Impact of Medical School–Mandated Step 2 Deadlines on Student Well‑Being and Match Outcomes: A Medical Student’s Perspective

Because the US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 (Step 1) has transitioned to pass/fail scoring, US Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 has emerged as a primary standardized metric in residency selection. In response, many medical schools have implemented hard deadlines for Step 2 completion before Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) submission. Although intended to streamline the application process and ensure timely examination completion, such mandates may unintentionally heighten student stress, jeopardize academic performance, and impair Match outcomes. This perspective offers a medical student's insight into the psychological and professional consequences of Step 2 deadlines and suggests policy recommendations to better align institutional goals with student wellness and success.