Wait, I need to take Step 2 soon?!?

[Bearie]

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So I've been avoiding this board since getting into med school because I remember how neurotic it would make me. I've been reading through match things and one thing I noticed is that everyone posts their Step 2 scores.

My situation is that I have a lowish Step 1 score (200-210) applying for psych. My dean and advisor and pretty much everyone else said we only need to take Step 2 before we graduate and that with lower Step 1 scores it is a gamble: I can either help you if you do well or hurt you if you you door poorly. I decided not to take the gamble and wait until next year... UNTIL...

One of the attending on the psych board said something to the effect that we'd interview you but def want to see Step 2 before ranking you. Is this true?!? Is it really neccessary that I take Step 2 before match? When is the latest I should take it by?

Has ANYONE else not take it?

Thank you!!

 

[VisionaryTics]

No, you are the only medical student in the country who has not taken it. We have been hiding the truth from you, and, frankly, we all think it's a riot.

 

[evilbooyaa]

Many residency programs do require a Step 2 score prior to ranking at this point. It would not be advisable to wait to take Step 2 until after you have (hopefully) matched. Based off your step 1 score, I would have taken it at least a couple months ago. Since ERAS has now gone out, I would try to take an easy block or vacation for 4 weeks ASAP and crank out step 2 CK.

I'm assuming you've taken/signed up for Step 2 CS already, correct?

 

[Bearie]

I paid for CS a long time back... haven't taken it.

Seriously, EVERYONE has taken it?!?

 

[Bearie]

When do they rank?

 

[VisionaryTics]

Next week.

 

[Bearie]

Next week.

Not funny. When do programs rank? I know it is after interviews but do they all rank at same time? And again, has ANYONE not taken Step 2?

 

[VisionaryTics]

Not funny. When do programs rank? I know it is after interviews but do they all rank at same time? And again, has ANYONE not taken Step 2?

Programs submit their finalized rank lists Feb. 26, 2014, I believe (same time we do). However, many programs pretty match rank their applicants as they interview them.

When you take Step 2 depends on a number of factors: how well you did on Step 1, what specialty you are applying to, what programs you are applying to.

For someone who did poorly on Step 1, it's usually thought to be a better idea to have your Step 2 score in hand when you submit your residency app since it shows you've improved (if your score is actually better). For people with scores competitive for their residencies, it's probably not as important. Some specialties put more emphasis on Step 2 (IM, EM, not sure about psych), some put less.

In your case (low Step 1 score), I would take Step 2 ASAP.

Plenty of people haven't taken Step 2 yet. I'm starting my study period for it right now.

 

[mvenus929]

I paid for CS a long time back... haven't taken it.

Seriously, EVERYONE has taken it?!?

Not everyone, but a large number of people have. Most people at my school took CK way back in March (we have an extended 4th year); I was one of the later ones taking it in May. People are putting off taking CS, but our school requires us to take it by Dec 31, which is when you need to take it by to have your scores reported by the rank list deadline. We don't have to pass to graduate, but we do have to take it.

 

[b-real]

Programs submit their finalized rank lists Feb. 26, 2014, I believe (same time we do). However, many programs pretty match rank their applicants as they interview them.

When you take Step 2 depends on a number of factors: how well you did on Step 1, what specialty you are applying to, what programs you are applying to.

For someone who did poorly on Step 1, it's usually thought to be a better idea to have your Step 2 score in hand when you submit your residency app since it shows you've improved (if your score is actually better). For people with scores competitive for their residencies, it's probably not as important. Some specialties put more emphasis on Step 2 (IM, EM, not sure about psych), some put less.

In your case (low Step 1 score), I would take Step 2 ASAP.

Plenty of people haven't taken Step 2 yet. I'm starting my study period for it right now.

This is sound advice. Your step 1 score is below average, even for psych. Get step 2 done asap. As mentioned, many programs require a step 2 score before ranking. In your case, you need it to boost your step 1.

 

[Trastuz]

Not funny. When do programs rank? I know it is after interviews but do they all rank at same time? And again, has ANYONE not taken Step 2?

#1. stop freaking out. Not everyone has taken it (I didn't take it til Nov).

#2. previous posters have provided sound advice. Take it as soon as reasonably possible, but make sure you take enough time to study and do well. Having your score in Nov is not going to be a whole lot better than having your score in early Feb, so don't run out and take it if you're not ready. If you do poorly just don't report it. Then you're in the same boat as you are right now.

#3. Get a new academic advisor.

 

[Trastuz]

Next week.

Hahaha. Also Steve Brule rules.

 

[yehhhboiii]

Next week.

fine work, fine work

 

[evilbooyaa]

#3. Get a new academic advisor.

This x 100. Sounds like people who are either living in the past or never went through this process themselves.

 

[Bearie]

This is sound advice. Your step 1 score is below average, even for psych. Get step 2 done asap. As mentioned, many programs require a step 2 score before ranking. In your case, you need it to boost your step 1.

How much of your rank is determined at time of interview or right after? Is it very important to complete CK by the time of interview? Is there some continuous process where rank lists "evolve" or do programs look back at interviews and see scores that come in at some set time in the weeks before Feb 26?

 

[e30ftw]

One of the attending on the psych board said something to the effect that we'd interview you but def want to see Step 2 before ranking you. Is this true?!? Is it really neccessary that I take Step 2 before match?!

for psych you probably don't need it to get interviews, but have a score in hand before interviews.

you absolutely must have taken step 2 prior to match.

don't know much about psych programs but I don't think any EM program would rank an applicant who didn't have a step 2 score..

 

[Bearie]

you absolutely must have taken step 2 prior to match.

this i got so far. i'm just wondering how and when programs make their rank lists and whether your scores should be in hand at time you go for interview or if they come back and look at everything again net year.

 

[VisionaryTics]

Depends on the program/specialty. I have heard that it is common for you to be ranked the day of your interview. If you need a good Step 2 score to make up for a poor Step 1, I would not bank on programs changing their rank list months after the interview when they get your new score. Have Step 2 done and the score in by the time you interview.

 

[Gither]

Next week.

Started cracking up while eating by myself at a Mexican restaurant... strong work sir.