When to take Step 2?

[Arewestilldoingphrasing?]

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Hi all, I am applying IM this coming year and am wondering when I should take step 2? I got mid 250s on step 1. I am essentially wondering would a good Step 2 (like 265+) improve my application or can it only hurt me if I were to do worse than that (I'd really like to end up at a top program)?

 

[CyrilFiggis]

You're step 1 is just fine. Just make sure to get CK and CS out of the way before November so that programs see that you've passed before they need to rank you. Rule of thumb is that a sub-par step 1 can be saved with a strong CK. That's the only reason to take it before August.

 

[hallowmann]

Hi all, I am applying IM this coming year and am wondering when I should take step 2? I got mid 250s on step 1. I am essentially wondering would a good Step 2 (like 265+) improve my application or can it only hurt me if I were to do worse than that (I'd really like to end up at a top program)?

Take it so that results are NOT out before you submit your residency apps. So basically take it early Sept. If its good, then re-release your score report, if you have a drop, don't re-release it until after most of your interview invites come in.