COMLEX vs. USMLE

[Lshapley]

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I understand that many DO students take both (saw a post stating about 50%), at least in the case of STEP 1. I am under the assumption that this would be the equivalent of taking two different versions of the MCAT, i.e. you prep for this exam and then take both back-to-back. Is this true? Do you have to do some additional prep for the USMLE? Or, do you just have some extra work for COMLEX (for OMM?) Can anyone clear this up for me?

 

[DragonWell]

I understand that many DO students take both (saw a post stating about 50%), at least in the case of STEP 1. I am under the assumption that this would be the equivalent of taking two different versions of the MCAT, i.e. you prep for this exam and then take both back-to-back. Is this true? Do you have to do some additional prep for the USMLE? Or, do you just have some extra work for COMLEX (for OMM?) Can anyone clear this up for me?

My rough calculation is that around 1/3 of DO students take USMLE Step 1.

Preparation is basically identical, with the exception of reviewing OMM for COMLEX. Some students will say that COMLEX tests less biochem and molecular bio, and more anatomy than USMLE; however, bear in mind that everyone's test is different, so there's no guarantee about what will/will not be on your test.

Many students take the tests about a week apart or so. You'll find lots more info in the Step 1 forum.

 

[group_theory]

The tests emphasize different aspects of your first two years of medical school. COMLEX appears to be more clinically focused, while USMLE Step 1 appears to be more basic science in nature.

There were a lot more pharmacology, microbiology, anatomy on COMLEX when compared to USMLE when I took it. The USMLE had more biochemistry, molecular biology, ethics/social situations, etc.

Because of these differences, you tend to focus on the high yield areas that the particular test focus on. On COMLEX, Biochemistry is not high yield but anatomy is (because of OMM). On USMLE, Biochemistry is high yield, but anatomy isn't. Those are just examples - there are other high yields/low yields.

To not study towards the test (or assume studying for one means one is prep and ready for the other) is a fallacy and often yields less-than-optimal results.


*there's also debate about the quality of the questions but that's for another discussion/debate/thread

 

[Lshapley]

Good to know. Thanks for the good responses!

 

[Gpan]

The tests emphasize different aspects of your first two years of medical school. COMLEX appears to be more clinically focused, while USMLE Step 1 appears to be more basic science in nature.

There were a lot more pharmacology, microbiology, anatomy on COMLEX when compared to USMLE when I took it. The USMLE had more biochemistry, molecular biology, ethics/social situations, etc.

Because of these differences, you tend to focus on the high yield areas that the particular test focus on. On COMLEX, Biochemistry is not high yield but anatomy is (because of OMM). On USMLE, Biochemistry is high yield, but anatomy isn't. Those are just examples - there are other high yields/low yields.

To not study towards the test (or assume studying for one means one is prep and ready for the other) is a fallacy and often yields less-than-optimal results.


*there's also debate about the quality of the questions but that's for another discussion/debate/thread

what what? come on, don't leave the juicy parts out like that😉

 

[ShyRem]

That's been debated for years, GPan. A search should turn up WAY more than you ever wanted to hear!

 

[RockfordWF]

I understand that many DO students take both (saw a post stating about 50%), at least in the case of STEP 1. I am under the assumption that this would be the equivalent of taking two different versions of the MCAT, i.e. you prep for this exam and then take both back-to-back. Is this true? Do you have to do some additional prep for the USMLE? Or, do you just have some extra work for COMLEX (for OMM?) Can anyone clear this up for me?

I took the COMLEX two days after the USMLE for both steps I and II. On the interim day, I studied OMM. Otherwise, my studying was exactly the same.

 

[futuredo32]

For the extra $500, it's good insurance. If you aren't doing as well as you'd like on the practice exams, you can always cancel your appointment to take the USMLE.

 

[myofibroblast]

I am really confused on this issue. I have been told mixed things. One is that alot of allopathic residencies accept COMLEX scores and those that don't probably won't take you anyway. And then I've also heard that not taking the USMLE is commiting "career suicide". I'm interested in a field that does not have an osteopathic residency so I will definitely have to apply to allopathic residencies but I know a lot take the COMLEX. I just didn't know what was best to do.

 

[prionsRbad]

Hey myofibroblast, where are you going to school?

 

[scpod]

I'm interested in a field that does not have an osteopathic residency so I will definitely have to apply to allopathic residencies but I know a lot take the COMLEX. I just didn't know what was best to do.

If you go to an osteopathic school you'll have to take COMLEX whether you like it or not (at least parts one and two). If you are entering a specialty with no osteopathic residencies it would be foolish not to take USMLE as well.

 

[VALSALVA]

I am really confused on this issue. I have been told mixed things. One is that alot of allopathic residencies accept COMLEX scores and those that don't probably won't take you anyway. And then I've also heard that not taking the USMLE is commiting "career suicide". I'm interested in a field that does not have an osteopathic residency so I will definitely have to apply to allopathic residencies but I know a lot take the COMLEX. I just didn't know what was best to do.

Pass anatomy and bio-chem; then begin thinking about which one to take. But seriously, don't sweat those sorts of things yet. When it comes time to begin studying or the COMLEX, the best part is you'll be studying for the USMLE at the same time. Or, you could just take USMLE step II and not step I - which is highly advisable for some. All in all, relax.

 

[RockfordWF]

I am really confused on this issue. I have been told mixed things. One is that alot of allopathic residencies accept COMLEX scores and those that don't probably won't take you anyway. And then I've also heard that not taking the USMLE is commiting "career suicide". I'm interested in a field that does not have an osteopathic residency so I will definitely have to apply to allopathic residencies but I know a lot take the COMLEX. I just didn't know what was best to do.

This is false information that is commonly put out in your neck of the woods. If you intend to apply to ACGME (MD) residencies, you need to take the USMLE. Period. OSU-COM will prepare you well for the USMLE if Goljan is still there.

Don't listen to anyone who tells you not to take the USMLE. I know for a fact that there are a large number of residencies that require or prefer the USMLE and currently has DO's as residents. I received several interviews that my DO counterparts did not as a result of my taking the USMLE. It was even addressed AT my interviews.

 

[RockfordWF]

Pass anatomy and bio-chem; then begin thinking about which one to take. But seriously, don't sweat those sorts of things yet. When it comes time to begin studying or the COMLEX, the best part is you'll be studying for the USMLE at the same time. Or, you could just take USMLE step II and not step I - which is highly advisable for some. All in all, relax.

This is blatantly poor advice. The conversation during my residency interviews demonstrated that my taking the USMLE Step I and II showed my commitment to the ACGME residency programs, and my intention to complete USMLE Step III.

If you have not taken the USMLE Step I, you have showed no commitment to the ACGME programs, and the Step II will be rendered completely useless. IN addition, since many applicants have not taken Step II, it is STEP I that is used for comparison of candidates.

 

[Zsquared]

I have recently heard information (from good sources) that there will no longer be a USMLE step 1 after the 2nd year, instead the first exam will include both preclinical and clinical aspects and will be taken after completion of the third year. I have heard that this will be in affect for students entering classes this fall (class of '12). Has anyone else heard about this? I wonder if the COMLEX will change to this format? This doesn't seem like a good thing.

 

[DrMidlife]

I have recently heard information (from good sources) that there will no longer be a USMLE step 1 after the 2nd year, instead the first exam will include both preclinical and clinical aspects and will be taken after completion of the third year. I have heard that this will be in affect for students entering classes this fall (class of '12). Has anyone else heard about this? I wonder if the COMLEX will change to this format? This doesn't seem like a good thing.

Good sources? Like, maybe, www.usmle.org? www.nbme.org?

From a summary browse through the news on usmle.org, it sounds like there are proposals for the recommendations to drive the discussion for the new model that will lead to review and local discussion and come up for approval yawn.

Maybe in 10 years.

 

[CommanderRiker]

The C.O.M.L.E.X. is supposedly much easier than the U.S.M.L.E. Hence, take it first and score high!

 

[JonnyG]

I have recently heard information (from good sources) that there will no longer be a USMLE step 1 after the 2nd year, instead the first exam will include both preclinical and clinical aspects and will be taken after completion of the third year. I have heard that this will be in affect for students entering classes this fall (class of '12). Has anyone else heard about this? I wonder if the COMLEX will change to this format? This doesn't seem like a good thing.

the same debate has been going on about the comlex. its only a debate as of now. It is apart of the much bigger debate about how medical education needs to change to meet the needs of the health care system. Unless that gets solved nothing will really come of it.

 

[MaximusD]

The C.O.M.L.E.X. is supposedly much easier than the U.S.M.L.E. Hence, take it first and score high!

Mannnn... I was really hoping you'd fallen off a cliff or something...

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aw9D7R73jc[/YOUTUBE]

For the record, what CR said isn't true. The COMLEX is known to be more anatomy focused while the USMLE is more biochemically focused, however it is commonly pointed out that the USMLE may be slightly better written... FWIW.