Updating residencies with Step 2 results? Or just release them on ERAS?

[ghostman]

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I finished residency interviews last week. Today, I was informed by a prelim program that my USMLE transcript was not complete. They wanted my Step 1, 2 CK and CS scores. I have all the scores, but forgot to re-release the scores in ERAS after my Step 2 CS scores came out (they have my Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores). So I went ahead and did that just now.

But now I'm wondering. Do I have to actively inform residencies (ie. emailing them) when scores come out? Or is re-releasing them now sufficient?

I also wasn't aware that Step 2 CS scores were even needed to be ranked. I thought we just needed to pass it before residency starts. Is this program specific or is there a deadline for releasing these results?

 

[Psai]

I don't know but it's utter bull**** that programs want all these things now. 2 years ago no one cared about step 2 and now it seems like some programs are obsessing over it almost to the point of step 1 fever. I've noticed that it seems to be the worst with mid tier programs that seem to have issues with their grads passing their boards so it's now a major red flag to me when programs ask.

Brb no time for aways or sub-is because tests

 

[sinombre]

I don't know but it's utter bull**** that programs want all these things now. 2 years ago no one cared about step 2 and now it seems like some programs are obsessing over it almost to the point of step 1 fever.

I mean, in theory it makes more sense to judge applicants by their step 2 performance than step 1 performance, especially now that it's more common for students to take it sooner in the year. Historically step 1 was the only standardized test that all med students had taken at the time they applied, but it seems like that's changing. So I understand why programs care more about step 2 now--it's way more relevant to actual medicine.

I understand the frustration though.

 

[pd1112]

I finished residency interviews last week. Today, I was informed by a prelim program that my USMLE transcript was not complete. They wanted my Step 1, 2 CK and CS scores. I have all the scores, but forgot to re-release the scores in ERAS after my Step 2 CS scores came out (they have my Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores). So I went ahead and did that just now.

But now I'm wondering. Do I have to actively inform residencies (ie. emailing them) when scores come out? Or is re-releasing them now sufficient?

I also wasn't aware that Step 2 CS scores were even needed to be ranked. I thought we just needed to pass it before residency starts. Is this program specific or is there a deadline for releasing these results?

You don't need to inform them. When you re-release the scores / update your USMLE transcript in ERAS, it automatically sends the update to the program, although IIRC the program has to re-download your application again in order to see the update. In your situation, since the program already contacted you about the issue, it's probably a good idea to shoot them an email to tell them you released your scores.

As for your Step 2 CS question, this is a program-specific requirement. If you think about it, it makes sense for programs to require all 3 before they submit rank lists, so they don't end up matching an applicant who hasn't passed all 3 yet & might be scrambling to do so before July 1st.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

although IIRC the program has to re-download your application again in order to see the update.

Now that we use Web based ERAS, there is no downloading. If you release your score, it's instantly available.

To the OP: Re-release your USMLE. Email the program and alert them that you have released it. Don't bother contacting anyone else -- anyone who is interested will see it.

 

[pd1112]

Now that we use Web based ERAS, there is no downloading. If you release your score, it's instantly available.

To the OP: Re-release your USMLE. Email the program and alert them that you have released it. Don't bother contacting anyone else -- anyone who is interested will see it.

Appreciate the clarification. Was I correct in the bottomline that programs don't receive any notification that X applicant updated his/her application with Y information, i.e. the program has to actively go back and look for updated information?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Appreciate the clarification. Was I correct in the bottomline that programs don't receive any notification that X applicant updated his/her application with Y information, i.e. the program has to actively go back and look for updated information?

There is a report right on our "dashboard" page we can run that shows us all updates to files.

 

[DOFOSHO]

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[W19]

I don't know but it's utter bull**** that programs want all these things now. 2 years ago no one cared about step 2 and now it seems like some programs are obsessing over it almost to the point of step 1 fever. I've noticed that it seems to be the worst with mid tier programs that seem to have issues with their grads passing their boards so it's now a major red flag to me when programs ask.

Brb no time for aways or sub-is because tests

As a MS3 I am starting to look at programs that I would like to apply to, and a lot of them say they won't even rank you without CS... and this is for psych. I guess things are changing rapidly.

 

[jellybee517]

I know it's probably different for each specialty and program but anyone have any thoughts on what to do for applicants who are taking step 2 after the ERAS release date (ie end of september) regarding updating step 2 CK information/test dates?

Specifically, I was fine with my step 1 score and just prioritized taking step 2 later so that I could knock some other important application things off of the to-do list. I'm taking my test soon and know as a result my scores wont be available obviously for while. Would it make sense/be worth it to email the programs to let them know when I'm scheduled/roughly expected score release date? Or would this update just be crazy annoying to the poor people who have to tread through already a billion applications? I know I personally would find it annoying but would hate to be completely passed over because I didn't advocate for myself enough. If it helps, I'm specifically applying to neuro which has a notably smaller applicant pool than IM or other specialties. Thanks for your help friends.