cherryho
Forum Guru
Topics: 30
Posts: 583
|
I am wondering if it's a bit late to take step 2 the first week of August for match in '09.
Let me briefly introduce myself: I am a '03 foreign graduate and now a PhD student in Pathobiology in the US (will get my degree this summer). I love research and thought I would continue on this route until early this year, when I decided to change my career plan for personal reason. It's quite stressful coz I need to pass three exams (step 1, 2 CK/CS) in a 8-9 month time frame. I did get step 1 done in May and got a pretty good score (251/99). Unfortunately, I can't take CK in July due to my thesis defense. My boss is also pushing me to publish papers (we submitted one already but are still waiting for the result). I feel that I am going crazy now.
I am applying for a non-competitive residency (Pathology) and I think I do have some edges (research background, clinical rotations in the US...). But I am still wondering if a good step 2 score "in time" is important for me, esp if I want to enter a good residency program.
Thanks for the answer in advance.
Edited by cherryho on 06/06/08 - 01:38 PM
___________________
99/99/Pass; Certified; 2003; US PhD; 2M US clerkships; GC; Chance favors only the prepared mind. - Louis Pasteur
|
| motorola
Forum Guru
Topics: 66
Posts: 461
|
August might not be late but your CS may get delayed because of it. Because the competition is stiff and you will be competing with many ECFMG certified IMGs. Also you did your med school 5 years back that makes u an 'old graduate'.
Ideal situaltion is having the ECFMG cert by september first. It is really ok if you have it by october as that is when most program send out interview calls. In your case it might be ok even by november as u have a good step1 score (and research, US LOR etc) and are likely to have a good step 2 score.
About CS the score reporting takes longer. If you take CS between July 6 to Sep 6th your score will come on 8th October. If you take CS before 5th July the result will come on 5th Aug.
Keep these things in mind when u decide to take the exams. step 2CK in first week of AUG should get u your results well in time but think about the CS too.
Remember with that kind of score you will match for sure. But matching in a good program will require good timing as well. I feel you have a chance of getting into the best programs in the country. try not to waste that chance by delaying the exams!
___________________
PedsQuiz is updated again!!!http://pedsquiz.com/
|
| cherryho
Forum Guru
Topics: 30
Posts: 583
|
Thanks motorola. I'll also contact some program directors regarding my situation. Hope everything will work out. 
___________________
99/99/Pass; Certified; 2003; US PhD; 2M US clerkships; GC; Chance favors only the prepared mind. - Louis Pasteur
|
|
| |
| | | |
