Step 2 and Rads

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txguy said:
Is it true that programs will not rank you if you have not taken Step 2 yet? 😕😕
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It may have changed since I applied, but if you had a good step I score, most programs left you alone. A minority of programs required step 2 to be completed before you apply.

If your Step I isnt that great, then absolutely, take step 2 with the intention of pwning it.
 
txguy said:
Is it true that programs will not rank you if you have not taken Step 2 yet? 😕😕
Click to expand...

This is largely NOT true. If in doubt, I guess you could ask the program coordinator at the programs you're considering. But most people with a strong Step I score don't want (need) to have a Step II CK score back before match day.
 
I just had a quick follow-up question for you guys:

When is the latest I can take Step 2 and still be ranked? January? February?

Basically I did well on Step 1 and want to delay taking Step 2 as much as possible 😳

Thanks in advance!!
 
txguy said:
I just had a quick follow-up question for you guys:

When is the latest I can take Step 2 and still be ranked? January? February?

Basically I did well on Step 1 and want to delay taking Step 2 as much as possible 😳

Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...

i didn't have my step 2 score for CS until just before graduation. my dean's office was more concerned about it than any of the programs.
 
If you have a Step 1 score of 240+, there is absolutely no reason to take Step 2 prior to January your fourth year. If you do really well on it, it doesn't matter because your step one score if already good and no one will really care. If by some reason you have a bad day and do not do well on it, people begin to wonder if your Step 1 score was an abberation. Don't get cocky. Don't take Step 2 early if you are in this situation, the risks infinitely outweigh the rewards.

If you have a Step 1 score between 230-240 there is a gray area. If you aspire to top notch programs and think you can do better on Step 2, then take it. However, you should have no problem matching to some solid programs with scores in this range.

If your Step 1 is below 230, then I would strongly consider taking Step 2 prior to interviews. It can be most beneficial in that situation, the rewards outweigh the risks.
 
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