Hey everyone.....I have a quick question regarding ERAS.

I plan to take Step 2 CK at the beginning of September, which means I won't be getting my score back until about October (beginning).

Is it better to go ahead and send the ERAS application and when my step 2 CK score comes in, it will be sent....OR is it better to wait until I have my Step 2 CK score and then send it all in at that time? Also, I am taking CS in September as well, so that will not be on my application.

I know a lot of people who are sending their application in Sept 1 with just a Step 1 score....these people have pretty good scores. What if your Step 1 score isn't stellar, or what if you are trying to get into a very competitive program?

Won't the Program Directors see that you don't have Step 2 CKand pitch your application (if the score is too low or they have high expectations because it is a competitive program)? Or will they set it aside and wait for Step 2 CK? I am considering waiting until the beginning of October to send in my application - I have even heard that this approach may even be better (just the rumor mill spinning...no hard facts from anyone).

This is a really hard decision for me and I have been going back and forth with it. What is your opinion or what have you heard?

Thanks guys! Lynsey

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"LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHILE YOUR'RE BUSY MAKING OTHER PLANS" - John Lennon

Gosh, that is a hard decision. If you are going for a competitive Residency then I'd say you're better off waiting for your Step 2 scores, especially if your Step 1 wasn't where you wanted it to be. Just my 2 cents!

there is an option to have all you usmle scores sent as you take them.

and being that the residency programs cant even download your application till november 1, you have no problem as i see it

so check the box to send your grades and the PD will get them when he gets the rest of the applicaiton on nov 1

later
YODA

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As a general rule, the better it felt when you said it, the more trouble it's going to get you into.

Nope. Programs can start downloading apps on September 1st 2006.
Interviews begin on November 1st 2006.

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Pathology
PGY-1.75

Per ERAS:



Important Dates

2006

JUN 29
Applicants will be able to update their e-mail and mailing addresses, request Tokens, and pay for Tokens on-line using OASIS.
JUN 30
ECFMG will begin to generate Tokens for all applicants who have made the $75 payment.
JUL 1
MyERAS opens. Once you have registered, you can start sending your supporting documents to ECFMG.
JUL 6
ECFMG will continue to process Token requests every business day to fulfill requests entered and paid for during the previous business day.
AUG 15
Registration for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), or "the Match", opens on the NRMP website.
SEP 1
The ERAS PostOffice opens. You can start transmitting your Common Application Form (CAF), Profile, and Personal Statement(s) to the ERAS PostOffice.
SEP 2
ECFMG starts to transmit supporting documents that have been scanned.
SEP 6
ECFMG continues to scan and transmit documents every business day through May 31, 2007. ECFMG continues to update/transmit ECFMG Status Reports and USMLE transcripts every business day through May 30, 2007.
NOV 1
MSPEs are released by the ERAS PostOffice, regardless of when they were originally transmitted to the PostOffice by ECFMG.
NOV - DEC
Program directors start their applicant selection process.
DEC 1
NRMP Match registration deadline. (Applicants may register after the deadline by paying an additional fee to the NRMP.)
2007

FEB 21
Match late registration deadline. NRMP Match rank order list certification deadline.
MAR 13-15
NRMP Post-Match Scramble.
MAR 15
Results of Match announced by NRMP.
First week in April
Registration at MyERAS closes.
MAY 31
ERAS PostOffice closes, ending current ERAS cycle.
JUL 1
Residency training begins.

__________________
Pathology
PGY-1.75

Yoda will always be a Newbie to us...

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Finally beat Super Mario Bros within 7 mins.

If I were you, send in your application. There should be a part on your ERAS application stating when you anticipate taking CK and CS, so the PD's will see this. Make sure you check the 'box' where you want your scores automatically sent to programs after your CK/CS results come in. That way you don't have to worry about sending scores, and programs will get them.

Here's the way I see it...why wait? Whether your CK scores are great or subpar, your gonna have to send in your application anyways. If you don't hear from specific programs especially after you get your CK scores, call/email the PD and tell them your very interested in their program (keep it short and sweet), and see what they say. Know what I mean?

Just my .03

Thanks for that info jon, I would have screwed myself if i had not heard that.

later
YODA

__________________
Where am I going and why am I in this handbasket...

Never argue with an idoit, people watching will have trouble tell you apart



As a general rule, the better it felt when you said it, the more trouble it's going to get you into.

I love you, man.

__________________
Pathology
PGY-1.75

Now that's just sick...

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Finally beat Super Mario Bros within 7 mins.