Advice for taking both USMLE and COMLEX

[Fooman]

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I'm a MS2 and since board exams are just only a few months away, I figured I should go ahead and actually give it some thought. I was wondering if there are any advantages in taking the USMLE along with the COMLEX. Or a better question, since I have no idea of what specialty or what region of the US I'd like to do my residency in, would not taking the USMLE screw me over in the future?

 

[rogshw]

As a DO who has matched at an allopathic Radiology residency, I highly encourage you to take COMLEX AND do well on the USMLE if you intend on applying for competitive allopathic programs (i.e. radiology, Ortho, Optho, ER etc...). Step 1 USMLE is actually easier than COMLEX. However, with Step 2 the reverse is true by 100 fold. At the very least it keeps your options open....Good luck

 

[Arch Guillotti]

This subject has been covered at lenght before. Do a search.

If you want something competitive, take the USMLE.

I disagree strongly with the previous poster re the difficulty. I thought USMLE step I was much harder.

arch

 

[LovelyRita]

Hey guys,
thanks for confirming my thoughts...i'll be taking both. Also taking Kaplan to prepare.

Thanks again.

 

[DrQuinn]

I did not take the USMLE, but scored very well on the COMLEX I/II. I matched at my #1 choice for EM. I believe EM to be competitive (more competitive than gas) but not competitive as say MD rads or ortho. If you are going for the uber-competitive specialties, take the USMLE. At the very least, you're giving your best shot and showing the PDs that you want to be compared apples to apples.

However, if you're going for an average specialty... IM, Peds, FP, Psych, you won't need to take the USMLE.

Remember, thta board scores are only one part of your application. If you take the USMLE and are a poor applicant, it won't matter.

Q, DO