Step II timing

I know that a lot of topics have been posted on here about this. I am currently trying to schedule my 4th year and am planning around when I should take Step II. I know the popular mantra is that if you did mediocre on Step I that you should take Step II early. My Step I score was better than mediocre but nonetheless, I feel like I should and that I want to take Step II early. With regards to this, what qualifies as "early"? As it stands now, I plan on doing away rotations (at least 1) and a home rotation first, and then taking Step II. Any advice on the matter?

I really don't think that you need to take step 2 early. I just took the exam a couple days ago (it is an 8 hour torture session by the way) and it didn't hurt me when it came to getting interviews (I applied to 30 programs and received 26 interviews). I actually had multiple programs comment that they wouldn't have taken step 2 early if they were me.

I am sure some will disagree with me, but why play with fire. If you did well on step 1 you have already proven yourself, don't risk making programs rethink your academic aptitude.

What would be consider a good enough Step 1 score to delay taking Step 2? Above 240? above 250??

bump

How good of a step 1 do you need to delay?

280 at least

I had plenty of classmates going for ortho who got a 250+ and still took Step 2 early. I think that is where the trend for ortho is going, however you won't be dinged if yo don't have it, but if the step 2 is good it can only help you by providing more information about your application.