***COMLEX-1 2005 Results***

[Dobull]

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COMLEX results were released to MSUCOM today!

 

[sophiejane]

thanks for the info, Idiopathic. I would love to see where you got it, and if these NBOME "conversion charts" are made available to students. Is this anecdotal info or do you have one in hand?

Thanks.

 

[Idiopathic]

thanks for the info, Idiopathic. I would love to see where you got it, and if these NBOME "conversion charts" are made available to students. Is this anecdotal info or do you have one in hand?

Thanks.

The fact that there is a conversion system is straight from the NBOME, and the underrepresentation phenomena is anecdotal, from more than one source. Make of it what you will.

 

[medstud2]

I have explained this several times, but I believe strongly that you should only take the USMLE if you feel very confident in your ability to do well on that test. Should that not happen, and you only get an average score, I would not report the result. I dont see how an average score could help you at a competitive program. My case is kind of unique, though, and I did well on both exams...hindsight is often 20/20, and if I had not done well on USMLE, I might feel that I shouldnt have taken it.

To answer your first question, I .believe there are some program in some specialties where it is difficult for anyone to get in (rads, for example). If you are looking at specific allo rads programs, for instance, how could you not take the USMLE?

Bottom line, don't apply to competitive allo programs period, D.O. or M.D., unless you have done well on the USMLE. A good COMLEX score, in that case, is nonsequitur. Am I understanding you correctly? Confidence in your abillity to achieve a good score on the USMLE is one thing, results are something else entirely. Obviously there are no guarantees, especially with standardized examinations. So idio, when you read between the lines are there indeed allo programs that really do "accept" COMLEX scores? Your argument seems to suggest that the really competitive allo programs do not, that you do not have much of a chance uless you have a competitive USMLE score. That being said, perhaps those D.O.'s interested in allo residency programs should limit the pool of programs to those that actually do "accept" COMLEX scores. Thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated!

 

[Idiopathic]

Bottom line, don't apply to competitive allo programs period, D.O. or M.D., unless you have done well on the USMLE. A good COMLEX score, in that case, is nonsequitur. Am I understanding you correctly? Confidence in your abillity to achieve a good score on the USMLE is one thing, results are something else entirely. Obviously there are no guarantees, especially with standardized examinations. So idio, when you read between the lines are there indeed allo programs that really do "accept" COMLEX scores? Your argument seems to suggest that the really competitive allo programs do not, that you do not have much of a chance uless you have a competitive USMLE score. That being said, perhaps those D.O.'s interested in allo residency programs should limit the pool of programs to those that actually do "accept" COMLEX scores. Thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated!

All I said was that in an already competitive specialty, I realized that it would be tough enough to get in if i went to a top-10 allo school, and would be even harder coming from a DO school. Therefore, to give the AD's something 'extra' to think about (My USMLE score). ACtually, if I had known how good my COMLEX would be, I probably wouldnt have bothered, but now that I have both available, I feel extra-qualified (even if superficially so)

Now, I believe I already said that hindsight was 20/20 and that if I knew I wasnt going to do well, I wouldnt have taken the USMLE. Obviously you cant know this, but by using NBME tests and QBank, etc. you at least know if you have a fighting chance.

I also wouldnt say that even 1% of allo programs refuse to take the COMLEX...I wasnt worried about someone refusing to take my score, I just wanted to level the playing field (or tilt it my way a little). COMLEX is the most important one for DO's and the only one that really 'matters'. Given that, sometimes a little extra is done to overcome any imaginary hurdles that may be there.

Last thing, I would encourage DO students to do what feels right for them. Dont let not having a USMLE score deter you from applying anywhere you want. My goals and needs are not the same as everyone elses, and my motives are probably a little different as well. As a caveat, I believe it would be next to impossible to be considered at some top programs in specialties other than IM, FP or peds without a competitive USMLE score (and this holds true for both MD's and DO's)

 

[medstud2]

All I said was that in an already competitive specialty, I realized that it would be tough enough to get in if i went to a top-10 allo school, and would be even harder coming from a DO school. Therefore, to give the AD's something 'extra' to think about (My USMLE score). ACtually, if I had known how good my COMLEX would be, I probably wouldnt have bothered, but now that I have both available, I feel extra-qualified (even if superficially so)

Now, I believe I already said that hindsight was 20/20 and that if I knew I wasnt going to do well, I wouldnt have taken the USMLE. Obviously you cant know this, but by using NBME tests and QBank, etc. you at least know if you have a fighting chance.

I also wouldnt say that even 1% of allo programs refuse to take the COMLEX...I wasnt worried about someone refusing to take my score, I just wanted to level the playing field (or tilt it my way a little). COMLEX is the most important one for DO's and the only one that really 'matters'. Given that, sometimes a little extra is done to overcome any imaginary hurdles that may be there.

Last thing, I would encourage DO students to do what feels right for them. Dont let not having a USMLE score deter you from applying anywhere you want. My goals and needs are not the same as everyone elses, and my motives are probably a little different as well. As a caveat, I believe it would be next to impossible to be considered at some top programs in specialties other than IM, FP or peds without a competitive USMLE score (and this holds true for both MD's and DO's)

All very good points Idio. Thanks!

 

[Cowboy DO]

Any more COMLEX:USMLE correlations out there? Not that its a big deal, but im bored.

 

[Sinnman]

Any more COMLEX:USMLE correlations out there? Not that its a big deal, but im bored.

I'm still waiting on the USMLE.

 

[me454555]

I really don't see why anyone would advise someone not to take the USMLE. Numerous 4th years from my school, now interns, have suggested that taking the USMLE was a HUGE boost to their application in applying to allo residency programs. How can we be expected to be evaluated on a level playing field if we don't have the same credentials? A conversion is just an approximation of what you would do on the USMLE, it doesn't mean you will do it. A good example would be my score and a good friend of mine. She beat me on the comlex by 17 pts and I beat her by 13 pts on the USMLE. Most respectable allo residencies have a plethra of qualified applicants and the line between getting a spot and not is razor thin. Anything you can do to improve your application is probably a good thing.

I barely beat the mean on the USMLE but after talking to a few interns, I am very glad I have it on record to at least say "hey I can compete w/other applicants on a level playing field"

 

[kcumbDO]

COMLEX Level 1= 687/89
USMLE Step 1=246/99

Radiology and Dermatology here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dvc fan]

Long time lurker here.

Used BRS books throughout 1st year, and Lange, Recall, and Robbins Review second year. Looked at Kaplan books last 3 weeks of studying. Went through USMLE QBank during second semester of 2nd year. Took the USMLE a week and half after the COMLEX.

USMLE: 240+/99
COMLEX: 700+/91 (2-digit from NBOME website, still waiting for paper report)

Very surprised by both scores, but definitely no complaints.

 

[bla_3x]

Wait, isn't there another thread for this...??Oh well...
someone mentioned this earlier I think, but it really depends on what YOU ar looking for.
For me, I am of the thought that if any program has a problem with my taking the test that I am required to take and went to school for...then I don't want to waste 3-6 years of my life pretending to be somthing that I am not. This is just my opinion, no bashing here,

Take a personal inventory. Are you looking to get a spot in a very particular region, do the programs in that region always take a fair number of DOs, have you contacted some of the DO residents to see what their take on the COMLEX is for matching there?

My way of thinking was that I was going to get a great score on the COMLEX. A great score should erase doubts...screw any speculation on conversion. And if not, any PD who thinks that someone who hits in the top percentiles on the comlex wouldn't fair up against those who took the usmle are smoking the crack..and again...would I want an ignorant bu++hole as my PD for residency...not so much

The above may have come across as sarcastic or rude, but I ment no offense, I am just that way.
Sure there are the items of super competitive residencies, and if you are really bent on going the acgme route then heII yes you should take the usmle.

Correlation
COMLEX I 665/88
USMLE who knows! If PDs want it so damn much they can pimp away at me during my interview

 

[***Carol***]

634/86 Comlex
221/90 Usmle

Didn't Transfer As Nicely For Me, Much Better Percentile On Comlex Than Relative Percentile On Usmle, But I Am Not Complaining. Comlex Is What I Wanted To Do Best On Anyways 🙂

 

[Idiopathic]

I really don't see why anyone would advise someone not to take the USMLE. Numerous 4th years from my school, now interns, have suggested that taking the USMLE was a HUGE boost to their application in applying to allo residency programs. How can we be expected to be evaluated on a level playing field if we don't have the same credentials? A conversion is just an approximation of what you would do on the USMLE, it doesn't mean you will do it. A good example would be my score and a good friend of mine. She beat me on the comlex by 17 pts and I beat her by 13 pts on the USMLE. Most respectable allo residencies have a plethra of qualified applicants and the line between getting a spot and not is razor thin. Anything you can do to improve your application is probably a good thing.

I barely beat the mean on the USMLE but after talking to a few interns, I am very glad I have it on record to at least say "hey I can compete w/other applicants on a level playing field"

Look, I dont want to insult anyone, but as a DO student, most programs know that you can compete with MD students. Only if your field is radioogy, etc. would I recommend taking the USMLE, because you just dont need it otherwise. So, given your friends score on USMLE, where it was 13 points below yours, should she have taken it?

I just think that substandard score says: this person registered, paid for, and studied for a second test and while they showed initiative in doing so, their score doesnt really reflect it. I agree that it can be very valuable, but it isnt always.

 

[Idiopathic]

Long time lurker here.

Used BRS books throughout 1st year, and Lange, Recall, and Robbins Review second year. Looked at Kaplan books last 3 weeks of studying. Went through USMLE QBank during second semester of 2nd year. Took the USMLE a week and half after the COMLEX.

USMLE: 240+/99
COMLEX: 700+/91 (2-digit from NBOME website, still waiting for paper report)

Very surprised by both scores, but definitely no complaints.

Excellent scores. Just so you know, that 2-digit from NBOME is pretty sketchy. You will be in the 98/99 percentile with that score, but they do their 2-digit, non-percentile score with a 75 mean and a 7 SD, I think, so it shows you being over 2 SD above the mean. The highest 2-digit Ive seen from their site is a 92. Congrats. Excellent work.

 

[Idiopathic]

COMLEX Level 1= 687/89
USMLE Step 1=246/99

Radiology and Dermatology here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very nice. Congrats.

 

[sophiejane]

It's weird, those 2 digit scores. I got a 547, which is only 40 or so points above the average this year, and my 2-digit is 82, while people 100 points above me on the 3-digit are only at 87. (See, not all of us here are boasting these super fabulous scores! Let's hear from the middle of the pack! 😉 )

I guess it makes sense the higher you go on the bell curve the tighter the distance between scores...anyone know if that's how they calculate those?

 

[mfrederi]

I am baffled by the 2 digit scores. I got lower than a few of the three digit scores I have seen on here, but my 2 digit score is higher. I had to check it twice to make sure I didn't read it wrong. I guess the only answer is the COMLEX is just weird.

 

[dvc fan]

Excellent scores. Just so you know, that 2-digit from NBOME is pretty sketchy. You will be in the 98/99 percentile with that score, but they do their 2-digit, non-percentile score with a 75 mean and a 7 SD, I think, so it shows you being over 2 SD above the mean. The highest 2-digit Ive seen from their site is a 92. Congrats. Excellent work.

Thanks, Idio. I have to say, I owe a lot of my preparation plan to you and others like BigFrank on this site. You guys are fantastic!

I agree that the "explanation" of scores from the NBOME isn't really an explanation at all. I'll post what it my paper report says once I get it.

 

[tcom200901]

The Dean over at TCOM just posted these results on the most recent student exams:
Dear Student Doctors,

As I mentioned earlier, the most recent pass rate on the COMLEX I exam this past June was 99.2% As promised, here are some more statistics on the class performance:

A) 23 of you were in the 90th percentile or above – that would be 19% of the class
B) 20 of you were between the 80th and 90th percentile – i.e., 17% of the class
C) 11 of you were between the 70th and 80th percentile – i.e., 9% of the class
D) 45% of the class in total were in the top 30% of the country in terms of this COMLEX I administration.
E) 75 students or 63% of the class scored within the 50th percentile or higher.
F) The highest grade at TCOM on this COMLEX I administration was the 99th percentile - there were two students in the 99th percentile group.

In terms of subject analysis:

Anatomy for TCOM group mean = 561.17 National anatomy mean = 514.61

Physiology for TCOM group mean = 568.42 National physiology mean = 524.58

Biochem for TCOM group mean = 563.12 National biochem mean = 519.76

Pharm for TCOM group mean = 538.98 National pharm mean = 520.45

Pathology for TCOM group mean = 593.57 National Path mean = 517.15

Microbiology for TCOM group mean = 575.15 National micro mean = 533.68

Behavioral Science TCOM group mean = 533.51 National BH mean = 527.55

OPP TCOM group mean = 543.51 National OPP mean = 531.22

Again, congratulations on a job well done!!

 

[Idiopathic]

It's weird, those 2 digit scores. I got a 547, which is only 40 or so points above the average this year, and my 2-digit is 82, while people 100 points above me on the 3-digit are only at 87. (See, not all of us here are boasting these super fabulous scores! Let's hear from the middle of the pack! 😉 )

I guess it makes sense the higher you go on the bell curve the tighter the distance between scores...anyone know if that's how they calculate those?

Your 2-digit score will be higher than your percentile score until you reach some number. Your percentile score will be 60-65% or something, but since the 2-digit score on the web is not a percentile, its quirky until you get into the nineties.

 

[NMH2001]

Just out of curiosity what would be considered a good percentile score when applying to residencies. Not uber-competitive ones, just moderately competitive spots. 50th percentile or higher, 75th, etc?

 

[s42brown]

Has anyone gotten their breakdown of their scores in the mail yet? I hope they come today or tomorrow.

 

[Atlas]

Your 2-digit score will be higher than your percentile score until you reach some number. Your percentile score will be 60-65% or something, but since the 2-digit score on the web is not a percentile, its quirky until you get into the nineties.

I had that exact score and I was ~70th%ile. I know someone with a 538 (64th %ile on the score report). There's no way sophiejane is 60-65%. Sorry. 😛

 

[dvc fan]

Score report came in the mail today - 99 %ile.

I liked the chart on the USMLE report better, since it's more specific to subject and organ system. Everything about the NBOME is just...mysterious.

 

[Idiopathic]

I had that exact score and I was ~70th%ile. I know someone with a 538 (64th %ile on the score report). There's no way sophiejane is 60-65%. Sorry. 😛

LOL...sorry, I guess I shouldnt guess

 

[gagolden]

I got mine in the mail tomorow. Just wanted to make sure the writen was the same as the report on the NBOME website.. LOL

Has anyone gotten their breakdown of their scores in the mail yet? I hope they come today or tomorrow.

 

[sophiejane]

Just out of curiosity what would be considered a good percentile score when applying to residencies. Not uber-competitive ones, just moderately competitive spots. 50th percentile or higher, 75th, etc?

If you are applying to allopathic programs, I would be surprised if they really look at your percentile score too closely since the USMLE doesn't use them (see my previous post) and none of the allopathic students will have percentiles. But maybe it helps PDs get a glimpse into some of the mystery that is the COMPLEX. 😉

 

[sophiejane]

I had that exact score and I was ~70th%ile. I know someone with a 538 (64th %ile on the score report). There's no way sophiejane is 60-65%. Sorry. 😛

🙂

...mediocre score redeemed...slightly.

🙂

 

[Atlas]

🙂

...mediocre score redeemed...slightly.

🙂

Give yourself more credit than that!! 🙂 You're in the top 30% of test takers. Not too shabby in my opinion. You can still do pretty much whatever you want (within reason). 😀

 

[realmdo]

Got the mail today. 664/96%. There is no two digit score in the mail report, which is 88 on MBOME. Pretty weird.

 

[Idiopathic]

Got the mail today. 664/96%. There is no two digit score in the mail report, which is 88 on MBOME. Pretty weird.

Yeah, thats their 'conversion apparatus' that I referred to earlier. It seems to underrepresent your statistical performance when compared with the way the NBME does their.

 

[cdreed]

Mine came in the mail today, too. 625/90%. It was higher than I expected considering my class rank is mediocre.

Congrats to everyone!! Nice to know we actually learned something those first two years in school. 😉

 

[2TIM4:7]

COMLEX Level 1= 687/89
USMLE Step 1=246/99

Radiology and Dermatology here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

congrats on your scores. 🙂

i wouldn't jump the gun though on those highly competitive specialties. if you go into rad, then i hope you have some good research under your belt.

 

[bla_3x]

Mine came in the mail today, too. 625/90%. It was higher than I expected considering my class rank is mediocre.

Congrats to everyone!! Nice to know we actually learned something those first two years in school. 😉

Way to go Cyndi You deserve it...you know your Stuff!!

 

[cdreed]

Way to go Cyndi You deserve it...you know your Stuff!!

Thanks Chuck!!

Not too shabby yourself. Of course, I wouldn't expect any less of you. 😛

 

[sophiejane]

Give yourself more credit than that!! 🙂 You're in the top 30% of test takers. Not too shabby in my opinion. You can still do pretty much whatever you want (within reason). 😀

Yeah, I'm not too worried, since I want to do IM/geriatrics and work in a small town (I know, I'm weird--what' wrong with me that I don't have aspirations to pop zits or read films all day??). I figure with the baby-boomers hurtling rapidly toward senility, that field should be wide open for some time to come. Plus I like the geris. 🙂

 

[gagolden]

Yeah, I'm not too worried, since I want to do IM/geriatrics and work in a small town (I know, I'm weird--what' wrong with me that I don't have aspirations to pop zits or read films all day??). I figure with the baby-boomers hurtling rapidly toward senility, that field should be wide open for some time to come. Plus I like the geris. 🙂

No way in the work that's wierd. In fact, thats what Im planning on doing, well maybee not geri but general IM in a small town. Everyone should have career aspirations exactly like you since you have the best possible one ever!

 

[JP2005]

just curious..am i missing something bc scores of like 689 are in the high 80's?.....yrs ago when i took the test a 639 was a 95........did they change the scoring this yr?.....NBOME once again very shady.......

 

[JSandall]

just curious..am i missing something bc scores of like 689 are in the high 80's?.....yrs ago when i took the test a 639 was a 95........did they change the scoring this yr?.....NBOME once again very shady.......

JP, I don't think the high 80s 2-digit # is referring to percentile rank. That comes w/our scores in the mail, or so I'm told...still haven't received my hard copy yet. Great job everyone and good luck on rotations.

 

[JP2005]

gotcha.....

 

[DOapplicant]

complex 642/87
usmell 238/96

thanks for all the advise sdners

 

[Cowboy DO]

I finally got my usmle scores.

COMLEX 632/86
USMLE 235/95

 

[kalico]

Did anyone get their printed score report mailed from NBOME yet? Still waiting...

 

[xXAnksXx]

I'm gettin a complex reading all these reviews, I'm taking this beast on the 11th and 12th of oct. NE one have any words of wisdom for me? I feel like there is no positive advice for this thing?????

Thanks

 

[JSandall]

Study hard, but realize some of it is just a crapshoot.

I'm gettin a complex reading all these reviews, I'm taking this beast on the 11th and 12th of oct. NE one have any words of wisdom for me? I feel like there is no positive advice for this thing?????

Thanks