MD USMD with Low Step 2 CK — Feeling unsure if I can still match into gen surg

[shania1988]

Hi everyone, I’m a USMD student from a mid-tier school applying into general surgery for the 2026 Match. I just got my Step 2 CK score this week (241) and I’m honestly devastated. I was consistently scoring 255+ on practice tests and I really thought I’d hit higher, especially since I was counting on Step 2 to help balance out other parts of my app.

Here’s some context:

• Step 1: Pass
• I have a couple of red flags. I failed my Family Medicine rotation in third year after finding out that two of my closest family members were dealing with cancer (one terminal, one recurrence). I ended up having to retake the rotation and earning Honors, so my transcript now reads “Fail → Honors”
• Aside from FM, my clinical grades are 1 H and the rest are HP with very strong clinical evaluations
• I had to take a one-year leave of absence after third year to help take care of my family. During that time, I stayed productive with research and volunteering
• I’ve been involved in multiple leadership and volunteer positions throughout med school
• I have 15 first-author publications (1 book chapter, 5 retrospective studies, 9 case reports - mix of psychiatry/trauma surg research) with 15+ poster presentations and 2 podium presentations, aiming to have 18 pubs by September.
• I’m currently setting up away rotations in general surgery and trying to stay hopeful

I know 241 isn’t a bad score objectively. But with everything that’s happened over the past year or two, I feel like I didn't “prove myself” through Step 2 like I wanted to. I’m just feeling disheartened and unsure if I’ve already lost my shot at matching into gen surg.

Any advice, words of encouragement, or stories from others who have gone through something similar would mean a lot right now. Thank you for reading.

TL;DR: USMD from a mid-tier school applying Gen Surg, got a 241 on Step 2 CK after expecting 255+. Have a FM rotation fail (later remediated to Honors), a one-year LOA due to family health issues, but strong research (15+ pubs), leadership, and clinical evals. Feeling discouraged and unsure if I can still match Gen Surg. Looking for advice or encouragement.

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[m1redsox]

Wow, that research is crazy. A 241 is a completely fine score to match gen surg, and your F on FM is very well explained. I would not worry, and I would expect you to match with 15+ interviews if you apply correctly (meaning to the appropriate, attainable programs for your application). Honestly, with research like that, you may get heads turning from some top research programs too.

 

[Lost in Translation]

I’ve done 9 years of MD+residency and I have a fifth of the publications you do.

Just don’t kill anyone and you’ll be fine.

 

[DOVinciRobot]

Apply broadly and you will likely be fine.

 

[VincentAdultman]

"I got a low Step 2, not sure if I'll match Gen Surg."

*241*

 

[Lost in Translation]

"I got a low Step 2, not sure if I'll match Gen Surg."

*241*

“My Step 2 is average and the rest of my application rivals that of HMS residents.”

 

[star-lily]

Are you just about to come back from your LOA/research year?

 

[FalconSlice]

Hi everyone, I’m a USMD student from a mid-tier school applying into general surgery for the 2026 Match. I just got my Step 2 CK score this week (241) and I’m honestly devastated. I was consistently scoring 255+ on practice tests and I really thought I’d hit higher, especially since I was counting on Step 2 to help balance out other parts of my app.

Here’s some context:

• Step 1: Pass
• I have a couple of red flags. I failed my Family Medicine rotation in third year after finding out that two of my closest family members were dealing with cancer (one terminal, one recurrence). I ended up having to retake the rotation and earning Honors, so my transcript now reads “Fail → Honors”
• Aside from FM, my clinical grades are 1 H and the rest are HP with very strong clinical evaluations
• I had to take a one-year leave of absence after third year to help take care of my family. During that time, I stayed productive with research and volunteering
• I’ve been involved in multiple leadership and volunteer positions throughout med school
• I have 15 first-author publications (1 book chapter, 5 retrospective studies, 9 case reports - mix of psychiatry/trauma surg research) with 15+ poster presentations and 2 podium presentations, aiming to have 18 pubs by September.
• I’m currently setting up away rotations in general surgery and trying to stay hopeful

I know 241 isn’t a bad score objectively. But with everything that’s happened over the past year or two, I feel like I didn't “prove myself” through Step 2 like I wanted to. I’m just feeling disheartened and unsure if I’ve already lost my shot at matching into gen surg.

Any advice, words of encouragement, or stories from others who have gone through something similar would mean a lot right now. Thank you for reading.

TL;DR: USMD from a mid-tier school applying Gen Surg, got a 241 on Step 2 CK after expecting 255+. Have a FM rotation fail (later remediated to Honors), a one-year LOA due to family health issues, but strong research (15+ pubs), leadership, and clinical evals. Feeling discouraged and unsure if I can still match Gen Surg. Looking for advice or encouragement.

Gensurg is not that competitive. Apply broadly and you’ll be fine. No need to stress about this stuff.