not the norm). So if works out better for you do put things in a different order so you can do your best in both the boards and your audition rotations don't stress. Do whatever will allow you to put together the best application possible.

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me!
Good luck!

~Bean 🙂

 

[StringBean]

I wouldn't worry about having a USMLE score by Sept 1. My understanding is that very few programs use a step 2 score to decide who they're interviewing (unless you really need to compensate for your step 1 score), but some use step 2 to help decide their rank list.

Sorry DrMom but I have to disagree with you here. After speaking with many program 'people' if you have step 2 they put a little more weight on that then step 1. Now of course this is program specific, but many programs feel that it is a better gauge of clinical knowledge and more precisely predicts your future performace. Although, with that said, if you kicked butt on step 1 you may want to hold off on step 2 for that small chance that you may do the same or worse (does not look good). If you need a little boost for your application, or you really think you can do better on step 2... take it in time for it to be there when they view your application!

 

[DrMom]

I have only run into one person who was told they wouldn't get an interview invite until a step 2 score was in...and that was just because his step 1 was low for the specialty he's applying for. I have run into multiple programs who won't rank you without a step 2 score (which wouldn't have to be in by Sept 1 for ranking purposes). You and I agree that a good step 2 at application would be needed to compensate for step 1 deficiencies.


I'm sure this all varies a lot by specialty and individual program.

 

[fuegorama]

Thanks for the replies and advice.

I feel like I do need a boost via step 2 so I'm trying to make it part of the package. My hoped for specialty is getting uber competitive so I need all the help I can get. (does everybody feel this way evry year?)

I would like to delay until after this colloquium silliness, but then time is getting pretty scarce.

Given the choice b/t early submission and having the score in, I will probably go with early submit.

Thanks again.