Do COMLEX scores matter to an allopathic residency?

[Waysensei]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey folks,

I'm a D.O. student who is taking both COMLEX and USMLE step 1 this June. I know that I want to enter an allopathic residency, like Neurology. Most of the residencies I have looked at only accept USMLE. Therefore, obviously, I am putting most of my energy into studying for the USMLE at the expense of the COMLEX. My question is whether these allopathic residencies may consider a D.O. student's COMLEX score as well when reviewing the application and whether it is worth it for me to put time into studying for the OMM portion of the test.

Thanks!

 

[tideleonheart]

Hey folks,

I'm a D.O. student who is taking both COMLEX and USMLE step 1 this June. I know that I want to enter an allopathic residency, like Neurology. Most of the residencies I have looked at only accept USMLE. Therefore, obviously, I am putting most of my energy into studying for the USMLE at the expense of the COMLEX. My question is whether these allopathic residencies may consider a D.O. student's COMLEX score as well when reviewing the application and whether it is worth it for me to put time into studying for the OMM portion of the test.

Thanks!

Yes, it matters. It may not matter for every single program, but the knowledgeable PDs might ask you how you did, and they might know how to interpret the scores. Therefore, a low score might raise a red flag. Do the best you can on both tests.

 

[FutureInternist]

You definitely need to put in the time to learn the OMM since it can be a big chunk of the exam. Whether they look at it or not, you have to, at the very least, pass & so cannot afford to ignore any topic because you never know what % of the randomly pulled Qs have that topic in them.

Remember that DO students HAVE TO release USMLE scores now, whether they pass or fail.

Best way to study for me was USMLE studying (which incorporates all of COMLEX topics & in much more detail), then take USMLE, do 3 days of OMM & take COMLEX.

Good Luck.

 

[PistolPete]

I believe that as a DO student, if you only apply to ACGME residencies, you have to release your USMLE score, but do not have to release your COMLEX, so the PD's would never even see your COMLEX score if you choose not to release it (no matter how good or bad the score). The reverse is true if you apply to only AOA residencies.

 

[tideleonheart]

I believe that as a DO student, if you only apply to ACGME residencies, you have to release your USMLE score, but do not have to release your COMLEX, so the PD's would never even see your COMLEX score if you choose not to release it (no matter how good or bad the score). The reverse is true if you apply to only AOA residencies.

Do you know what happens if you apply to a dually accredited program by any chance?

 

[PistolPete]

If you apply to a dually-accredited program, I think it depends on which match you go through. If you go through the AOA (NMS) match, then you only need to release your Comlex. If you go through the ACGME (NRMP) match, then you only need to release your USMLE. Best to check with NRMP to be sure.