What is the latest date you must have a step 1 score for ERAS in the fall?

[nauru]

For schools that take Step 1 at the end of 3rd year, I'm trying to figure out what date you must have a Step 1 score in order to be on a level playing field for residency applications. And by extension, the latest date you can take Step 1 this summer in order to have a score in time for applications?

Would really appreciate some assistance with this, people at my school have no idea (Canadian medical school). Thanks.

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[efle]

I believe in a normal year, you could take it anytime up to mid-August of your application year. Scores take 3 weeks to return and ERAS can be submitted mid September.

But for this year, who knows, since there's been rumors of the deadlines pushing back, and also uncertainty about whether the USMLE is going to open up additional testing locations or allow schools to proctor it.

 

[123456123456]

I would want my score in by the mid to end of August at the latest so it is in when you apply in Sept. You can look and see what the score release dates are online.

However, I feel like it is good to have step 2 and the CS in as well because many other applicants will and it could potentially help you (any help is good help since you go to a Caribbean school). But that would be very hard to do if you are not taking step 1 until the end of your 3rd year. For instance, I took my PE during 3rd year (DO equivalent of the CS) and am taking level 2 the end of my 3rd year so I will have everything in by august 2021 if my test is not cancelled to apply in September 2021.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

The OP states they are in a Canadian school, not a Caribbean school.

Given the mess with COVID, I'd recommend taking it as early as possible. Waiting until the last minute sounds like a prescription for catastrophe. If you will need a visa, you'll be in an uncommon position -- needing a visa, but not needing ECFMG certification. In any case, the more of the USMLE exams you can get done early in the app process, the better.

 

[nauru]

So previously the exact date that you had to submit your application to have the earliest possible timestamp was September 15th. How has that now changed with the new schedule? Did this key date actually become earlier than before (September 1st) or later than before (October 21st)?

2026 ERAS® Residency Timeline

Review a timeline for applying for residency positions using ERAS for the 2023 application season.

students-residents.aamc.org

 

[longhaul3]

So previously the exact date that you had to submit your application to have the earliest possible timestamp was September 15th. How has that now changed with the new schedule? Did this key date actually become earlier than before (September 1st) or later than before (October 21st)?

2026 ERAS® Residency Timeline

Review a timeline for applying for residency positions using ERAS for the 2023 application season.

students-residents.aamc.org

Later. In a normal year the date that matters is the transmission date, 9/15. They extended the submission window before 9/15 so the system didn't crash when everyone tried to submit on 9/15.

My understanding is that this year will be the same, but the transmission date is now 10/21.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Yes, it will be the same. Everyone applying before 10/21 will list as 10/21. Still, do yourself a favor and get your app in at least a week earlier.

 

[nauru]

Thank you.

And I agree, it's a good idea to be early for this. It helps know the actual dates and how the system works so I can plan accordingly.

 

[aspiringmd2020]

Would the latest date to take an exam for this upcoming cycle technically be Wednesday September 30th if one wants to count 3 weeks backwards from October 21st and expect to get their score on that exact day since also a Wednesday? Or is it more complicated?

 

[longhaul3]

Would the latest date to take an exam for this upcoming cycle technically be Wednesday September 30th if one wants to count 3 weeks backwards from October 21st and expect to get their score on that exact day since also a Wednesday? Or is it more complicated?

When I took my exams, scores were reported on the Wednesday of the third calendar week following the exam date, so 4 Wednesdays from exam date if you took it Mon-Tues or 3 Wednesdays if you took it Wed-Fri. So I think, following that pattern, scores from Friday the 2nd would still be reported on the 21st.

However, ERAS applications are transmitted at 9am eastern, and USMLE score reports don't come until either 11 or 12, can't remember, so programs that download apps in that window won't have your score. You'll also have to login to ERAS as soon as you get your score to transmit your USMLE score report, which is usually instant-ish. But, if you're taking Step 1, this will probably be your first USMLE exam, so you may not be able to pay the transcript fee and link it to your ERAS account ahead of time. I would not want to risk this, so I would make sure to take it so my score is reported the week before at the latest.

Of course, this was all in a pre-covid world. Who knows what score reporting will look like this fall.

 

[aspiringmd2020]

When I took my exams, scores were reported on the Wednesday of the third calendar week following the exam date, so 4 Wednesdays from exam date if you took it Mon-Tues or 3 Wednesdays if you took it Wed-Fri. So I think, following that pattern, scores from Friday the 2nd would still be reported on the 21st.

However, ERAS applications are transmitted at 9am eastern, and USMLE score reports don't come until either 11 or 12, can't remember, so programs that download apps in that window won't have your score. You'll also have to login to ERAS as soon as you get your score to transmit your USMLE score report, which is usually instant-ish. But, if you're taking Step 1, this will probably be your first USMLE exam, so you may not be able to pay the transcript fee and link it to your ERAS account ahead of time. I would not want to risk this, so I would make sure to take it so my score is reported the week before at the latest.

Of course, this was all in a pre-covid world. Who knows what score reporting will look like this fall.

Good to know, thank you! I was referring to Step 2 CK so I should be ok but you're right, you never want to be too close!

 

[longhaul3]

Good to know, thank you! I was referring to Step 2 CK so I should be ok but you're right, you never want to be too close!

Oh, sorry, I clicked on the notification and didn't realize you're not OP. I would be much less worried about CK. You'll be able to transmit it basically instantly. There's also a potential advantage to that, because if your CK score comes back after ERAS is transmitted, you can decide whether or not to release it after you've already seen it. If the score is back before ERAS is transmitted, it will automatically be sent with the application.

It all depends on the norms of the specialty you're applying in, your Step 1 score, and how much you care about CK.