Which is worse for residency applications: low step 1 score or leave of absence?

Current M2 at USMD. ~3 weeks out from step and got a 175 on NBME 26 (got a 160 on NBME 25 2 weeks ago AKA 5 weeks out from step). Uworld average is ~50% with 75% complete. I had surgery in the beginning of dedicated (liver transplant for sibling), so I had 6 weeks instead of 10 weeks. My school is giving me 2 options: I can push my step date back by 2 weeks and not have it affect my M3 schedule, or I can take a temporary leave of absence and push my step date back by ~10 weeks. The first... Read more
Source: Student Doctor Network - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Tags: Medical Students - MD Source Type: forums