Will Step 2 scores make a difference with low step 1 scores for OB??

[htjacks]

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Hi everyone!

I'm a fresh MS3 about 3 weeks into my clinical rotations and we got our step 1 scores the other day and I'm feeling devastated with a 198. I was hoping for at least in the 220 range so I was shocked to not even break 200. Don't get me wrong, I'm SO grateful I passed because there were definitely people who did not, but it's disappointing to be that close to failing when you never aimed to just pass you know? Anyway, I'm REALLY interested in OB and pretty much had a mini panic attack last night worrying if I've just nixed any chances I have at matching at a good program. Since most OB programs require step 2, if I do significantly better on step 2, (like 230ish), will that work in my favor? Will doing away rotations help my cause? Do most schools have a minimum step 1 score to even apply? I've been searching everywhere for thoughts but can't really get a good handle on whether I should worry about matching in OB. What should I do? Feel free to be brutally honest and thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[nykka3]

hi,
i will be applying soon. check out the dB on apgo.org at

http://www.apgo.org/residencies/

I have noticed and was told by my advisor that many school's do not have cutoffs and if so I noticed a lot of 190 or 200 cutoffs but still apply. The avg. score of matched applicants is approx 211-212. I think you will be fine. Try and do well in your ob/gyn clerkship and AI. You can also take step 2 in the summer after 3rd year and have your scores ready for your ERAS application in early fall. Your score is definitely not the end of the world for ob/gyn programs. Good luck! PM me if you like.

 

[pruritis_ani]

I actually also had a 198 on step 1. I followed with a 235 on step 2, and had absolutely no trouble getting interviews or a job. Additionally, I have the IMG strike against me.

I can tell you that the applicant pool is far, far different than what people here on SDN profess to have. There are far more folks in the low pass range than you would think, and they do very well on the job hunt. Step scores are not the be all and end all of getting a spot.

Good luck

 

[AbuJadenDO]

so do you have to have step 2 completed by the time you apply?

 

[Diane L. Evans]

Step 2 is done in August/September to the best of my recollection for DO's for MD's it is when yheir school requires it. Most programs will not consider your application until they know your step 2 scores.

 

[CaliOBGynee]

I took Step 2 CK later (in November) because I was happy with my Step 1 score. My school only required that we take Step 2 before December 31st. I got almost all of my interview invitations (13 of 14) and completed three interviews even before I received notice of my Step 2 score and the programs were notified in early December.

 

[AbuJadenDO]

I took Step 2 CK later (in November) because I was happy with my Step 1 score. My school only required that we take Step 2 before December 31st. I got almost all of my interview invitations (13 of 14) and completed three interviews even before I received notice of my Step 2 score and the programs were notified in early December.

may i ask what "happy with my step 1" = ?

 

[CaliOBGynee]

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