USMLE Step 2 for DO?

[sport88877]

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Hi everyone,
I'm a third year DO student who is pretty much set on PM&R. I have pretty good COMLEX Level I (580+) and USMLE Step 1 scores (250+), and I was wondering if I should take the USMLE Step 2 CK in addition to the COMLEX Level 2. I know PM&R is a very DO friendly specialty, but I think the USMLE is a much better written test. I feel like I will probably do better on the USMLE than the COMLEX. I was also thinking about applying to Preliminary Medicine programs, who I would think prefer USMLE scores. I'm not sure if most PM&R programs accept a DO TRI as a preliminary year, or whether doing a TRI will affect my chances of getting an ACGME fellowship (especially with the whole merger). If anyone could give me any advice, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[colourmebadd]

Step 1 over 250...? You should be fine anywhere, you troll.

 

[Taus]

I was in a similar situation and specifically did not take usmle step II bc I felt that I could essentially only score lower and it would make my step 1 score look like a fluke.

 

[sport88877]

Thanks for the response Taus. If I got somewhere around 235-240 on Step 2, would look look worse than just a little over 250 on Step 1? Also, any opinion on doing a DO TRI compared to a Prelim medicine and if that would affect getting a fellowship?

 

[Mog16]

With that score I'd push back any and all tests as far as you can so they won't appear anywhere in your application. You've already established that you're quite accomplished by scoring where you did on step 1, additional test scores will do little to further that and have a higher likelihood of being a negative (if you had a bad or even mediocre test). I was in a similar place (245 step 1) but I made a HUGE mistake in taking my CS early and actually failed it because I took it without preparing after a year away from clinicals. That greatly reduced the number of interviews I received. So while I doubt you'd blemish your record as much as I did, why risk it?

 

[sport88877]

Thanks for the response Mog16, but I really think I should at least take COMLEX Level 2 CE in about 6 weeks since I'm finishing up my IM rotation now. I feel like I would be the most prepared after this clerkship, as well as with study time on my next rotation (an easy one). I already passed the COMLEX Level 2 PE (the DO Step 2 CS) so I'm glad I have that out of way. I see what your saying though, why risk getting a lower step 2 score. I just feel like I want to get this test over with now. I guess I'll take some NBMEs and COMSAEs a few weeks/days out and see where I stand. I mean with the average Step 2 now being around 237, would a Step 2 of a 235-240 really look bad if my Step 1 was a little over 250?

 

[oreosandsake]

save your money and time.

don't take the test. you don't need it.