Failed comlex lvl 1, need advice.

[SpecialField]

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Failed COMLEX (397), it's very depressing but I'm just trying to move forward now.

school is forcing me to take a minimum of 1 month off from rotations to
retake the exam. This essentially would delay my graduation date by 1 year because I had already
taken a 2 month LOA due to health issues.

Should I take the 1 year off now, study for both comlex and step1 until 2019 and then resume 3rd clerkships in 2019


Or take 1 month off right now to pass comlex and resume 3rd year clerkships ASAP. Then take the gap year when I finish 3rd year?

Which one is better for residency app?

 

[samac]

I failed. My school had me finish the fall rotations and retake in the spring and I thought I’d be on time. Turns out I’m not, and I’ll be in class of 2020. If I could go back and redo I would have taken the rest of the fall semester off and picked back up in the spring around February and work from that point on a normal schedule. This lets you finish your core rotations required by the school and gives you total free reign to schedule electives, even if they’re off schedule from most places. You’ll finish around October, perfect timing for any residency interviews you may still have.
I’ve been there, pick your head up and kick it’s ass. You’ve got this!

 

[SpecialField]

I failed. My school had me finish the fall rotations and retake in the spring and I thought I’d be on time. Turns out I’m not, and I’ll be in class of 2020. If I could go back and redo I would have taken the rest of the fall semester off and picked back up in the spring around February and work from that point on a normal schedule. This lets you finish your core rotations required by the school and gives you total free reign to schedule electives, even if they’re off schedule from most places. You’ll finish around October, perfect timing for any residency interviews you may still have.
I’ve been there, pick your head up and kick it’s ass. You’ve got this!

Thank you for the advice. How badly do you think it impacts our residency application given that we have 2 red flags- Board failure and delayed graduation.

 

[samac]

Thank you for the advice. How badly do you think it impacts our residency application given that we have 2 red flags- Board failure and delayed graduation.

I mean it’s a good ding. But do well on your retake and kill some auditions.

 

[Goro]

Failed COMLEX (397), it's very depressing but I'm just trying to move forward now.

school is forcing me to take a minimum of 1 month off from rotations to
retake the exam. This essentially would delay my graduation date by 1 year because I had already
taken a 2 month LOA due to health issues.

Should I take the 1 year off now, study for both comlex and step1 until 2019 and then resume 3rd clerkships in 2019


Or take 1 month off right now to pass comlex and resume 3rd year clerkships ASAP. Then take the gap year when I finish 3rd year?

Which one is better for residency app?

Considering that your entire career is on the line now, you should NOT retake until you're 100% ready.

Look, you already have a red flag due to the COMLEX failure. Trying to avoid the 2nd flag of a delay in graduation makes me worry that you'll retake before you're ready.

You have plenty of clinical time to wow people and minimize the impact of the red flags.

 

[SpecialField]

Considering that your entire career is on the line now, you should NOT retake until you're 100% ready.

Look, you already have a red flag due to the COMLEX failure. Trying to avoid the 2nd flag of a delay in graduation makes me worry that you'll retake before you're ready.

You have plenty of clinical time to wow people and minimize the impact of the red flags.

This is sound insight Goro.

But if I do take more time off to study and push my graduation to 2021 instead of 2020. I will have a huge chunk of time, how much of that time should I take to study for comlex1/step1...3 months?...6 months?...how much time is too much to take off?

If I take off 6 months to study for comlex1/step1, will that look bad?

My current options are

a) Take 6 -7months off right now to study for both comlex/step/research.
b) take 2 months off to to study for comlex, finish 3rd year, then take 4months off in 4th year to study for step1/research

thank you for your help.

 

[SpecialField]

I mean it’s a good ding. But do well on your retake and kill some auditions.

Do you think it's ok to take ~7 months off to study for comlex/step while also do research (I have potential research opportunities) or should I try to retake comlex as sson as I'm ready and finish up rotations?

 

[samac]

Do you think it's ok to take ~7 months off to study for comlex/step while also do research (I have potential research opportunities) or should I try to retake comlex as sson as I'm ready and finish up rotations?

I personally wouldn’t take 7 months for a retake. It’s too long and you’ll lose your edge. I told you how I’d do it if I could go back

 

[SpecialField]

I personally wouldn’t take 7 months for a retake. It’s too long and you’ll lose your edge. I told you how I’d do it if I could go back

If I take 7 months off, is it bad because the program director will think that "hey look at this person, it took her 7 months to do the retake where as others only took 1 or 2 months"?

 

[deleted645092]

If I take 7 months off, is it bad because the program director will think that "hey look at this person, it took her 7 months to do the retake where as others only took 1 or 2 months"?

It’ll look bad because if you don’t absolutely blow it out of the water the 2nd time around after studying for 7 months straight without other responsibilities...

EDIT: Sorry, I shouldn’t have said “did something wrong” in the original response. Rather, the expectation would be that hypothetically you should do extremely well on any test if given 7 months of straight study, when in reality I think the data has shown that if you re studying review material, you plateau and begin to actually lose knowledge after more than 3 months of dedicated study.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

If I were you, I'd delay and try to take step 1 as it may be your only mitigating factor

 

[SpecialField]

It’ll look bad because if you don’t absolutely blow it out of the water the 2nd time around after studying for 7 months straight without other responsibilities...

EDIT: Sorry, I shouldn’t have said “did something wrong” in the original response. Rather, the expectation would be that hypothetically you should do extremely well on any test if given 7 months of straight study, when in reality I think the data has shown that if you re studying review material, you plateau and begin to actually lose knowledge after more than 3 months of dedicated study.

that's a good point. I have to do extremely well if I am to take 6-7 months off.

If I were you, I'd delay and try to take step 1 as it may be your only mitigating factor

that's my thought as well, I want to take 6-7 months off, review all the content again and take step1.

 

[med_res_]

that's a good point. I have to do extremely well if I am to take 6-7 months off.

that's my thought as well, I want to take 6-7 months off, review all the content again and take step1.

6-7 months sounds like a long time to study for Step1. What else are you planning of doing during these months? How will you make sure that you stay focused?

 

[SpecialField]

6-7 months sounds like a long time to study for Step1. What else are you planning of doing during these months? How will you make sure that you stay focused?

I also acquired research opportunities for this 7 months off.

I know it's a lot of time off, but I have roughly a year of free time (my graduation date is delayed by a year). So why not use this time as efficiently as possible, which is to study for boards/research right after my initial comlex failure.

My only concern is that it will look bad to PD since I'm taking 6-7months off after initial comlex fail rather than the norm of 1-2 months off

 

[samac]

I also acquired research opportunities for this 7 months off.

I know it's a lot of time off, but I have roughly a year of free time (my graduation date is delayed by a year). So why not use this time as efficiently as possible, which is to study for boards/research right after my initial comlex failure.

My only concern is that it will look bad to PD since I'm taking 6-7months off after initial comlex fail rather than the norm of 1-2 months off

If it takes you 7 months to go for step1/level1 what do you think will happen with level 2?

 

[SpecialField]

If it takes you 7 months to go for step1/level1 what do you think will happen with level 2?

I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Right now I just need to focus on step1/lvl 1

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

that's a good point. I have to do extremely well if I am to take 6-7 months off.

that's my thought as well, I want to take 6-7 months off, review all the content again and take step1.

i think that's too long. I think 3 months sounds reasonable. You will plateau eventually. I would recommend an intensive course like boards bootcamp and then study on your own. You need to maximize your chances

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Right now I just need to focus on step1/lvl 1

honestly, you can probably get away with just comlex level 2 if you have a strong step 1 score (>230 in your case). I would just study like a madman every rotation. You should be able to at least get 400 with that.

 

[alprazoslam]

Probably the worst advice I’ve ever heard for a comlex failure is to take step 1 as a second wind.

Only take step 1 if nbmes are all 220+

I have not heard of a comlex failure and subsequent blowing of step 1 out of the water. Usually it’s a subpar pass or another failure

@Goro Do you have tons of students that failed comlex come in with a Hail Mary win on step? Lol

 

[samac]

Probably the worst advice I’ve ever heard for a comlex failure is to take step 1 as a second wind.

Only take step 1 if nbmes are all 220+

I have not heard of a comlex failure and subsequent blowing of step 1 out of the water. Usually it’s a subpar pass or another failure

@Goro Do you have tons of students that failed comlex come in with a Hail Mary win on step? Lol

From my understanding a low pass on a usmle would be better than just a fail and then pass on the comlex.
But what do I know, I was too chicken to take step.

 

[alprazoslam]

From my understanding a low pass on a usmle would be better than just a fail and then pass on the comlex.
But what do I know, I was too chicken to take step.

I’m sure it is but people need to be careful when folks come on here and say “just blow step out of the water and you will be ok”

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Probably the worst advice I’ve ever heard for a comlex failure is to take step 1 as a second wind.

Only take step 1 if nbmes are all 220+

I have not heard of a comlex failure and subsequent blowing of step 1 out of the water. Usually it’s a subpar pass or another failure

@Goro Do you have tons of students that failed comlex come in with a Hail Mary win on step? Lol

It really depends on the score breakdown. Even though I passed every level on the first try, the OMM section really brought down my score significantly, and because it was 25% of my test, the percentile difference with the step was obvious. Also, OP will have a lot more time and experience. Again, I would recommend some type of structured score to maximize score potential because knowledge gaps (including test taking skills) must be targeted.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

It really depends on the score breakdown. Even though I passed every level on the first try, the OMM section really brought down my score significantly, and because it was 25% of my test, the percentile difference with the step was obvious. Also, OP will have a lot more time and experience. Again, I would recommend some type of structured score to maximize score potential because knowledge gaps (including test taking skills) must be targeted.

My COMLEX was very heavy in bone wizardery as well. If the breakdown showed obvious weakness in that only than the STEP would be an easy choice. But its hard to fail on just OMM deficiency.

 

[Goodgirl3]

Were there scores that came out recently or is this from the September exam?

 

[MusicDOc124]

I know of a couple people this year and last year who failed level 1 with around the same score 380s-390s who took 1-2 months and scored around 100-200 points higher on the retake. With that said, I know I was burnt out of 6 weeks of dedicated time and lost a little momentum as time went. I was definitely starting to forget some little things here and there as I was going through review material, etc. I think 7 months is too long personally, but to each their own. If you're on the verge of picking more time, then I'd suggest the 2-3 month option. 1 month should be enough, but a little extra time wont hurt if you study correctly, and with how close you were the first time, you should be able to pass this time around. I just feel that 7 months is too much for many. It could be perfect for you though; that I don't know.

 

[alprazoslam]

I know of a couple people this year and last year who failed level 1 with around the same score 380s-390s who took 1-2 months and scored around 100-200 points higher on the retake. With that said, I know I was burnt out of 6 weeks of dedicated time and lost a little momentum as time went. I was definitely starting to forget some little things here and there as I was going through review material, etc. I think 7 months is too long personally, but to each their own. If you're on the verge of picking more time, then I'd suggest the 2-3 month option. 1 month should be enough, but a little extra time wont hurt if you study correctly, and with how close you were the first time, you should be able to pass this time around. I just feel that 7 months is too much for many. It could be perfect for you though; that I don't know.

Not sure what human could study for step for 7 months without going nuts

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Not sure what human could study for step for 7 months without going nuts

 

[alprazoslam]

Beast mode only lasts 4 quarters lolz

 

[samac]

I know of a couple people this year and last year who failed level 1 with around the same score 380s-390s who took 1-2 months and scored around 100-200 points higher on the retake. With that said, I know I was burnt out of 6 weeks of dedicated time and lost a little momentum as time went. I was definitely starting to forget some little things here and there as I was going through review material, etc. I think 7 months is too long personally, but to each their own. If you're on the verge of picking more time, then I'd suggest the 2-3 month option. 1 month should be enough, but a little extra time wont hurt if you study correctly, and with how close you were the first time, you should be able to pass this time around. I just feel that 7 months is too much for many. It could be perfect for you though; that I don't know.

As a personal note you’re right about 2 months. I and someone else in my class who failed both went up over 100 points with 2 months. I don’t think I could have handled much longer

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Beast mode only lasts 4 quarters lolz

I dont ever stop. You might even call me a p68gunner (rip).

 

[QueenJames]

I dont ever stop. You might even call me a p68gunner (rip).

Whatever happened to gunner?

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Whatever happened to gunner?

He cut the cord after 3rd semester to get in playoff mode for boards. I do miss him, I thought he would come back, but I can't even @ him anymore.

 

[Giovanotto]

He cut the cord after 3rd semester to get in playoff mode for boards. I do miss him, I thought he would come back, but I can't even @ him anymore.

If I see him, I'll make sure to let him know you miss him, 😉.

 

[H12345]

I am in the same boat as you. I failed (395). Took a month off and passed on second try with good score. I want to match with my class because I will graduate before residency start. But my dean said I have to take a year off! So I am graduating with my class but matching with next class. Should I take LOA between 3rd and 4th or gradate on time and take year off after that? What are my chances?

 

[hungrydoc710]

For those who failed first time around,
What was diff second time to allow passing well?

 

[samac]

I am in the same boat as you. I failed (395). Took a month off and passed on second try with good score. I want to match with my class because I will graduate before residency start. But my dean said I have to take a year off! So I am graduating with my class but matching with next class. Should I take LOA between 3rd and 4th or gradate on time and take year off after that? What are my chances?

My school did the same thing. Don’t take the leave between years, just finish your rotations early. It’ll give you ample time to schedule auditions on different school’s schedules.

 

[ortnakas]

I’m sure it is but people need to be careful when folks come on here and say “just blow step out of the water and you will be ok”

Agreed. I know people who did well on one but not the other, but failing COMLEX suggests your knowledge base likely isn’t great. Rocking Step 1 without having passed Level 1 is a big leap.

 

[ciestar]

I am in the same boat as you. I failed (395). Took a month off and passed on second try with good score. I want to match with my class because I will graduate before residency start. But my dean said I have to take a year off! So I am graduating with my class but matching with next class. Should I take LOA between 3rd and 4th or gradate on time and take year off after that? What are my chances?

Hugely recommended that you retain your student status to optimize your chances of matching. Your chances of matching go down significantly if you’re applying for the match after graduation

 

[deleted610572]

I am in the same boat as you. I failed (395). Took a month off and passed on second try with good score. I want to match with my class because I will graduate before residency start. But my dean said I have to take a year off! So I am graduating with my class but matching with next class. Should I take LOA between 3rd and 4th or gradate on time and take year off after that? What are my chances?

Do not graduate with your class to sit out. As above, it looks 100% worse to try and match when not a senior.

 

[H12345]

My school did the same thing. Don’t take the leave between years, just finish your rotations early. It’ll give you ample time to schedule auditions on different school’s schedules.

Lots of ppl (Above) suggested to keep my student status. My 4th year is going to be from oct to june 2020. I apply for match 2021. I don't think I'll be doing audition rotations.

 

[H12345]

Do not graduate with your class to sit out. As above, it looks 100% worse to try and match when not a senior.

Should I take "LOA" to study for level 2 and graduate with next class? That way I'll still be student.

 

[H12345]

Hugely recommended that you retain your student status to optimize your chances of matching. Your chances of matching go down significantly if you’re applying for the match after graduation

Should I take "LOA" to study for level 2 and graduate with next class? That way I'll still be student. Feels like I am a huge failure. Will I make it to the end?

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Lots of ppl (Above) suggested to keep my student status. My 4th year is going to be from oct to june 2020. I apply for match 2021. I don't think I'll be doing audition rotations.

Then you have plenty of time for auditions from June 2020 to feb 2021. You can literally do all away rotations if you wanted (sounds tough to me tho).

 

[H12345]

Then you have plenty of time for auditions from June 2020 to feb 2021. You can literally do all away rotations if you wanted (sounds tough to me tho).

Can I do audition rotations even after I graduated school?

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Can I do audition rotations even after I graduated school?

I don't actually know whether grads can do aways tho. I thought since your school was forcing you to delay match that they would obviously delay your graduation too. Now I am not sure what you should do. I feel like taking a leave is adding a gap, so I don't like that. But your school is being stupid, not letting you match in 2020.

Most places want a certificate of liability from your school. I am not sure how much that is to get on your own, but I would look into it if residencies indicated they would let you rotate (so call places).

I think the bottom line here is you need more info. I am beginning to think a LOA is the easiest path, but I am not sure if its the best. I would at least want to know if possible to do without it.

 

[deleted610572]

Can I do audition rotations even after I graduated school?

Not from my understanding. Programs take 4th year students. Not graduated people

 

[ciestar]

Can I do audition rotations even after I graduated school?

All the ones ive looked at have a “you must be registered at an accredited school” clause.

 

[H12345]

I don't actually know whether grads can do aways tho. I thought since your school was forcing you to delay match that they would obviously delay your graduation too. Now I am not sure what you should do.

Should try to delay my graduation as well? As a future founding dean what do you think looks better... graduate on time and apply for residency after or try to delay graduation and apply as 5th year medical student ?

 

[H12345]

Thank you all who's been answering my questions. They have been extremely helpful.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Should try to delay my graduation as well? As a future founding dean what do you think looks better... graduate on time and apply for residency after or try to delay graduation and apply as 5th year medical student ?

I had some more thoughts after the intial posts, and I editted to add them. I always think extra gaps are bad, but it seems like most places won't take a grad, however, all you need is a couple non-vsas residency weirdos who will, and then that route becomes better to me.

Your school should be helping you here. They should get you a 'research year' or OMM year or something if they won't let you graduate. I want some value for time off cause doing anything is better than explaining a LOA.

In my mind, I would rather have a student who didn't need 'extra time' for level 2 but still got delayed due to prior level one failure. It would show me that maybe the level 1 was a fluke. You could argue that you needed that LOA for level 2 and where aware of your limits, but if I am a PD my immediate question is 'how many more delays is this guy gonna have?' And with 2 delays (one for each level) in the record, I would assume at least 1-2 more during residency. So thats why I don't like LOA.