comlex/usmle 'confusion'

[Trogghunter]

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looked through years worth of forums...

I know that there are some published correlations between usmle and comlex, but many advise osteopaths to take usmle if they're applying allo to 'even the field' and 'let program directors know what your comlex score means'. Ive generally seen this in students with average numbers. However, is there a generally accepted minimum score for comlex to where there is no doubt about the score's correlation? I know that 2 digits mean nothing. This is strictly speaking boards, I understand that an applicant is more than a number(hopefully).
Thank you for any input. I know that a lot of people out there don't want to take u$mle.

 

[Dissected]

Get a 600 and you'll meet most cutoffs. Get a 700 and nobody will ask any questions.

Really though, this is irrelevant because the fact is that many allopathic program directors don't know how to interpret a comlex score, and don't care to find out. It's much more simple for them to compare apples to apples - students who have taken one or both of the usmle steps. It's also specialty dependent so there is no one great answer to your question. I know people who have matched acgme ob/gyn with mid 500's, but people with similar scores who barely got any interviews in surgery.

 

[gutonc]

Get a 600 and you'll meet most cutoffs. Get a 700 and nobody will ask any questions.

Really though, this is irrelevant because the fact is that many allopathic program directors don't know how to interpret a comlex score, and don't care to find out. It's much more simple for them to compare apples to apples - students who have taken one or both of the usmle steps. It's also specialty dependent so there is no one great answer to your question. I know people who have matched acgme ob/gyn with mid 500's, but people with similar scores who barely got any interviews in surgery.

This was basically my approach when I was reviewing fellowship apps. We rank all applicants on a 1-5 scale in a variety of categories including Step scores. For those with USMLE scores they got put into the appropriate category based on their score. For DOs with only a COMLEX, anybody with a 600+ got a 4/5, under 600 got a 2/5. That's not particularly fair, I'm aware of that, but since I have no real way to make a direct comparison between your COMLEX 525 and somebody else's USMLE 225, I'm not going to bother. I've got other stuff to do.

 

[sylvanthus]

This is a perfect example of why it is important for us as DOs to take the USMLE. PDs have little time to dig through our application as it is, so they may dismiss what is normally a good COMLEX score because they don't know how to interpret it.

Plus, if you can do well on the COMLEX, chances are good you would do well on the USMLE.

 

[Trogghunter]

Thank you for your prompt replies, I don't think that I will be taking the USMLE, as of now. 99.9% set on university IM programs with ~650 and 1st author publication and presentations, so I hope that I'd have leveled the field somewhat.

 

[sylvanthus]

I would take the USMLE, you may want to do a fellowship down the road and they still look at step 1 and 2 scores for fellowships. A comlex score alone may not give you a good chance of getting the fellowship you may want. Keep your options open and take the test even if you think now that you wont specialize. Chances are good you will change your mind. Seriously, just man up and take the test and get it over with.

 

[Dissected]

Take an NBME practice test and see how you do. You might surprise yourself. They are very accurate.

Don't let a measly $500 hold you back from potential residency options..especially if you are going for an academic-type place.