when to take step 2

[jocwyo]

I'm a current MS IV intent on pursuing anesthesia. I've decided to take Step 2 USMLE in August, although my step 1 score was decent. I'm planning on taking Step 2 during the last week of August. My question is this - when should I take step 2 in order to best augment my application to residency programs (which I intend to submit at the earliest date possible)? Is the last week of August early enough - or should I move it a few weeks ahead? Thanks.

 

[2ndyear]

My scores took just a few days over 4 weeks to come in, to give you some idea. On ERAS you select if you want your scores released automatically. Be careful, you can't change this later like the rest of the app! The advantage of releasing them is that before you even get your scores in the mail the programs you applied to have them and you don't worry about anything. Of course the downside is that if you did not do as well as you'd liked, they know at a possibly critical time in the application cycle. You then have to select each program and send your scores over ERAS which could be kind of a pain. I guess it really comes down to how much time you are going to put into the test and how much time you have on your hands to study. It's not hard to pass it, but if your Step 1 scores are decent then you may not need to take it early. I just got my scores a week before graduation. FYI: I studied for 3 weeks, about 1.5 weeks seriously. Improved my score 8 points from Step 1. Had already matched when I tood Step 2.

 

[gaseous]

I had always heard that it looked bad to withhold your scores until you found out and then release them. I think if the programs found out it would make you look like you lacked confidence in your abilities.

Also, I didn't take step 2 until April, studied for about 3 days and did about as well as step 1. If I would have known that I could have put so little effort and do so well I would have taken the test in August myself and sent the scores.

 

[jocwyo]

Thanks for the above posts - I'll take your advice, study hard for Step 2 and submitmy scores automatically. Appreciate the info.