Comlex and appyling for residency

[ecm95]

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I am a OMS-II and was orignally planning on taking both USMLE and COMLEX in order to appear more competitive for residency. However, my scores for 3 different NBME practice tests I took were all under 200 and UWORLD 1 was only a 202. However, my COMSAE scores are well withing the mid 500's. Therefore I decided that at this point taking the USMLE wll only hurt me and is not worth it. However, my fiance is a resident in Boston and we are getting married next year so i would like to be able to live together for residency (lol). So my question is what are my chances of matching IM or FM in the massachusetts area with only taking COMLEX? How limited does that make me?

* note my USMLE was scheudled to be on June 15 and comlex on the 19. As I start rotation requirements on June 22

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Better to have a 210 USMLE than no USMLE for IM or FM because it increases the pool of programs that will give you a chance. Also you should know that NBMEs have a history of underpredicting by at least 10-15 points, and you still have time to improve your score, and you can also push your exam back if you have to. Just remember it switches to P/F in January, so keep that in mind.

Edit: To answer your question, it limits you greatly especially for programs in the North East area which you are interested in.

 

[BoneWizard]

Better have a 210 USMLE than no USMLE for IM or FM because it increases the pool of programs that will give you a chance. Also you should know that NBMEs have a history of underpredicting by at least 10-15 points, and you still have time to improve your score, and you can also push your exam back if you have to. Just remember it switches to P/F in January, so keep that in mine.

I agree even a 210 Step 1 would help but OP got the same score on UWSA1 which is concerning.

I'd definitely suggest pushing Step 1 back until mid July. Take UWSA2 around then and see how you do. How long does your fiancée have in their program? It'll be two years until you even enter residency and he'd have more flexibility to move to you as a physician.

 

[Prehealth1011]

I wouldn’t take it without a 230+ on UWSA2. Anecdotal but in my experience, you need more cushion for the USMLEs because you’re more likely to tank it

 

[Ho0v-man]

I wouldn’t take it without a 230+ on UWSA2. Anecdotal but in my experience, you need more cushion for the USMLEs because you’re more likely to tank it

I think that’s a little overkill imo. But I would want it a couple points above my target score.

But yeah OP should definitely push back USMLE. Not having a score at all in a competitive region of the northeast is a recipe for disappointment.

 

[PorkChopsOG]

I was a comlex only IM applicant and matched university IM at my top choice. Feel free to DM me.

 

[deleted610572]

I was a comlex only IM applicant and matched university IM at my top choice. Feel free to DM me.

But was it in or around Boston? It's a notoriously competitive area to match residency. That’s what people are saying. If the fiancé will have graduated then OP can certainly match in the Midwest or south easier with comlex only

 

[PorkChopsOG]

But was it in or around Boston? It's a notoriously competitive area to match residency. That’s what people are saying. If the fiancé will have graduated then OP can certainly match in the Midwest or south easier with comlex only

yes they were near boston. i received a few invites from university programs in the surrounding states. for some reason I got way more east coast love than I imagined.