When should I take Step 2

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cooper

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I want to go into radiology and got a 239 on step I. I know that you don't have to release your step 2 scores but is there anyway that programs can find out you have taken the exam. I am trying to decide when to take step 2 and have heard advantages and disadvantages to taking it early. Any thoughts on my scenerio.
 
I'm only a second year, but I have read that if you did well on step I (which you did), you are supposed to wait until a later date to take your step II because you only risk hurting your app with a poor score. If you did poorly on step I, then the recommendation is to take step II early to try to compensate for your score.
 
Even though it is true that you received a terrific score, a good score on Step 2 would be a great asset at some competitive programs. If you want to look at your score before you send it to the programs you should take Step 2 right after you submit your application to ERAS. That way they already have your Step 1 score and you can always update your application if you think that you would want to submit your Step 2 score.
 
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