When to take Step 2?

[gafferfrank]

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Any help with this decision would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to decide when to take step 2. I am very happy with my step 1 score and would prefer to not have step 2 available on my residency application. My school however has a Dec. 1st deadline, so I can't take it in the spring. If I take step 2 in the end of November, will the score be available to residency directors? I know I can withold the score, but it seems they would know that and wonder why my score is so terrible that I need to withold it. Thanks for the help.

 

[KerleyB]

Any help with this decision would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to decide when to take step 2. I am very happy with my step 1 score and would prefer to not have step 2 available on my residency application. My school however has a Dec. 1st deadline, so I can't take it in the spring. If I take step 2 in the end of November, will the score be available to residency directors? I know I can withold the score, but it seems they would know that and wonder why my score is so terrible that I need to withold it. Thanks for the help.

First of all, you did well on step 1 and this is probably the single best predictor of doing well on step 2.... minimal review and you'll be fine.

Secondly, taking step 2 in late November = score report in late December. Most, if not all, of your interview offers will be made, and many of your interviews will be finished by this time.

Finally, I dont think PD's care about step 2 with good step 1 scores. In fact, I would dare say most people will tell you this NEVER came up in any interview. You'll be just fine taking it in November, or even earlier if you wish. Just check the do not automatically release box when you certify your ERAS - this is NOT in anyway a problem for your application.

 

[trouta]

I disagree with the reply. PDs do care about Step II scores especially if they are significantly different from Step I. I have had PDs tell me that if you do a lot worse they will wonder what the issue is and may not interview you. They have also said that they have offered interviews on the basis of much improved scores.

 

[klubguts]

I would recommend withholding the score, studying, and seeing how it comes out in December. I do agree that if you did well on step 1, you are likely to suceed on step 2 with much less effort. I withheld my score and interviewed last year at 12 programs..... was never asked if I had taken step 2 or when I intended to take it. Maybe they knew, but nobody asked me directly about this issue. Good luck.