Step II Timing of test

[studbud]

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Hello SDN world! I am a DO student applying for IM for 2015 MD match. I am wondering if anyone could provide some insight on when is the latest I can have my Step 2 CK scores in by. I did not take USMLE Step 1 due to having a child last year and I was just not able to find time to take it after that. I am doing Sub-I's for both July and August and will not have too much time to study, but was planning on taking Step 2 CK in mid August which means I probably will not get my score until after I submit my applications by September 15th...what does this mean in terms of getting interviews? Good, bad, or does not matter? I am not applying to very super competitive programs but I still was not sure if this will affect me negatively. Thank you for your help!

 

[wannabie]

While I can't comment on when you should have your scores in by, I'm fairly certain that it's contingent on your Step 1 scores. If they're good to great (at least +0.5SD) you might be fine just taking everything later...but I'm an IMG. This advice is just something that I've read around here a lot and my AMG roommate told me.

 

[studbud]

Oh that's good to know, thanks for your input. Unfortunately I only have COMLEX for Step 1 so I think that will negatively affect me, but I guess time will tell. Anyone else have any other thoughts?

 

[studbud]

Sorry to be annoying and I know no one can truly know the answer my question, but still anyone know how this all works?

 

[tripwm]

There's a delay on all tests taken past July 28th where score will not be released until 9/24.

Few things:

• Several program directors now require Step 2 CK. Since yours will now come in after applications have been opened/screened, I'm not sure how it will effect you. (Screening isn't typically done by people, it's a set of equations that assigns values to Step scores/ research/ etc to screen the massive amount of applications into a smaller set to determine which will actually be read by someone to consider you for an interview.)
• Our school recommended all primary care folks (and we are an MD) to have CK results when we submit. Those with very competitive scores on Step 1 (typically 250+) going into fields that place less emphasis on Step 2 CK (urology, optho, ENT, etc) were recommended to have results come in late to early October. That way a strong score will alert some programs to you and possibly up the chance of an interview.
• A friend of mine going into ENT was told by his PD to ensure he takes it prior to the July 28th deadline.
• No Step 1 applying to MD programs? I think this is going to be pretty instrumental in you not getting interviews, despite you have a great reason for it. That is unless there are programs that are accustomed to DO students doing this.

It's really up in the air, but I do think your lack of Step 1 and now CK is going to severely limit your interviews. I think you should get into contact with an advisor familiar with the system ASAP (as in DO going MD). I know that sucks to hear, but a program is very hesitant to get a slot to someone that could potentially not pass board certifications (and therefore be ineligible).