When to take Step 2 for IM

[bof]

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Do IM programs care if you take step 2 early or not? How important is your step 2 score for interviews and match? Does a high step 2 score help, or would a low score hurt more?

thanks

bof

 

[andreg]

Who are you, Mr/Ms BOF?
For a USA grad, it doesn't matter,
BUT, for an IMG, particularly for one from overseas, and looking for H-1 visa, YOU MUST have it.
Good luck,
Andre

 

[Surfer75]

The majority of them don't care. It's advised to take Step 2 if your Step 1 score is a bit weak because then you'll really only benefit. I think only one of the UCLA programs I applied to was making a big deal out of it back for the 2003 match.

S

 

[Clay]

Remember that the NRMP now has a deadline (end of Feb) for taking Step 2 CK to be eligible for the Match. I am taking mine in the end of Jan. Most schools only mention it as a requirement to sign a contract.

As for CS, I don't believe there is a consensus except for being a requirement for Board Certification.

My prediction is that in the years to come that Step 2 will be a requirement for the application process and there will be less emphasis placed on Step 1 -- since Step 2 is a better predictor of clinical performance.

 

[vitaminj]

I didn't take Step 2 until the end of April of my fourth year and not one program on the interview trail asked about it or when I was planning on taking it. If you have a good Step 1 I would say put it off--unless you can devote an appropriate amount of time to study. If your Step 1 score is less than you envisioned this may be a chance to give a program a "second look" at you.