Step 2 timing

I know that this question has been discussed to exhaustion on previous thread with a wide variety of answers. I was hoping to get several attendings perspective on one specific aspect of this exam. I was wondering what your thoughts are on the timing of taking this test. If a student has a strong step 1 (ie >240 ) is it in their best interests to take Step 2 late, so they do not have to worry about having a lower Step 2 score? Or do programs look for Step 2 score and penalize students that take them late? I appreciate any input on this subject.

Couple of thoughts:

1) If you have a very strong application and a strong step 1 score of 240 or higher then you may want to hold off taking step 2 until later (unless you're always a very good test taker and you just want to get it over with).

2) If you are not a strong paper candidate (no honors, no AOA, etc...) but got a high Step 1, then taking step 2 and doing really well can definitely help you (as previous posts have outlined - there is a stronger correlation with clinical performance and step 2, not step 1).

3) If you had a low step 1 then definitely take step 2 and try to score significantly higher to enhance your chances of getting past the "screeners".

wnl

Dr. Levine,

So, as far as #2, If a student goes to a school that is P/F for all four years with no class rank and doesnt have AOA, but has a good Step 1, would you then recommend taking Step 2 early?

Thanks

Probably no right answer - most programs are not "conditioned" to look for step 2 scores so you can probably avoid taking step 2 - usually the best reason to take step 2 is a low step 1 score that you're trying to overcome.

wnl

Probably no right answer - most programs are not "conditioned" to look for step 2 scores so you can probably avoid taking step 2 - usually the best reason to take step 2 is a low step 1 score that you're trying to overcome.

wnl

I guess there is no right answer to this either - if you are in that "in between" region (ie a 235 for Step 1), would your suggestion be to let it ride, or go for the early Step 2 to try and boost it, keeping in mind that Step 2 could be the same or close to the same score? Thanks

I would not consider a 235 "inbetween" - I view that as a great score and wouldn't worry about it at all. Again, my perspective is that if a program doesn't like your 235 step 1 that seems awfully silly. Not sure a 240 step 2 will change their minds much and wouldn't stress about it - 3rd year clerkships are probably more important in the grand scheme of things.

wnl