When to take step II

[DHMO]

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I am pretty happy with my step I score, so I was planning on putting off step II until after I had applied to residency. But I will probably take a year off after 3rd year to do research and I think putting off step II for a year and a half may be a bad idea. Also, I finish my 3rd year with internal medicine, and I figure that after I study for that shelf, it won't require a whole lot more preparation to get ready for step II. So, I am debating whether or not I should take it right at the end of my third year. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[rugtrousers]

Our dean of students recommends that we take Step2 CK right after our medicine sub-i's. She tells the students that are going to take an extra year that the information won't be fresh after their time off, and I'm inclined to agree.

 

[electra]

Agree with above. Plus, if you are not interested in OB or Peds, you won't want to study these topics again. And you will likely need to, because they are heavily tested.