timeline for step 2

[ally1]

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Hello everyone, need some adivce

I wanted to get things early before interview decisions are made, but would taking step 2 in september be really late?

When is the latest you can take step 2 and still have it considered for an interview? If applications are due sept 1st and LOR and step 2 are not in, do you just get pre-screened and dumped? With the delay in score reporting pushed to october 6th, I wonder if you take it in september you can still get your scores back in mid november!!

Also, when is the latest you guys think you can have your chosen specialty LOR in by? If it reaches late october, are you really lagging?😱

 

[IHeartNerds]

When is the latest you can take step 2 and still have it considered for an interview? If applications are due sept 1st and LOR and step 2 are not in, do you just get pre-screened and dumped? With the delay in score reporting pushed to october 6th, I wonder if you take it in september you can still get your scores back in mid november!!

Also, when is the latest you guys think you can have your chosen specialty LOR in by? If it reaches late october, are you really lagging?😱

The overwhelming majority of programs don't look at step2 for interviews. Unless your step1 is terrible, no program is going to deny you an interview based on a pending step2 ... only a failed step2. Consider that almost half of applicants the last few years didn't even have a step2 score by rank the list deadline.

What programs do without LORs is variable both on specialty and program. Some will extend offers, some will wait, other programs give out interviews so late (after MSPEs are released) that your LORs had better get there prior, or you're screwed.

 

[slowlybutshelly]

What is MSPE? I am in the same boat, taking Step 2 soon.

 

[IHeartNerds]

MSPE = dean's letter. Some programs wait for them to see your class rank / equivalent, and to see if you have any skeletons in your closet.

 

[rahulb]

i only have tom cruise in my closet and he's refusing to come out

 

[OveractiveBrain]

People need to stop saying things like"Step 2 doesnt matter." First of all Step 2 does matter. It can qualify you for a more difficult program if you to much better than on step 1, making up for a poor score. Does it look better to have a 250 on step 1 and step2? Sure. It looks almost as good to have a 215 on step 1 and a 250 on step 2. You are capable of taking those exams and passing them.

Second of all, More and more programs are requiring a pass on Step 2. In particular, high-end medicine programs require a score, and consider it in your interview process.

Here's the deal. If you smoked Step 1, put off Step 2 as long as possible. You just have to pass it and you will be considered.

If you are using Step 2 to replace a crappy Step 1 do it earlier rather than later. While it may still be "considered for interview" up until January, the interiview spots will fill much earlier than that. Eras applications open soon, programs really start downloading October 1st. Get that Step 2 score in as soon as you can.