From the Midwest to the West Indies: Scheduling Step 2 CS

So how Step 2 CS scheduling works is similar to Step 1. You are given a window period to take it but instead of a 3 month period, you are given 1 year and the year starts after you are approved. So if you are approved in May 2015 then you have until May 2016 to take the exam. UMHS does not have any requirements before you can take the exam. I am taking it at the end of my 3rd year but others choose to take it later, it all depends on what makes you feel comfortable. I will have had all my cores finished except Surgery and Psych which are not extremely important before CS anyways. I would recommend taking it at least by mid-July before you apply that September. This will ensure your score will be back before you submit your application for residencies. You can see score reporting periods below.

Unlike Step 1, you can only take Step CS at 1 of 5 different locations across the US. Spots fill up quickly, as all medical students are competing for the same spots. The locations are: Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia. If you want to look at the availability of the different locations you can go here: https://secure2.ecfmg.org/emain.asp?app=csess You must have a ECFMG number to look though. As of right now it looks like spots are booked about 4 months in advance so this is something you need to plan ahead for, otherwise you may have to wait.

Go to ECFMG website and sign into the IWA. On the main page it says "Start a New Application" and that's all you do. Then at the end of all the questions you pay $1,505! I will now be eating Ramen for the next 2 years :) It takes anywhere between 2-4 wks to get your application approved and to receive your scheduling permit. Apply at least 5 months before you plan on taking the exam.

I would recommend setting a date even if you aren't sure when you want to take it. You have up to 2 weeks or so before the exam to cancel or reschedule without fees. There is a nice service that you can have ecfmg email you when a spot opens up on the dates you want but make sure you log in right when you get the email because most likely it will be filled again. You can find this on the page that says "Schedule a testing appointment", scroll all the way down and find "Add/Edit Scheduling Email Notifications."

I set my date....October 19th in Atlanta before I leave.. :)

When you get your score