Thread: Step 2 CK

Guys, I can't seem to schedule my Surgery rotation till August. I finish my IM in April, and Surgery would be the last core I need. Do you guys recommend I take the Step 2 before I do my surgery rotation since I can study in the summer for it...I would definitely need a 2-3 months to study for it anyways.

Yes, I suggest you take it.

Do students take any review course (Kaplan, Falcon, etc.) for Step II ck? Also, to what extent the knowledge gained during rotations help in passing Step II ck?

I appreciate any information.

To the original Poster,
I'm assuming you'll apply for the match next September? It's really important to have step 2 scores in hand before September 1, which is the day that residencies start looking at apps and sending out interview invites. I did not reallize this, and MUA doesn't see it this way, but most residency's decide on who they are going to invite by November. But they make the bulk of their invites in September and early October. Without CK in their, you'll get fewer invites. It's CRUCIAL for IMG's to have everything done, all programs applied to on Sept 1. So you may not have been thinking about that when you asked this, you may be thinking more about preparedness. Regarding preparedness, everyone has an opinion, but I don't believe that surgery, or many of the cores, for that matter are critical for CK. In fact, attendings often use protocols that would get you a wrong answer on CK. Such as baclofen for alcohol withdrawal, when the right "answer" is benzo's. That's ironic and unfortunate, but that's just how it is.

After all that, short answer? I'd take CK whenever you feel ready. The best preparation hands down is USMLE World. I don't think that reading any book is helpful except in the context of reviewing your test answers. It's a far more effective use of time. Just like step 1. Not everyone will agree on that. I dont know anyone who took a prep course for step 2.

How about CS? How critical is it to have that score in hand before Sept 1st? or is it just more CK? Thanks.

I can only give you my opinion, but I was asked by residents at several programs if I had passed CS. I think it's important, possibly not as critical as step 2CK? It's so easy, it's probably better to get it done.

Originally Posted by noonie

Guys, I can't seem to schedule my Surgery rotation till August. I finish my IM in April, and Surgery would be the last core I need. Do you guys recommend I take the Step 2 before I do my surgery rotation since I can study in the summer for it...I would definitely need a 2-3 months to study for it anyways.

It seems you are running a tight time line with not starting your last 12 week core till August.

IMO, not only should you take CK at the end of your break before the August surgery rotation, but you should also take CS during that gap. CS is not only harder to schedule, but takes longer to get scores back. You should not wait till the fall for CS in case of a failure. Cover the worse case scenario, while studying hard for CS. You want time to reschedule in case of failure. Don't take a chance of getting dropped from the match for not having CS and being unable to reschedule by Dec 31st.

Also, since you're doing your last 12 week core in August you should make sure to have any electives scheduled that you may need as early as possible. Always plan cautiously for your school, ECFMG or something else to go possibly wrong and leave yourself time for things out of your control.

Are we allowed to take CK before having completed all of our cores?

hmmm... such interesting responses we have here... amazing

Originally Posted by Pringles00

Are we allowed to take CK before having completed all of our cores?

Can somebody please answer this question? Thanks