Here we are! It’s a mere 7 months since I took Step 1 and I’m already getting ready for the next Step.

Applying for this exam would be half the hassle of Step 1 if I hadn’t gone and done a silly thing like get married and change my name. So, yah. I have to submit a Form 186 all over again and wait for MUA and ECFMG to verify it so that I can pick my test date and start studying. Because, you know, you can’t start studying without an actual test date.

Most students take Step 1 sometime after Basic Sciences and before Clincial Rotations. The timing to keep in mind for Step 2 is not the date you take the exam but ensuring you have your most excellent passing grade back before applying through ERAS for the match.

You know, The Match.

I’ll include another post on Match stuff later, but suffice it to say for now, it is important enough to deserve capital letters. I have heard varying reports about how long it takes to have your grades reported and available from Step 2, but it is generally accepted that you should have them both complete by June or July. If you don’t feel like you need Step 2 scores to boost your ERAS Match application, then there isn’t any rush to take the exam and you technically have until December or January to complete the exam before rank order lists are submitted.

Rank order lists? Okay, I’m using terminology from The Match again. Will save that for later.

Foreign and international medical graduates are encouraged to have their Step 2 scores available to increase their chances of getting an interview (and thus, residency position) for The Match. As such, I’m hoping to take Step 2 sometime in May.

Lastly, there are 2 parts to Step 2.

Clinical Knowledge (CK) is an all-day exam similar to Step 1. Except it’s an hour longer and is focused on the clinical application of all that Basic Science stuff you’ve forgotten in the last year. Fun! From this exam, you get a 2- and 3-digit score similar to the format used in Step 1.

Clinical Skills (CS) is a hands-on practical exam with people pretending to be patients. You will be expected to do a focused history and physical and write a patient note. All while proving you are a caring human being and can converse easily in English. From this exam, you get a pass/fail score.

Right now, my plan is to study during March and April and be ready to rock the exam in May. I’ll keep you posted on the exam date(s) so you can get those fingers crossed at the right time(s).

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