Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 09-08-09 22:46



Oh, this must be very disheartening for u!
USMLE Step-2CS failure rate has increased a lot over the last one year.
The pass percentage is down to around 70% from the previous 83%.
It is better not to make any haste in retaking this test,and risking another failure.
So, do practice a lot and be spontaneous in what u have to ask from the SP's.
Check where u went wrong and correct those mistakes.
Use First Aid and USMLE World only.
Practice all case scenarios.
Here is the next reporting schedule for Step-2CS exam:

Testing Period Reporting Period
For examinees who test Reporting start date Reporting close date

Sep 13 through Nov 7 Dec 9 Jan 6, 2010

So, there is enough chance for u to get yur results back in December and this I think should be fine.
BTW,if u do not mind ,what r yur scores and do u need a visa? How many years since graduation r u?
When u applied thro' ERAS what option did u tick for the USMLE transcripts to be sent to programs?Did u tick Automatic or Manual ?
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 09-08-09 23:11

83 n 87 1st attempt,green card n i think automatic...so ll PDs get my failed report status,,,n no chance for residency ever..wat do u say..

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 09-09-09 00:05



So,u do not need a visa.That is somewhat better for u as an IMG at this stage.But, still u need to pass Step-2CS by Rank Order List (ROL) submission deadline which is in february .
If u ticked the Automatic transmission of the Transcript then Programs will have got yur failed result by now .But, if u have ticked the Manual transmission, then u were at least saved as long as u surely pass USMLE Step-2CS next time.
Yes, failed attemts r a big red flag on one's application, but still none on earth can predict anyone's chances of getting a residency.How can I say that u do not have any chance of getting a residency when there r people who matched with failed attempts on USMLE Steps.Let this be the last failure of yurs.
So, just take the exam after a lot of preparation in first week of november.Remember to practice a lot.Now , u cannot turn back at this stage ,and hope lies only in moving forward.
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
bingousmle - 09-09-09 09:59


really sorry to hear that.. which component did you not do well? what was your test centre?

Re: cs failed
docbul - 09-09-09 11:03

atlanta testcenter, i wasnt prepared according to us standards as eveything is new for me here.. Do i have very less hopes nowto get residency ever in this place..or wat..i m still confused..thanks adonis n bingou

Re: cs failed
drkims - 09-09-09 11:06

I did not understand the difference between automatic & manual transmission.Is it that' manual' helps to send CS result after a pass result?But our previous failed attempt will be noted?

Do we also need to practice any cases not found in FA & UW?If yes ,plz do name those cases.

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 09-09-09 12:05



As the name suggests ,Automatic transmission of the USMLE Transcript automatically releases one's new test score to the programs.Applicants have no control over it once this option has been chosen by them at the time of application.
On the other hand, in manual transmission applicants at the time of applying choose not to automatically transmit the scores to the programs .Afterwards, when the new scores get released the applicants may or maynot release the scores according to their pass/fail status.This option is a good one as the applicants can prevent their failing scores from being transmitted to the programs until the new passing score is available.But , later when the new scores get available and the applicant decides to release that score the earlier failing score will also be transmitted to the programs.This because a USMLE Transcript transmits all the previous attempts/scores to the programs once it is released.

To yur second question the answer is that usually FA and UW r more than enough,but do concentrate a lot on the First Aid Mini Cases as well.
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
bingousmle - 09-09-09 13:32

how long does it take if the scores are to be submitted manually?

Re: cs failed
drkims - 09-10-09 02:13

Do the programs get step2CS PASS/FAIL report, or do they get the report that lets them know -in which part of the exam the applicant failed.

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 09-10-09 05:52



According to the USMLE the USMLE transcript includes the following:

"1. your name and other personal identification information including your date of birth;
2.your complete results history of all Steps and Step Components that you took;
3.your history of any examinations for which no results were reported;
4.indication of whether you have previously taken the former NBME Parts I, II, or III, Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX), or ECFMG Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA);
5.annotation(s) if you were provided with test accommodations;
6.annotation(s) and information documenting classification of any scores as indeterminate;
7.annotation(s) and information documenting any irregular behavior; and
8.notation(s) of any actions taken against you by medical licensing authorities or other credentialing entities that have been reported to the FSMB Board Action Databank.


Note: Graphical performance profiles, which are included on your original Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 2 CS (failing examinees only), and Step 3 score reports, are not included in your USMLE transcript."

So,according to the above information the Programs get all the information except the Graphical Performance Profiles.This information also includes the data about the results of various Subcomponents of the Step-2CS exam.

Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 09-10-09 08:45



Retransmission of scores thro' USMLE Transcript can take one to two business days as well.
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 09-11-09 00:28

pls tell me wat are the chance to get residency once after failing in CS ( obiviously after clearing it on 2nd attempt),i m tensed pls ..suggest

Re: cs failed
bingousmle - 09-11-09 02:06


what specialities have you or are planning to apply?

Re: cs failed
docbul - 09-11-09 11:24

I applied to IM 60 programs on 1st sept,what will happen with them now?have i wasted my money n time too for this year match or there is still a chance? pls tell me

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 09-11-09 12:47



How many of these programs required u to be ecfmg certified before considering u for an interview?
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 09-11-09 21:15

hi adonis, well i applied to those programs which doesnot require one to be ECFMG certified at the time of application..but i never thought that i ll fail in CS....i dont know what next to do..pls help me, n when can i take it ASAP..Pls let me know..

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 09-12-09 02:17



It is good that u applied to such programs only.Although not definite ,but such programs can consider u for an interview if u pass ur Step-2CS exam at least in december.U can take ur exam in the first week of November so that u will get ur results in December.This way u can also get enough time for more practice.
So , do practice a lot with a good Step-2CS practice partner.If u need any help from my side do not ever hesitate to ask me.
Forget about past ,concentrate on future.
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 09-12-09 11:20

Thanks adonis for ur wondrful advice but i heard that one can not appear againbefore 60 days period of time,As u know that iappeared on 8th sept and i didnt complete my whole exam,i got panic n i done only 7 SP's. n after that i left the exam coz i felt nauseated..so pls tell me what to do now..

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 09-12-09 11:42



No, u can take Step-2CS anytime.U need not to wait 60 days before retaking the test.

Here is what ECFMG says about it:

USMLE Elimination of the 60-Day Waiting Period to Retake a Failed Step or Step Component:

"In its April 7,2007 meeting the USMLE Composite Committee reviewed this policy and determined that the 60-day waiting period would be discontinued. Therefore, effective May 1, 2007, the 60-day waiting period between attempts at the same USMLE Step or Step Component will be eliminated. Although the waiting period will be eliminated, your result from a prior attempt must be available before you can reapply."

So, u left the exam midway.Yur failure can solely be attributed to the extreme anxiety u were having.U have to completely overcome this problem before u take this test again.
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 10-08-09 10:59

Hi Adonis and all..If u guys remember me,i told u that i left my exam inbetween n now that my Cs report is out n it says "Incomplete attempt" but not "Fail".Is it better than failing or what..Pls help...

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 10-08-09 11:40



This is what the USMLE says regarding an incomplete attempt:
"For Step 2 CS, if you do not begin every case, your performance may be assessed on those cases completed. If this assessment would result in a passing outcome no matter how poorly you may have performed on the missed case(s), then a "pass" will be reported. If this assessment would result in a failing outcome no matter how good your performance on the missed case(s), then a "fail" will be reported. Otherwise, the attempt may be recorded as an "incomplete examination."

That means for Step 2 CS, any cases overlooked by the student will be disregarded when determining a passed or failed attempt.
An incomplete attempt does appear on the USMLE transcript.

So, u have neither passed this exam nor failed it .In a nut shell,u have not failed the test and yur transcript will not show a failure.
In my opinion,u r very lucky and God has been very kind to u.
Good Luck with yur next attempt at Step-2CS.

Re: cs failed
docbul - 10-08-09 11:54

Thank you for sucha sasisfying reply but what about the "incomplete attempt" that will still appear in my transcript,How will PD's look at it?n how negative it will look in my usmle transcript and Most important question when am i eligible to re-apply again for CS?..Thanks

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 10-08-09 12:20



One thing is clear that it is not a failure otherwise it would not have been an incomplete attempt.
PD's will regard it as it is and not at all as a failure.U can give any excuse to PD's about why u could not complete yur exam.It will never be as negative as a failure.So, do not bother about this issue anymore.
U can register for yur test anytime.
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 10-09-09 00:31

thanks adonis for ur help,but there are still some questions that r unclear.
1) Can i see my USMLE trancript anywhere? n if so,How
2) In my ADTS i see 6 or 7 Usmle transcripts that PDs can see,what does that indicate?
3)Now that my result is out Pds can see my Usmle transcript n they are sending me rejections coz i couldnt take my Cs on time,is there any way that i couls show Pds that i have enrolled for nov session again n i ma going to take it in end of nov.?jpw can i tell them that ?

PlSSSSSSS help

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 10-09-09 00:55



1)No, u cannot see yur USMLE transcript which is sent by ERAS to the programs. However, u can submit a request to the ECFMG to issue u a USMLE transcript.But, they will issue the one after u get ECFMG Certified and it will have a record of all the tests u have taken.
2)It means that the USMLE transcript have been transmitted to programs multiple times and/or the ERAS has submitted any updated transcripts.It does not indicate anything else.
3)U can only let the programs know about taking yur Step-2CS again thro' e.mail because u cannot update yur CAF.

Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 10-12-09 09:41

Hi adonis,now that my cs result is out and PDs have got my Usmle transcript too, i just wanted to know that how can i Let Pds know that i am re-taking this exam next month again so please dont send me rejections on my Cs basis.Is there a way to escape..Pls let me know,Thanks..

Re: cs failed
babymi - 10-12-09 09:51

Do you mean step 3 is not included in the USMLE transcript? So how do PD's or programs know if you have passed step 3/not then. Thanks pls advise.

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 10-12-09 10:12



Good question!
If one has passed or attempted the Step-3 exam then the USMLE Transcript is sent by the FSMB i.e.,the Federation of State Medical Board.An online request can also be made to the FSMB for a USMLE transcript for personal use which is called 'The Examination and Board Action History Report (EBAHR)'.
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 10-12-09 10:14



Just E.Mail the programs regarding this.That is the way only to let the programs know about it.
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 10-12-09 14:01

Thanks adonis,But please tell me what should i write in Email and how can i let pds know who Am i ( can i write my aamc id no. in th Email) or theres some other way....i hope pds dont mind my email tooo...

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 10-12-09 14:12



Yes, u have to write yur AAMC ID and ,off course, yur name.By this they will know who u r.
Show utmost respect in yur e.mails to the PD's.
Write to them the details that u could not complete yur Step-2CS exam first time due to some unavoidable circumstances and u will be taking the same in NOV.
Why should they mind if u r writing everything in a respectful manner and for bringing some genuine information to their notice.
If , however, u r too much hesitant to write e.mails to the PD's then u can write to the program coordinators and ask them respectfully to convey the same to their PD's.
I hope it helps!
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 10-14-09 12:48

hi ,can u pls tell me if we could make notes on the scratch paper while History taking and how much can we note? pls advice..Thanks

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 10-14-09 14:51



Very important question this is.
U should make notes only while u r paraphrasing(repeating) what patient has just said.
Never make notes while u r asking history or listening to the patient.It is a blunder if one does this.
Write only the most important information and try to write as little as is possible for u to write.
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 10-14-09 15:16

hi,thanks for information,one more thing i need to know is that what is the last date before which we could get our result for 2010 match,is there a specific date,do we need to be ecfmg certified before 15 feb or is it the result only?
pls advise..

Re: cs failed
docbul - 10-15-09 10:03

hi adonis,r u busy?

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 10-15-09 10:53



This what the ECFMG says about it:

"International medical students/graduates and participants/graduates of Fifth Pathway programs who need to pass Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) to participate in the 2010 Match (in March 2010) are reminded that they must take Step 2 CS by December 31, 2009. If you do not take Step 2 CS by December 31, 2009, your result will not be available in time to participate in the 2010 Match."

If yur question is that if u have not received yur ECFMG® Certification when the rank order list opens can I still enter my rank order list?
The answer is :
"Yes, you can. If the NRMP receives notification from ECFMG® that you have completed your exam requirements for certification by the rank order list deadline, you will be included in the Match. If NRMP has not received ECFMG® confirmation, NRMP will withdraw you from the match shortly after the rank order list deadline and your rank order list will NOT be used in the match. "
Good Luck!

Re: cs failed
docbul - 10-22-09 20:02

HI there.how to ask about functional impairment questions,occupational impairment,sleep or help at home? like in case with shoulder pain..or suspected abuse..pls help..Thanks

Re: cs failed
adonis123 - 10-23-09 00:55



The questions which should be asked r:

Has there been any change in yur sleep?
Does anyone treat u badly at home or elsewhere?
Do u need any help bathing/getting dressed/feeding yur self/taking yur medications,etc?
Do u have any problems in yur job?
How is yur performance on yur job?

Good Luck!