Comlex 2 And Match

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I chose to take COMLEX 2 in January. What happens if I don't pass step 2, but I match somewhere? My school will still allow me to graduate, as they only require that I "sit" for step 2. But will the program where I match still allow me to start my internship without a passing score on step 2 and no opportunity to retest until August?

 

[DireWolf]

Although I don't have to think it about for a couple years, that's a very interesting question. COMLEX 2 is in January, and if you don't pass I think the make-up test is in August. Am I correct? If so, that means you wouldn't be able to graduate in May nor start internship in July. I think most, if not all, programs require you to pass step 2 before graduating. And I don't see how you could start residency/internship without passing step 2.

Does anyone know how this works? Is there a make-up test date that I'm not aware of. You'd think there would have to be another chance to take it before May. If not, the NBOME needs to change some things around.

 

[Cowboy DO]

just pass. simple.

 

[DireWolf]

Originally posted by Cowboy DO
just pass. simple.

Sounds good to me. But I heard the test is so poorly written that even good students can fail.

 

[nejdo]

I missed the registration deadline (whoops) and wasn't able to take the COMLEX 2 last January...unfortunately it is a requirement at my school for graduation so I had to pull out of the match and wait to start my internship until after my scores came back from the August test. Same with those that didn't pass. BUT, I think that as long as your school will still give you a diploma, then you can start at most residencies in July.

 

[DrQuinn]

Depends on what residencies you go to. If you get into an MD program, its likely it won't matter. However the DO programs are extremely conservative and old-school. One of my friends failed Step 2 twice, and he was not allowed to start internship until he got his passed scores back. He started back in November from his August scores. He is doing a DO residency.

Q, DO

 

[jay dub]

Originally posted by DireWolf
Although I don't have to think it about for a couple years, that's a very interesting question. COMLEX 2 is in January, and if you don't pass I think the make-up test is in August. Am I correct? If so, that means you wouldn't be able to graduate in May nor start internship in July. I think most, if not all, programs require you to pass step 2 before graduating. And I don't see how you could start residency/internship without passing step 2.

Does anyone know how this works? Is there a make-up test date that I'm not aware of. You'd think there would have to be another chance to take it before May. If not, the NBOME needs to change some things around.

Step 2 of COMLEX is offered twice a year - in August and January. As you said, you can sit for COMLEX 2 in January, but there's no rule that says you have to wait until Jan. to take it. You can also take it in August (granted you will have less clinical time under your belt, but it's an option). My husband and I both opted to take the exam in August rather than January, and we are SOOO glad that we did. Our school encourages sitting for the exam in January, but we just petitioned the dean and it was no problem to take it earlier.

 

[Homunculus]

Originally posted by DireWolf
Sounds good to me. But I heard the test is so poorly written that even good students can fail.

it's not *that* poorly written. if you have half a head for clinical stuff you'll pass. i imagine it's easier to pass, but maybe harder to score well on than COMLEX I. in the end it doesn't really matter, so just pass it. and i would recommend taking it in august as well, jsut to get it out of the way.

 

[DrQuinn]

Originally posted by Homunculus
it's not *that* poorly written. if you have half a head for clinical stuff you'll pass. i imagine it's easier to pass, but maybe harder to score well on than COMLEX I. in the end it doesn't really matter, so just pass it. and i would recommend taking it in august as well, jsut to get it out of the way.

I think if you are a good test taker, you should take it in August. I didn't take it because I was on an audition rotation up in Philly in EM. However, had I taken it, I would (supposedly) have gotten my much higher score sooner, and could have sent that to the programs that were iffy on me. I COULD HAVE GOTTEN AN INTERVIEW AT UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA EM PROGRAM!

YOU HEAR ME UVA?!?!?!? I'M STILL WAITING FOR MY INTERVIEW REJECTION!

Q, DO