Taking Step 2 CS in December ok? Need Advice, Please

[RTKMD]

I am a M3 (USMD). I am trying to figure out my schedule for next year with away rotations etc. We have very limited guidance from our school and I am hoping to get some advice here. Is it ok to take CS in December and still be ok with match and rank list deadline? With aways and required rotation, I can’t take CS any earlier than Dec. Or if I want to do it earlier, then I have to sacrifice away. Any advice from @aProgDirector, current residents, or M4 who have just gone through their process will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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[bananafish94]

If you can take it earlier, you should. I understand that might not be possible with the COVID situation. This year, if you took it by December 31, you would receive scores in time for ROL submission which is what really matters, but some PDs will wonder why you are opting to take it so close to the deadline. Plus, if you fail then you will not have a passing score by the ROL submission date which can be disastrous depending on your specialty and medical school's graduation requirements. PDs know it's a sham but you still need it to be passed by your start date and they might not be willing to take a chance on somebody who failed when most don't. If you have to take it that late, take it very seriously! Go through the entire First Aid book and use the practice documentation tool on the NBME website. Take it under exam-like conditions. I know very normal, good students who failed CS and it's a nightmare nobody should have to experience.

 

[RTKMD]

Thanks, Bananafish. Yes, I agree that the ideal situation would be to take it earlier. However, the reality is that if I am taking CS earlier than Dec, then I won’t be able to do away. It is a trade off. My question is if it is worth not doing an away to take it earlier? Or is it better to get in one away and then do CS in dec.

 

[bananafish94]

Thanks, Bananafish. Yes, I agree that the ideal situation would be to take it earlier. However, the reality is that if I am taking CS earlier than Dec, then I won’t be able to do away. It is a trade off. My question is if it is worth not doing an away to take it earlier? Or is it better to get in one away and then do CS in dec.

Why not? Do you not think they’d let you get away for 1 day to take it? Or is the away in a region where you wouldn’t be able to access a testing center?

 

[RTKMD]

The away is in a region that I need to travel to take CS. So, it will be at least a 3-day trip. I don’t think it is a good idea to be away for 3-4 days when the away rotation is only 4 weeks.

 

[gatorsbruh]

The away is in a region that I need to travel to take CS. So, it will be at least a 3-day trip. I don’t think it is a good idea to be away for 3-4 days when the away rotation is only 4 weeks.

Yeah 3-4 days off from an away is not good. What specialty you applying to? It can affect how much they care about CS.

I took mine in Dec and passed in time for ROL submission. The only risk you're taking is possibly failing CS, then not being able to retake before ROL, and this could have the devastating result of not matching as describe by above poster.

I recommend doing the away, then go all out to prepare for CS to ensure you pass it the first time.

 

[RTKMD]

Yeah 3-4 days off from an away is not good. What specialty you applying to? It can affect how much they care about CS.

I took mine in Dec and passed in time for ROL submission. The only risk you're taking is possibly failing CS, then not being able to retake before ROL, and this could have the devastating result of not matching as describe by above poster.

I recommend doing the away, then go all out to prepare for CS to ensure you pass it the first time.

Thanks for the input. My plan is to apply for general surgery. Is CS critical?

 

[gatorsbruh]

Thanks for the input. My plan is to apply for general surgery. Is CS critical?

As someone who also just matched into a surgical field, absolutely do not take 3-4 days off from an away to take CS. Doing CS in December will not hurt your app for gen surg, as long as you pass the first time. Good luck man, don't take CS lightly because they've made it harder in the past few years.

Also, it is highly important to update your ERAS app with your passing CS score (when it eventually arrives) and send it to all programs you applied to. I would also send a short email (2-3 sentence max) saying you passed CS to the program coordinator of each program you interviewed or are waiting for an II. I did that just to be safe