Step 2

[plasticsur]

When do you recommend taking Step 2? It makes sense that the more time to study the higher the score, but is there an advantage to taking it earlier?

1) before screening for interviews (May-August)
2) before the interview date (September-November)
3) before the match selection (November-February)

Thank you!

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[rueby25]

When do you recommend taking Step 2? It makes sense that the more time to study the higher the score, but is there an advantage to taking it earlier?

1) before screening for interviews (May-August)
2) before the interview date (September-November)
3) before the match selection (November-February)

Thank you!

Definitely not a one size fits all. One chair told me that he likes to see applicants go ahead and take it, but it only stands to help you a great deal if your step 1 is marginal and you improve a lot on step 2.

That being said, I took mine early, improved on my step 1 by 16 points and never really had it mentioned during any rotations or interviews outside of the comments of the one chair I mentioned above.

The challenge with doing it mid-cycle is trying to find time to study in between rotations and interviews. And there are some that require it for ranking (so scores hav to be back by February).

Kind of like a good conversation about undergoing a procedure, assess the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Hope that helps a little.

 

[Footprints13]

When do you recommend taking Step 2? It makes sense that the more time to study the higher the score, but is there an advantage to taking it earlier?

1) before screening for interviews (May-August)
2) before the interview date (September-November)
3) before the match selection (November-February)

Thank you!

The traditional response has been if you have a great Step 1 score then wait until after you submit your application so it doesn't hurt you if you bomb it. If you have a lower Step 1 score and think you can improve upon it then take Step 2 early so you programs can see your score difference (prove that your low step 1 was a fluke).

I would caution though that many programs are requiring Step 2 scores for either interviewing or ranking. The other issue is how well you can prepare for it. I had family my last rotation of 3rd year so took the test 2 weeks after the end of 3rd year since everything was as fresh as it was going to be. I was glad I did because I forget a lot during the 3 months I spent on plastic surgery aways. I think that while logically it might make sense to take more time to study it, the studying you do for your plastic surgery aways is going to be completely irrelevant to studying for Step 2.

One of my mentors puts it this way: As a surgery subspecialist you will never know more general medicine than at the end of your third year.

 

[Valadi]

One of my mentors puts it this way: As a surgery subspecialist you will never know more general medicine than at the end of your third year.

So true..

Just one year out of third and I already know I've forgotten so much. Couldn't agree more with advice to take it early. After months of reading about PRS there is no way I'd hang onto peds vaccination schedules and whatnot for the step 2. And the Dec-Jan travel cycle is extremely challenging to work study time into.

 

[rueby25]

It seems like you having a hard time with this matter, please don’t let yourself down. Keep your confidence high!

I don't know that the OP is "having a hard time" or has given any indication that his confidence is not high. This is a very common question asked by those applying for competitive residencies.

 

[Phloston]

Could any faculty / PDs pleae comment on the importance of Step-2CK in the selection process?

(I'm an IMG, and would therefore assume a high 2CK for me would be mandatory)