COMLEX Level 1 Failure

[Comlex1Failed]

I've made an anonymous account, just for the sake of the number of people I know on this site.
I got a 357 on my COMLEX. Much lower than expected.
I completed Boards Bootcamp and COMBANK. My overall COMBANK average was a 62%, while my last 100 questions were a 66%. I took COMSAE D and got a 466. I didn't take more and I should have.

I took it late, in September barring some personal issues. A family member passed away and I needed the extra time. The last assessment I took before asking for the extra time was a 55% and I knew I wasn't ready.
I felt like I was prepared when I took the actual thing. I went into it with a level of confidence that I would at least pass and left feeling like I got at least a 400. The resulting score surprised me.

I assume I'm going to be removed off rotations and pushed a year behind, and I can live with that. I'm just hoping they don't dismiss me. I was a below average student through pre clinicals, with a 78% average. Pathology was my lowest scoring section, so I plan to hit pathoma heavily. I worried about that being a weak point and tried to focus on it heavily but I'm easily jumbled, it's a hard point for me and I know that.

To be honest I had a lot of issues with focus on my study time. I'd fall asleep at my desk and stare into space. I had to fight with myself constantly to get focused. I had issues with focusing on medical school, but I always over came them.

I plan to find a specialist to speak to about test anxiety, focusing strategies, and learning strategies. Ours at our school wasn't super helpful and I'm hoping to find a psychiatrist to talk to about potential depression as I've been on a major low the last few months as is. Does anyone have any other suggestions on my best course of action, assuming my school doesn't kick me out?

Edit: Has anyone done the PASS program? I know it's very expensive but I do better in an engaging setting. I didn't know if anyone thought it was worth it or not.

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[jaguar33]

I’m sorry that happened to you. I would recommend listening to Goljan audio while you are driving or don’t feel like actively studying. Really helpful for pathology and understanding concepts.

I've made an anonymous account, just for the sake of the number of people I know on this site.
I got a 357 on my COMLEX. Much lower than expected.
I completed Boards Bootcamp and COMBANK. My overall COMBANK average was a 62%, while my last 100 questions was a 66%. I took COMSAE D and got a 466. I didn't take more and I should have.

I took it late, in September barring some personal issues. A family member passed away and I needed the extra time. The last assessment I took before taking the extra time was a 55% and I knew I wasn't ready.
I felt like I was when I took the actual thing. I went into it with a level of confidence that I would at least pass and left feeling like I got at least a 400. The resulting score surprised me.

I assume I'm going to be removed off rotations and pushed a year behind, and I can live with that. I'm just hoping they don't dismiss me. I was a below average student through pre clinicals, with a 78% average. Pathology was my lowest scoring section, so I plan to hit pathoma heavily. I worried about that being a weak point and tried to focus on it heavily but I'm easily jumbled, it's a hard point for me and I know that.

To be honest I had a lot of issues with focus on my study time. I'd fall asleep at my desk and stare into space. I had to fight with myself constantly to get focused. I had issues with focusing on medical school, but I always over came them.

I plan to find a specialist to speak to about test anxiety, focusing strategies, and learning strategies. Ours at our school wasn't super helpful and I'm hoping to find a psychiatrist to talk to about potential depression as I've been on a major low the last few months as is. Does anyone have any other suggestions on my best course of action, assuming my school doesn't kick me out?

 

[Comlex1Failed]

I’m sorry that happened to you. I would recommend listening to Goljan audio while you are driving or don’t feel like actively studying. Really helpful for pathology and understanding concepts.

Goljan isn't a resource I'm even familiar with. I'll look into it, thanks!

 

[jaguar33]

Goljan isn't a resource I'm even familiar with. I'll look into it, thanks!

No problem, he’s funny so its easy to listen too. It was a huge help for me. I’m sure the free files are still floating in the internet somewhere. Good luck, and stay positive!

 

[073116]

Best support for me in my bad days was my older sister (my mom was second best lol).

Please don't read anything from here on - it's nothing but humiliating and degrading comment/rant:
I'm from Eastern Europe and going to psychiatrist to speak about test anxiety is a bit complete ku-ku weirdo if you ask me lol (besides we got tests/exams every week lol - test anxiety shouldn't exist by now for you). I mean the psychiatrist guy/girl doesn't care about you at all - why would you go and expect him/her to sort out and plan life for you? You are a future facking doctor - who do you think knows what's best for your situation and your life some guy psychiatrist who will not spent a single minute with you over time or you? However, I can see lots of folks in US run to counseling with first hint of problems - which I find really strange, what's all that weak and sissy snowflake crap? But hey as long as it helps I guess that's an option too. PASS program? Sounds like an alcoholics jerk circle pardon my french
I was in somewhat similar situation, my father passed away in the middle of final week. Instead of wasting my time on silly things (counselling, psychiatrists etc), I started prepping for exams and actually did better during remediation. I planned my schedule, incorporated gym/physical activity, kept a journal, worked on myself - lots of good materials online now that helped me to strengthen mental and emotional components. I got stronger. You'll get stronger too
End of rant

 

[Comlex1Failed]

Best support for me in my bad days was my older sister (my mom was second best lol).

Please don't read anything from here on - it's nothing but humiliating and degrading comment/rant:
I'm from Eastern Europe and going to psychiatrist to speak about test anxiety is a bit complete ku-ku weirdo if you ask me lol (besides we got tests/exams every week lol - test anxiety shouldn't exist by now for you). I mean the psychiatrist guy/girl doesn't care about you at all - why would you go and expect him/her to sort out and plan life for you? You are a future facking doctor - who do you think knows what's best for your situation and your life some guy psychiatrist who will not spent a single minute with you over time or you? However, I can see lots of folks in US run to counseling with first hint of problems - which I find really strange, what's all that weak and sissy snowflake crap? But hey as long as it helps I guess that's an option too. PASS program? Sounds like an alcoholics jerk circle pardon my french
I was in somewhat similar situation, my father passed away in the middle of final week. Instead of wasting my time on silly things (counselling, psychiatrists etc), I started prepping for exams and actually did better during remediation. I planned my schedule, incorporated gym/physical activity, kept a journal, worked on myself - lots of good materials online now that helped me to strengthen mental and emotional components. I got stronger. You'll get stronger too
End of rant

I did read. And all I haveto say is well, ok. I'm glad you had something positive come out of your loss and figured out to manage that. I'm glad you're not a "sissy snowflake", but I guess I am.
I'm trying to figure out a way to better myself, not only for Step 1 but for the future with Step 2 and 3.
The alcoholic circle jerk is an in person program with daily classes and tutoring sessions. I think I need some engagement and getting sidetracked while studying is part of my issue.

For anyone responding I realize mistakes were made here, but I'm looking for suggestions on how to improve. I'm not looking for a verbal beatdown. Which in retrospect maybe I shouldn't have posted on SDN.

 

[DO2015CA]

Use UW not combank. Use comquest for OPP only. UW requires thinking where as combank is regurgitation with poor stems. Use UW because it’ll be more than you need for the actual test but if you walk in being better prepared you’ll see the poorly written stems/tricks for what they are.

UW also has a concise useful explanation section. Combank Explanations are inadequate that leave you trying to remember bits of information rather than understanding the concept

 

[ProfAnon]

Edit: Has anyone does the PASS program? I know it's very expensive but I do better in an engaging setting. I didn't know if anyone thought it was worth it or not.

I have had numerous students use the PASS program. In most cases, these were students who had already failed 2 or more times, so they were already what you might call "very weak" or had severe performance issues (anxiety, etc). Some of them were very successful and some didn't make it. I do think this is a very good program, especially if you need the structure and will benefit from the live instruction and tutoring, and well as the learning environment (assuming your talking about doing the in-person version). In some cases, the PASS program worked for students who had already failed using other programs (BBC, Kaplan, etc) and this was their last resort, and I have heard some great reviews from those students. The ones that didn't make it may have been destined for failure regardless of the program. If you can afford it and you can fit it into your schedule, I say talk to the people at PASS and your school administration and see if it sounds like a good environment for you. If I remember correctly they have very specific starting dates so you should begin looking right away. Last I knew they also had two campuses with a second one opening in Florida (the original is in Illinois if I remember correctly.) A 357 is indicating you have a fair amount of work to do to get ready. Good luck!

 

[WyomingMedStudent]

Best support for me in my bad days was my older sister (my mom was second best lol).

Please don't read anything from here on - it's nothing but humiliating and degrading comment/rant:
I'm from Eastern Europe and going to psychiatrist to speak about test anxiety is a bit complete ku-ku weirdo if you ask me lol (besides we got tests/exams every week lol - test anxiety shouldn't exist by now for you). I mean the psychiatrist guy/girl doesn't care about you at all - why would you go and expect him/her to sort out and plan life for you? You are a future facking doctor - who do you think knows what's best for your situation and your life some guy psychiatrist who will not spent a single minute with you over time or you? However, I can see lots of folks in US run to counseling with first hint of problems - which I find really strange, what's all that weak and sissy snowflake crap? But hey as long as it helps I guess that's an option too. PASS program? Sounds like an alcoholics jerk circle pardon my french
I was in somewhat similar situation, my father passed away in the middle of final week. Instead of wasting my time on silly things (counselling, psychiatrists etc), I started prepping for exams and actually did better during remediation. I planned my schedule, incorporated gym/physical activity, kept a journal, worked on myself - lots of good materials online now that helped me to strengthen mental and emotional components. I got stronger. You'll get stronger too
End of rant

Really? How was this helpful to the OP? How will you be helpful to your future patients? Tell them to stop being sissy snowflakes? You want to face the music when malpractice suits come flying your way?
Dude, check yourself.

OP, I am sorry that this happened to you. I think that it would be a wise move to seek out an individual that can help you, keep looking until you find someone that works for you, even if that means going outside of school resources. I know that it is difficult enough without having to deal with additional anxiety and issues with focus.

 

[073116]

Really? How was this helpful to the OP? How will you be helpful to your future patients? Tell them to stop being sissy snowflakes? You want to face the music when malpractice suits come flying your way?
Dude, check yourself.

OP, I am sorry that this happened to you. I think that it would be a wise move to seek out an individual that can help you, keep looking until you find someone that works for you, even if that means going outside of school resources. I know that it is difficult enough without having to deal with additional anxiety and issues with focus.

OP need to wake up. No PASS or psychiatrists will do it for him/her. We can face the truth and overcome it by strategy and work or we can create a warm and welcoming fake environment that will lead to another failure. SDN is not a crybaby forum, what you expected? i like how you changed the topic by directing your imaginary negative issues towards me and my future malpractice lol. I do a lot better with patients because I don't give them BS and i tell them truth and i treat them like I would treat my family - and they can see it. Patients who love their docs don't sue them (that's not to say those docs are best, not even close, but since you mentioned malpractice). Let's both check ourselves together: which post was useless mine or yours lol?

 

[harkas]

OP need to wake up. No PASS or psychiatrists will do it for him/her. We can face the truth and overcome it by strategy and work or we can create a warm and welcoming fake environment that will lead to another failure. SDN is not a crybaby forum, what you expected? i like how you changed the topic by directing your imaginary negative issues towards me and my future malpractice lol. I do a lot better with patients because I don't give them BS and i tell them truth and i treat them like I would treat my family - and they can see it. Patients who love their docs don't sue them (that's not to say those docs are best, not even close, but since you mentioned malpractice). Let's both check ourselves together: which post was useless mine or yours lol?

Are you listening to yourself? You start out your post mentioning that you're Eastern European and believe that going to a medical doctor (a psychiatrist) is weird to you and then essentially tell the OP "I got over my issues so you will too." If you're okay with your own cultural barriers and stigmas stopping you from considering legitimate, evidence-based treatment for real issues such as test anxiety and depression, then fine. But don't go telling people that psychiatrists are associated with "weak and sissy snowflake crap" and a "waste of time." Your post was useless.

OP, I cannot help provide you with study tips but as someone who has worked in graduate medical education, a failed COMLEX can be overcome. If your issues are with focus, I would highly recommend seeing a specialist to determine whether your issue is emotional vs a learning disability. As far as being kicked out, they should have a policy regarding this. I would try to find out more information as soon as possible.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Admittedly the Eastern European mindset is probably what helped 073116 plow through his problems. Everyone has a different amount of both cognitive and emotional reserve. There's nothing wrong with using the resources available to you. I personally have experienced multiples deaths in the family during med school. I responded differently the first time when I wasn't ready for it, and ended up taking a leave. But when I came back I resolved that I couldn't do that again. Am I suppressing? I don't think so, I tear up when I slow down, but I will not let it paralyze me. I, unfortunately, knew this was a possibility when I came back to medical school, and I had made up my mind about how I was going to deal with it ahead of time.

It sucks, and if I needed to talk to a psychiatrist I would. But unfortunately death is a part of this world (or maybe fortunately depending on what kind of shape you were in). The point is, that if test anxiety/ grief is distracting you, there is nothing wrong with getting help. I have lots of study tricks to keep myself going and my personal walk with God. Everyone needs someway to get thru hard times, if a psychiatrist can help you get there, nothing wrong with that.

 

[Comlex1Failed]

So I got a response from the school today. They're very understanding and stated they want to work with me to figure out what went wrong, but they're being very supportive and that's a relief. I'm finishing my current Family Medicine rotation and then they said I'll take a couple months to prep again.
If I don't want any time off for Step 2 I could possibly finish with my class, but I don't see that being my most fruitful course.
That's for the support from the majority of you all. I'm scheduling an appointment with a therapist for a day I have off and hope I can start a relationship there.
Depending on the school's timeline, I'm also seriously considering the PASS program. If anyone else has any insight please let me know.

 

[trs88]

As someone who was in your shoes, what resources did you use during your prep time? I used combank, kaplan q bank, half of UW, pathoma, BB to brush up on topics, and fround/made anki decks/cards for some pure memorization topics. If you do some quizlet searching, you can find some really good decks on savarese or pharm and by using an anki add on you can transfer them from quizlet to anki.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

It is hard to fail, but you are not the first nor the last. You will be a doctor if you don't let it discourage you. If you have severe testing anxiety, you might want to talk to a psychiatrist and see if things like a beta blocker can help your situation.

My recommendation would be to work hard and try to take NBME exams to see if you can perform at that level. If you were to manage to be in the 210+ range on average, I'd say also take USMLE to help mitigate the failure.

Just keep pushing on and things will work out.

 

[throw_away5122]

question, question and more question. Uworld is the best for both COMLEX and USMLE. Do COMBANK for OMM review only

 

[kenjixshadow]

Another vote for Uworld. Anecdotally, my friends, who did not utilize Uworld to study, scored 100 points on average lower on the COMLEX vs. my friends and I who studied the crap out of it.
My best friend is using Uworld to study for Level 2 rn and wished that she would have used Uworld for Level 1 (she didn't listen to me). Seriously, if you use UFAP and add on Savarese, you should pass COMLEX easily, even if you are a weak student.

 

[hallowmann]

OP, Uworld and a structured program if you think that'll help you. I would go all out, no need to hold back if PASS is what you think will work. Questions should be a huge part of the process. You say you did Combank, but was it random and timed? You want to simulate the exam as much as possible.

I agree that you shouldn't try to squeeze everything in and not have time for Step 2 studying. You're going to need pass Step 2 by a good margin, and no dedicated time doesn't seem like the recipe for that.

OP need to wake up. No PASS or psychiatrists will do it for him/her. We can face the truth and overcome it by strategy and work or we can create a warm and welcoming fake environment that will lead to another failure. SDN is not a crybaby forum, what you expected? i like how you changed the topic by directing your imaginary negative issues towards me and my future malpractice lol. I do a lot better with patients because I don't give them BS and i tell them truth and i treat them like I would treat my family - and they can see it. Patients who love their docs don't sue them (that's not to say those docs are best, not even close, but since you mentioned malpractice). Let's both check ourselves together: which post was useless mine or yours lol?

You didn't really give the OP any advice. You more or less said to suck it up. There's certainly a place for that kind of attitude (sometimes it's what people need to hear), but it doesn't really help someone coming to this forum for advice on where to go from here. Did you give OP any advice on how you studied or how you were able to focus? Not really. You more or less just criticized them.

You're right, some patients will like your attitude. Others won't, but you don't seem like you'll recognize when that's going to be the case. As a physician, if you want people to take your advice to improve their health, you're going to need more versatility in your methods. Good luck with that, I'm sure you'll learn it, but it would help you in the long run (i.e. you'll learn it quicker) if you are more open to that idea.

 

[ortnakas]

OP, my condolences-- I didn't fail boards but I had a really rough first year so I have a inkling of what you're feeling right now.

I don't think there is one right answer for how to study for a repeat. The main key is that whatever you were doing before didn't work, so don't just do more of the same. If you didn't do all that many questions last time, do a lot more this time. If you just did questions last time, try something like DIT or Boards Boot Camp or even one of the live courses somewhere. A friend of mine (from a different school) passed their Step 1 repeat after going to some review course in Kansas City, and while it's pricey something like that might be an option.

This sucks, but it doesn't define you as a human. Hang in there.

 

[DexterMorganSK]

Uworld+DIT+Pathoma should be enough.

 

[hpnerd]

I have a friend who took the PASS program and it helped her pass the boards. It was very effective for her. It's expensive because it does work. She went from scoring 170s to a final score of 210. I would recommend it!

 

[chibaddie]

hey OP, glad to hear that your school is being supportive about the situation. after reading your post, trouble focusing and testing anxiety are definitely key things to fix, and i can personally attest to that. if you want some specific advice, please message me