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What's the difference between USMLE and COMLEX? Is the USMLE strictly for MD and the COMLEX strictly for DO?
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Comlex?
- Thread starter COYspurs
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COMPLEX is for DOs and USMLE is generally for MDs, however, if your a DO and want to apply for some MD residencies, you can take the USMLE; but from my understanding, MDs are not allowed to take the COMPLEX to get into DO residencies...i might be wrong on that, but thats what I have heard.
Secondly, COMPLEX is more of clinical based exam, while the USMLE is along the lines of a general science (I am guessing similar to the Physical Sciences/Biological Sciences section of the MCAT).
Keep in mind I am just a pre-med....I havent taken either of these yet and am just relaying what I have heard in the past.
Secondly, COMPLEX is more of clinical based exam, while the USMLE is along the lines of a general science (I am guessing similar to the Physical Sciences/Biological Sciences section of the MCAT).
Keep in mind I am just a pre-med....I havent taken either of these yet and am just relaying what I have heard in the past.
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COMLEX, not COMPLEX
COMLEX and USMLE are equivalent in the content they test over, but one may emphasize certain areas more than the other. COMLEX step 1 has more clinical-type questions than USMLE step 1, but it still tests the same content. USMLE tends to have more of the higher level questions than COMLEX and COMLEX has more of the poorly written questions (what are they wanting to ask me? kind of thing)
Both are exams used by states for state licensure. Residencies also use them to evaluate applicants (especially step 1 scores). MDs do not take COMLEX, but DOs can choose to take USMLE in addition to COMLEX since ACGME residency programs use the USMLE primarily (exclusively for some programs) to evaluate applicants.
COMLEX and USMLE are equivalent in the content they test over, but one may emphasize certain areas more than the other. COMLEX step 1 has more clinical-type questions than USMLE step 1, but it still tests the same content. USMLE tends to have more of the higher level questions than COMLEX and COMLEX has more of the poorly written questions (what are they wanting to ask me? kind of thing)
Both are exams used by states for state licensure. Residencies also use them to evaluate applicants (especially step 1 scores). MDs do not take COMLEX, but DOs can choose to take USMLE in addition to COMLEX since ACGME residency programs use the USMLE primarily (exclusively for some programs) to evaluate applicants.
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Yes, I recommend taking it.
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It's said the USMLE has quite a bit more biochem on it than the COMLEX and it also has a bit more physiology. Other than that, the COMLEX has OMM which the USMLE of course does not. This is just what I've heard from students who have taken both. Thankfully I have 2 years till I go through that pain.
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I took both and would recommend it. I basically just didn't want to regret NOT taking it when it comes time to apply for residency....certainly didn't want to take it at a later point.
Each testing session involves different tests with varying amounts of questions on specific topics so it's hard to generalizations but overall I think USMLE is just written better. It seemed like USMLE questions included a lot of information, sometimes more than you need, so part of it is you figuring out what info is vital to answering the question. Whereas on the COMLEX it felt like they would give me just enough info to answer the question, or at times seemingly not enough and I felt like I was having to assume a little more than I thought I should be.
But as far as studying I don't think you really have to approach one test drastically different from the other. My studying was basically geared towards USMLE and materials/guides/review books in that style. I had like 2 days between tests and during that break just went back and reviewed some OMM notes and I did great on COMLEX.
Each testing session involves different tests with varying amounts of questions on specific topics so it's hard to generalizations but overall I think USMLE is just written better. It seemed like USMLE questions included a lot of information, sometimes more than you need, so part of it is you figuring out what info is vital to answering the question. Whereas on the COMLEX it felt like they would give me just enough info to answer the question, or at times seemingly not enough and I felt like I was having to assume a little more than I thought I should be.
But as far as studying I don't think you really have to approach one test drastically different from the other. My studying was basically geared towards USMLE and materials/guides/review books in that style. I had like 2 days between tests and during that break just went back and reviewed some OMM notes and I did great on COMLEX.
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