When's the absolute latest to take the Step 2?

[eag]

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Hi everyone. I haven't taken my step 2 yet. I was wonerding when is the latest I should take then without affecting my application in a negative way? My Step 1 is alright. However, I have received multiple interview invites. I think I've heard that you can't be matched without taking Step 2. Is that true? Anyway, I was supposed to take it in 2 weeks, but that's not happening. I'm now aiming to take it in Nov. However, there might be a possibility that I would have to move it. Is Dec or Jan too late?

Thank you for your advice!

 

[BigRedBeta]

It's program specific on whether they'll match you or not without step 2 scores. Which of course means you have to have it finished and score reported in time for Rank lists. Some absolutely want that in and finished, others let it slide. I'd check with where you plan on interviewing about their preferences.

 

[jonb12997]

here's a question, are we talking the Step 2 PE (I'm not sure what the MD's call the go to a testing center and see a bunch of standardized patients exam), or just the computer based test (I think you guys call that one the CK)...

 

[eag]

I was initially talking about the CK, but I guess I should include the PE. However, the earliest date I could get for my PE was Jan. So, that score will not be ready for the match. I think I'm more concerned about the CK though.

 

[kate0834tkjn]

I'm not really sure, but I'm planning on taking step 2 in December too, which should be scored in plenty of time for the rank lists.....but, I'm getting a little concerned about programs not interviewing because I don't have step 2 done! I always thought it was something to be done before starting residency, not necessarily before matching, but perhaps I am wrong!

 

[shaynab]

Obviously every program will have its own set of rules (so you should call programs that you're especially interested in), but I have been under the impression that scores for Step 2 (CK or CS) do NOT need to be in to match at most programs. I even called CHOP because I had thought that Step 2 was possibly needed to be interview there, but I was told that its not necessary. The man I spoke with said he suggests taking Step 2 early if your Step 1 score is sub-par; he made no mention of needing Step 2 to be ranked.