To take step 2 or not, that is the question

[olp127]

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Hi everyone,
Ok. I'll be short. Basically I'm a 3rd year currently, and am contemplating when to take Step 2. I got a 260 on Step 1, so naturally as soon as I saw that I thought, "great, don't have to worry about Step 2 until after residency apps". The rest of my stats are as follows: 3.0 GPA (all Bs) for the first 2 years, and lots of research (3 orals at national meetings, lots of pubs, 4 first author, 3 2nd author and 6 middle author). I'm going to apply radiology and ideally would like to apply to competitive places. I was reading on some other threads and forums that while a high Step 1 is good, there are some residency programs that might discriminate against an applicant for not reporting a Step 2 score. Obviously, I want to do whatever it takes to make myself competitive, and don't want to put myself at a disadvantage at a competitive program by looking either lazy or cocky by not reporting Step 2. So basically, in light of my information, does anyone have an oppinion as to if I should take Step 2 and report it on my eventual residency app? Thanks for your time and input.

 

[Osteopathology]

Wait till your done with apps....

260 and all the stuff you have is very good. I am not sure how everyone gets all this research done. I guess you all must have faculty pumping out papers...

 

[olp127]

Alright. Thanks for the response. In terms of the research: my pubs are based on a research project I've been working on since early college, that I continued working on part-time during the 1st and 2nd year. But, believe me, I'm not doing any kind of research 3rd year. Definitely no time for that. Thanks for your opinion.

 

[FutureInternist]

There are certainly some schools that do not even interview candidates unless they have passed BOTH steps, so check out your top 5 or so choices, see what their policy is & decide accordingly.

 

[CorpuSpongiosum]

i would vote for taking step 2 early.

Even if you drop dramatically to a 230, that is a very good score.

The minute you finish 3rd year you should take step 2. It is the freshest in your head.

I am a fourth year and already can feel the knowledge about rotaviruses, tocolysis and freaking schizoaffective disorder seeping from my mind.

4th year is full of electives.

Your general knowledge base is strongest at end of 3rd year.

In my humble opinion.

 

[UCLAstudent]

i would vote for taking step 2 early.

Even if you drop dramatically to a 230, that is a very good score.

The minute you finish 3rd year you should take step 2. It is the freshest in your head.

I am a fourth year and already can feel the knowledge about rotaviruses, tocolysis and freaking schizoaffective disorder seeping from my mind.

4th year is full of electives.

Your general knowledge base is strongest at end of 3rd year.

In my humble opinion.

Yes, a 230 is a good score, but a drop from 260 ---> 230 will definitely raise some eyebrows. OP, I scored similarly on Step 1 and will be taking Step 2 in October (only because my school has a deadline for taking it). I opted to withhold my score. There's no need to ruin a good thing, especially when you likely won't have the time/motivation to study as hard for Step 2 as I'm assuming you did for Step 1.

 

[lord_jeebus]

Wait

260 and nothing beats 260 and 230.

You will have no problem passing the test when match season is over.

 

[Amy B]

I agree... check what is required to apply to the top choices you have and decide after you know that. Good luck

 

[olp127]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm pretty confidant that I can pass Step 2, and who knows, I might still do pretty well, but I just don't want to take the risk of doing much worse, as long as not reporting Step 2 won't dramatically effect me at most residencies. I appreciate everyone's opinion.

Another question that came to mind, that I would be interested in peoples opinion on is: Do you think that despite having very strong research and Step 1 score, that not having AOA will be a major problem at top radiology programs?

 

[FutureInternist]

Forgot to mention it earlier but there are also programs that will interview but NOT rank students, so more research for you to do 😀

 

[HamOnWholeWheat]

Step I is a hard test everyone studies hard for -> tough curve.
Step II is a easy test nobody studies hard for -> opportunity to shine.

If you did well on Step I, just study for 3-4 wks and kill Step II and not have to worry about it anymore. Take an NBME tomorrow and let that determine what you do. If you get less than a 230 "cold", then feel free to chicken out. 😛

HamOn