To take USMLE step II or not?

[DC DOC]

Hey guys and gals, I am an osteopathic student who took USMLE Step I and did just above average. I am looking to do an allopathic anesthesia residency and was wondering, from those with experience, if taking step II is necessary or if I will be fine with COMLEX II? Thanks

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[DocAwesome]

BUMP. I'm in the same boat. DO student. If I'm applying Allopathic should I take step 2 having already taken step 1? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[DC DOC]

BUMP. I'm in the same boat. DO student. If I'm applying Allopathic should I take step 2 having already taken step 1? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I guess we should ask this in the residency forum.

 

[desijigga]

IMO take step II, there will be programs that will want you to have taken usmle step II to be ranked. Also from what I have been reading on SDN and hearing from 4th years, step II scores are becoming more and more important every year. I can see why, as step I just tests the basic sciences while step II actually measures your ability as a physician. Chances are you will do alot better on the USMLE, because comlex step II is whole lot worse than comlex step I apparently..

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

I did sooo much better on COMLEX II than I...
Dont neglect OPP and you're fine

 

[ChiDO]

Is doing combank questions enough for the OPP on step 2?

 

[Taty]

Do take USMLE Step 2.

 

[nlax30]

Is doing combank questions enough for the OPP on step 2?

I just used that green Savarse OMT review book for a quick review before levels 1 & 2. I don't like doing question banks so can't comment on those. But you can get through the book VERY quickly.

To the OP's question: It's really just up to you. I didn't apply to gas so certainly not up on program preferences. Have a few friends applying to allo gas and some took step 2 and some didn't..... I think it's even less clear about whether to take it as compared to step 1 at this time, though as someone already mentioned, that could be changing if places are placing more importance on it.

Since you did above average on step 1 then I'd say you stand a good chance of doing well on it. I only took USMLE step 1, but based on that experience I have no doubt that USMLE 2 is a much better written test than COMLEX 2.