Perhaps I'm overly pessimistic, but it seems to me that most things in medical school hurt you rather than help - board scores, grades, clerkship evaluations. So in my opinion, if its not stellar or at least the best you've done to date, it hurts you. Maybe not by much, but still hurts you. As they say, "the enemy of good is better". If you have a good step 1, sit tight and and don't take step 2 trying to improve a good score. Thats my motto.

Thank you

Some people say PDs don't even look on Step 2 scores, I mean probably they have cut-offs just for Step 1
Can you confirm that?

I was not asked once about Step 2 scores during interviews. I would doubt that they care considering you have a 244 Step 1.

you think this score approach will be same for FMG (not asking about chances getting in res in general )
thanks

A 244 still has alot of room for improvement. I dont see why you couldnt get a 250+ on step 2. That should help. Take the test late and if you rock it release the scores to certain schools.

I agree with BobAEPi...

A 244 on Step 1 is good enough to get you an interview anywhere... once you have an interview the "other factors" are going to be much more important. I would delay taking Step 2 until after interviews. Once you've matched, you'll have a whole new perspective on the relative importance of Step 2. How does the saying go? Study 2 weeks for Step 1, 2 days for Step 2 and for Step 3, bring a #2 pencil

Congrats on your solid Step 1 score...