COMLEX scores and applying to anesthesia programs

[drsleepytime]

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I'm a 4th year Osteopathic student who is planning on applying to programs in both the D.O. and M.D. matches. I did not take the USMLE...partially because I could not afford to do so and partially because I did not have any intention of considering applying to ANY anesthesiology program which would not consider my COMLEX score, which was 75% on Step 1.

The question, which is why I am writing, is how hampered will I be with having my Step 2 COMLEX not scheduled to be taken until January? It wasn't really up to me, per se, because my school pays for us to take it at that time of year. Also, if I had to take it in August...I might not have done as well because I've had precious little time to study for it and didn't want a bad Step 2 score to hurt my applications.

Any feedback on this dilemma? I'd love to hear some suggestions. 😛

 

[Wahoowa]

I was exactly in your position last year. The programs I was really interested in offered me interviews. I did not take the USMLE--went on my COMLEX step one scores alone as I did not take step two until January. I matched my first choice for allopathic aneshtesiology. I do think that you have to be flexible in the programs that you apply to. With scores in the 75th percentile on step one, you will have no problem.

 

[sethco]

I don't know if this helps, but I e-mailed most of the program directors and the general consensus was you don't NEED to take the USMLE, but it "Helps" to compare us to the MD applicants. From what I heard unless you totally tank the USMLE, taking this test is very beneficial. I ended up taking the USMLE step I a year after scoring a 96th percent on the COMLEX. Despite this score, I was still advised to take the USMLE. Anyway, I would say contact the programs you are interested in and find out if they want you to take the test and if you have to take both steps or just step II. In addition, especially if you are not tkaing Step II of COMLEX until January, it might be a good idea to take the USMLE earlier. Programs will like that you did that. Hope this helps.