When to take USMLE2 / COMLEX2

[electrodynamic]

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I'm not clear on when I should be taking step II. I'll likely be taking the USMLE step 2 along with the COMLEX step 2. Since my step one scores are average, I'd like to do significantly better on the step 2 and have it considered with my residency applications. I've been studying for about 4 weeks and my exam is scheduled in the first week of August. It this date too late to be taking step II or is it early enough?

Any input would be most appreciated.

THANKS!

-e

 

[electrodynamic]

bump

 

[FutureInternist]

I think that that is a good date since you want to have the scores back as soon as possible so you can submit those along with the application when ERAS opens.
Just remember that if you take the exam before submitting the application, there is no way to "hide" the step 2 score from residencies if you do not get a score that you want.

Good Luck.

 

[electrodynamic]

Thanks for the info.

I have another question that I was hoping that someone could answer. I was looking at osteopathic residencies on the residency search site, and it appears that several I am interested are listed as accepting applications August 1st, and some are September 1st. However, we just got an e-mail from out school indicating that residencies can start download application materials on about Jul 15th or so. I know that the official date for allopathic schools is September 1st. So my question is this: when an osteopathic program lists that it starts taking applications starting September 1st, what is the significance of the July 15th date? This has me very confused! Thanks for any advice!

 

[Donvb]

Thanks for the info.

I have another question that I was hoping that someone could answer. I was looking at osteopathic residencies on the residency search site, and it appears that several I am interested are listed as accepting applications August 1st, and some are September 1st. However, we just got an e-mail from out school indicating that residencies can start download application materials on about Jul 15th or so. I know that the official date for allopathic schools is September 1st. So my question is this: when an osteopathic program lists that it starts taking applications starting September 1st, what is the significance of the July 15th date? This has me very confused! Thanks for any advice!

July 15th is significant because this is when all program directors CAN start looking at your application if they want to... They are made available on that date. That being said, many directors probably don't start on July 15th because July is a HORRIBLE month for most programs with new interns/residents starting... So, they may start looking at them September 1st as you previously said, or any other arbitrary date. The thing is, if you want to be on top of things the best bet is to have it nearly complete around July 15th so that when the director starts looking yours is there...