Taking USMLE Step 2 without Step 1

[Doctor4Life1769]

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I guess my question is, if you take the USMLE Step 2 without the USMLE Step 1, will allopathic residency programs give you consideration? Thanks!

 

[clement]

I guess my question is, if you take the USMLE Step 2 without the USMLE Step 1, will allopathic residency programs give you consideration? Thanks!

A lot of people at my school signed up for Step 1 and didn't take it and don't plan on ever taking it (after taking some initial NBME's). Others told me they're just going to take Step 2 or else see how they score on the COMLEX.

I would say it strongly depends on what you're interested in. Having a specific list of programs in mind will give a more accurate answer to this question.

Personally, I chose not to just take Step 2 because my reasoning was that if I apply to programs that will scrutinize my school and degree, I wouldn't want it to look like a cop-out plan (i.e. the DO that only took Step 2), plus I'm an average student with mostly "B's" so I wanted to show that I can at least doggie-paddle in the pool. Showing that you can handle both steps is a good thing IMO, but let's see what others say.

 

[SomeDoc]

I guess my question is, if you take the USMLE Step 2 without the USMLE Step 1, will allopathic residency programs give you consideration? Thanks!

In the above scenario, an ACGME program would have to accept comlex step 1 in lieu of the usmle step 1. If it's a competitive ACGME residency you're aiming for, the above scenario will be highly unlikely.

Step 1 carries much more weight than Step 2 in the residency application process. In fact, some programs don't require step 2 scores during the application process or even after matching (they will need them though during your residency).

 

[DrWBD]

In the above scenario, an ACGME program would have to accept comlex step 1 in lieu of the usmle step 1. If it's a competitive ACGME residency you're aiming for, the above scenario will be highly unlikely.

Step 1 carries much more weight than Step 2 in the residency application process. In fact, some programs don't require step 2 scores during the application process or even after matching (they will need them though during your residency).

I agree with this - if you are going to only take one of the USMLE Steps, it should be Step 1.

 

[Entgegen]

In fact, some programs don't require step 2 scores during the application process or even after matching (they will need them though during your residency).

I was under the impression that if you matched without the USMLE step 2, you don't need to bother with any other USMLE exams ever, so long as you finish out your COMLEX levels 2 and 3 (if you meant "COMLEX step 2" when you said "step 2", then just disregard what I just said).

On a cursory note, from what I've heard it's only a few MD programs that require taking USMLE step 2 before they'll rank you.

 

[timmah2k]

What if you've failed step 1 USMLE and aced step 2 USMLE? Would allopathic programs out there even consider you?

 

[Instatewaiter]

What if you've failed step 1 USMLE and aced step 2 USMLE? Would allopathic programs out there even consider you?

It depends on the specialty and depends on the program.

Even in IM, most of the larger academic programs will not even consider someone who has failed step 1. Instead of wondering if you could have done well on it based on your comlex scores (which many programs know next to nothing about), failing step 1 shows unequivocally that you could not hack it. Even for a relatively non-competitive field like IM, the average step 1 scores are roughly 222. Failing is about 40 points below that.

Since step 1 is more impt than step 2, doing well on step 2 doesn't make programs completely release their reservations. If you fail step 1 and you opt not to take it again, demolishing step 2 is important.

In the end what people should take from this is that you should not take step 1 unless you know you can pass and you think you can do well. Taking an NBME a week before is a good idea.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

I'm a DO student didn't take the usmle step 1, but did take step 2 after realizing I probably needed to have at least some kind of usmle score to be competitive for university based MD residencies. I'm going to be applying to Internal Medicine.

Does anyone know if I can just apply with my step 2 usmle score, or do I need to release my comlex 1 and 2 scores? I ask because my Usmle step 2 is solid; while my comlex scores on level 1 and 2 leave something to be desired. guess I've never been able to master the comlex style questions.

 

[deleted245139]

while I can't speak for IM, EM values USMLE step II pretty highly. Because I want to pursue EM, I decided to do my best to focus on COMLEX I and knock it out of the park, and then take both USMLE and COMLEX step II. Though now I'm finding I have a new-found love for Anesthesia and I hope I don't kick myself for not taking step I when I apply Allo... haha

 

[DD214_DOC]

In the above scenario, an ACGME program would have to accept comlex step 1 in lieu of the usmle step 1. If it's a competitive ACGME residency you're aiming for, the above scenario will be highly unlikely.

Step 1 carries much more weight than Step 2 in the residency application process. In fact, some programs don't require step 2 scores during the application process or even after matching (they will need them though during your residency).

Who is that in your avatar?

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Holy batman. That was me 2 years ago.

I matched. 👍

 

[DrWBD]

Holy batman. That was me 2 years ago.

I matched. 👍

So what's your conclusion about only taking Step 2?

Congratulations, too.

 

[hrandani]

Who is that in your avatar?

That is Napoleon Dynamite's older brother Kip Dynamite, from the 2004 movie Napoleon Dynamite.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

So what's your conclusion about only taking Step 2?

Congratulations, too.

Thanks!

I'd say one can match with a good Step 2 score (230 or higher). I had a good Step score, but took it late, which was another confounding variable. Best advice is to take Step 2 early (prior to ERAS being open on 9/1) for the best chance. It is tougher and you likely have to be realistic, but I matched into a good program despite only a Step 2 and taking it late. Even a low Step 1 score (200s-210s) can get you a match into a good program as long as you have Step 2 scores in the 230s-240s to compensate. Rotating at the program helps, too, which I did not do.

Hope this helps.

 

[IDBasco]

Thanks!

I'd say one can match with a good Step 2 score (230 or higher). I had a good Step score, but took it late, which was another confounding variable. Best advice is to take Step 2 early (prior to ERAS being open on 9/1) for the best chance. It is tougher and you likely have to be realistic, but I matched into a good program despite only a Step 2 and taking it late. Even a low Step 1 score (200s-210s) can get you a match into a good program as long as you have Step 2 scores in the 230s-240s to compensate. Rotating at the program helps, too, which I did not do.

Hope this helps.

Got mine back today- just in time to apply.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Got mine back today- just in time to apply.

Congrats! PM me if you wish to tell me how it went.. fingers crossed for you bud.