does comlex level 2 suffice?

[synch]

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I'm contemplating whether or not I should take USMLE Step 2 in addition to comlex level 2. I took Step 1 which I hear is the only one programs really look at anyway but I only scored a 210 😡 I have research/am published and I plan on doing 3-4 path rotations in my 4th year before interviews. I love path and absolutely don't want to do anything else! My goal is to stay in the NY tristate area...Is it useful or worth the extra $500 to try to bolster my chances or should I just do decently on comlex 2 and getting good letters?

 

[green mantis]

I'm contemplating whether or not I should take USMLE Step 2 in addition to comlex level 2. I took Step 1 which I hear is the only one programs really look at anyway but I only scored a 210 😡 I have research/am published and I plan on doing 3-4 path rotations in my 4th year before interviews. I love path and absolutely don't want to do anything else! My goal is to stay in the NY tristate area...Is it useful or worth the extra $500 to try to bolster my chances or should I just do decently on comlex 2 and getting good letters?

How does your USMLE score compare to your COMLEX score? If it's significantly worse, you're probably out of luck. I think doing well on Step 2 can help you overcome a poor Step 1 score.

As a DO, you need to pass COMLEX Step 2 to graduate. You can always wait until you get that score before you decide to take the USMLuE Step 2.

You can always get the opinions of the PDs when you do your rotations. I only took the COMLEX, but I started residency in 2003. Some programs are OK w/ just the COMLEX. They tend to be the ones that have or had DO residents.


----- Antony

 

[jenesaispas0005]

I am a DO 4th year applying for pathology and took both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK (didn't take CS) along with COMLEX Level 1 and Levels 2 CE and PE. Almost every program where I have interviewed has mentioned that it was good to take both USMLE Steps because they really don't know much about the COMLEX. My USMLE scores were better than COMLEX scores comparatively, but no one really asked anything about that.

So, in short, yes, it would DEFINITELY benefit you if you take Step 2 CK and do well on it, especially with a 210 on Step 1. Like I said, the pathology programs seem to have much more experience with USMLE scores and even if you got a 700 on a COMLEX exam, they will likely pay more attention to the 210. The research and path rotations will also help a lot, but boards are important.

 

[synch]

Where have you applied? I hear such mixed things. One pathologists told me last year there is no need for taking the USMLE at all. I'm from New York where DOs are fairly well integrated so perhaps that's why programs accept the COMLEX.
In taking step 2, I will risk getting a low score again which would look worse than not taking it at all, or at least that's what I think. I guess it's worth a shot ..

 

[Mike4284m]

I have to totally agree with the second response above. I'm also a DO applying to path programs this cycle and my experience has been very similar. I had an average USMLE Step I score and really worked hard to improve upon that with a better Step II score. That said, I have run into DO residents that didn't take the USMLE at all.

 

[jenesaispas0005]

Where have you applied? I hear such mixed things. One pathologists told me last year there is no need for taking the USMLE at all. I'm from New York where DOs are fairly well integrated so perhaps that's why programs accept the COMLEX.
In taking step 2, I will risk getting a low score again which would look worse than not taking it at all, or at least that's what I think. I guess it's worth a shot ..

I didn't apply to any programs in NY or that general area...I applied in the midwest and southeast--programs in VA, TN, KY, OH, IN, PA and NC--a couple high-hitters, mostly mid-tier places. Pretty much every program I applied to had at least two DO's in the residency and/or faculty and I have not felt any anti-DO sentiment at all when I interviewed).

Only taking the COMLEX will probably not hurt you. But taking both USMLE Steps will definitely help you if you can do a little better on Step 2. It saves the PD and programs the hassle of trying to compare your COMLEX scores to everyone else's USMLE scores and puts you on a level playing field board-wise with everyone else's. Even programs that have had a lot of DO's come through are still much more comfortable and familiar with USMLE.

 

[jenesaispas0005]

Oh, and keep this in mind:

You do NOT have to release your USMLE scores on your ERAS application if you take Step 2 CK and are not satisfied with your scores. You will have to release your COMLEX scores with your application, but you can hold back on releasing your USMLE Step 1 score until you get your CK score, and release them together if you rocked it. And if not, you don't have to release them at all.

 

[synch]

Ah ok thanks I didn't know about that.
So from what I have read on this forum comlex level 2 is a more ridiculous test than level 1, so there's no way to ensure I will ace that, but as far as the steps, people tend to improve from step 1 to 2. I'm pretty sure now that I'm going to take it!! Thanks for the input, all.