Did not match--Take COMLEX Level 3 to increase chances of matching next cycle?

[Vicky T]

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Hello everyone. I just graduated from a DO school but failed to match during the 2019 cycle. I will be trying again for the 2020 match.

My question is: Would taking and passing COMLEX Level 3 help increase my chances at matching? If so, by what date should I have the results in for that to be useful?

I heard that programs like candidates who have passed Step 3 because it is something that the residencies won't have to worry about later. I was wondering if the same applies to taking COMLEX Level 3, as I cannot take Step 3. Additional info: I am looking to apply to both FM and EM next cycle. I currently work as a medical assistant/scribe at an FM clinic. My previous Level 1, 2, PE, Step 1, and Step 2 scores were about average.

Thanks for any help.

 

[ilfdinar]

Ask yourself why did you not match?
Any red flags?
I would at this point focus on FM and apply broadly.
Have someone review your app and personal statement.
If possible ask a trusted faculty member for feeback

 

[deleted480308]

How did you apply this time? Why didn’t you match?

 

[hallowmann]

Hello everyone. I just graduated from a DO school but failed to match during the 2019 cycle. I will be trying again for the 2020 match.

My question is: Would taking and passing COMLEX Level 3 help increase my chances at matching? If so, by what date should I have the results in for that to be useful?

I heard that programs like candidates who have passed Step 3 because it is something that the residencies won't have to worry about later. I was wondering if the same applies to taking COMLEX Level 3, as I cannot take Step 3. Additional info: I am looking to apply to both FM and EM next cycle. I currently work as a medical assistant/scribe at an FM clinic. My previous Level 1, 2, PE, Step 1, and Step 2 scores were about average.

Thanks for any help.

If I were you, I would keep trying my hardest to get into some program now. A TRI at a hospital with an FM or EM program would probably be your best bet if you can find one. Its a big red flag to be out of true clinical practice for a year. Not impossible, but your chances would be better coming from a TRI than nothing.

As far as your question goes, yes, if you can do OK and pass Level 3, I would do it prior to applying, because it is one less thing for the program to be worried about. That said, in order to register for Level 3, you need to be sponsored, usually by your GME program. I think in some situations your school can sponsor though.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Answers to the thread's questions are here: SOAP 2019 Thread

Sounds like your app this cycle was a mess. Even though you only got 2 interviews, a complete application early in the season might be more successful. Your problem had nothing to do with exam scores, so I doubt COMLEX 3 will affect it either way. Still, if you think you can do reasonbly well on it, you could get it out of the way. But if you fail it you're in big trouble. I'd probably consider taking it such that the score comes back after applications are submitted, so you can then decide whether to release it or not. But I don't think it will have much effect on your application.