For DOs taking Comlex and USMLE

[daact]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I have decided to take the Comlex and USMLE. What would be the best time to take both exams, and how many weeks should I have inbetween each exam. Also for those that did take both exams, is it possible to do well on both?

Thank you.

 

[OsteoMed02]

Hello,
I took both the COMLEX and USMLE Step 1 exams last year. Looking back, I feel that it was quite unnecessary to spend the extra money and take the USMLE because the COMLEX is so widely accepted (unless, of course, you're planning to go to a program in Texas). Surprisingly, I found the two exams to be very different and by that I mean the COMLEX focused on cinical vignettes and a lot of practical application of the basic/clinical sciences to patient problems. The USMLE focused on the specifics such as the Michaelis-Menten equation and formulas used in biostatistics...probably because they're out to train a lot of researchers? Despite the differences, I managed to do quite well on both exams. I fared better on the COMLEX, however, because that was the exam I studied for, not the USMLE.

Many people in my class took the exams within 1 week of each other and felt that taking the USMLE before the COMLEX was good preparation. Remember, if you're in osteopathic school you NEED to pass the COMLEX, not the USMLE. I waited a month after the COMLEX to take the USMLE and feel that I could've done better if I wouldn't have waited so long. I didn't study at all during that month. So, for what it's worth, take it around the time of the COMLEX.

I wish you all the best! Study hard and remember to take breaks and have fun too. PM me if you have any other questions.

Take care,
Julia
🙂

I have decided to take the Comlex and USMLE. What would be the best time to take both exams, and how many weeks should I have inbetween each exam. Also for those that did take both exams, is it possible to do well on both?

Thank you.[/QUOTE

 

[Idiopathic]

Ive said it before, but here are my thoughts:

1) I took both tests, because I am interested in a competitive specialty.

2) I took them 17 days apart. I feel that I needed this time to decompress from COMLEX (which ultimately was the important one) forget my OMM and micro, and rework pharm, biochem and stats. I think it made a BIG difference, if only because I know a lot of people who took them back-to-back and never felt relaxed.

3) Only take USMLE if you think you can do very well (i.e. beat the mean). I think it is silly to pay the $400+ for the test if you aren't going to do well on it. I would rather take a good COMLEX score and $400 then a decent COMLEX, average USMLE and the problem of whether to submit the score from the test I spent $400 extra to take. It is a quite different test from COMLEX, and if you arent ready for it, it can be trouble.

4) The USMLE was plenty clinical-oriented. However, it focuses more on things that are actually written down in books somewhere. Not to slam the COMLEX, but it focuses more on things people tell you...perhaps because the research isnt always there. Sure, you get a question on Michaelis-Menten in USMLE, but it isnt that bad, and isnt it important to understand Vmax?

5) In the end, I think these tests are quite different applications of much the same material. It can be difficult to do both, and I would make sure that you are ready before you do. Just dont blow one off or assume that because you are ready for one that you are ready for the other.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[joshua_msu]

Idio, Im assuming since you took the exams 17 days apart, you had to do some real studying when on your rotation. How mcuh time were you able to study, and did you find it to be very draining to study and be on a rotation at the same time?

 

[DrMom]

He wasn't on a rotation. We took COMLEX the second week of June & our first rotation began July 1.

 

[joshua_msu]

I see, well I guess my school sucks then. Our first rotation starts June 13th.

 

[smgilles]

I see, well I guess my school sucks then. Our first rotation starts June 13th.

Same rotation date for our school too. I am taking the USMLE May 23rd. Gives me 2 weeks to just study OMM and anatomy for the COMLEX. Our classes don't even end until May 11th.

 

[electra]

I took both exams, five days apart and wouldn't have had it any other way. I took the COMLEX first and then busted it out for biochem and psych.

I did have several classmates with very similar grades and test scores who differed only in the length of time between tests.....and overall, the ones who waited longer dropped some 20 points. If you will be on rotation, or fear that you will really burnout, then I would consider taking the tests in a closer timeframe.

The most important rule (as ever in this game) is to KNOW THYSELF. If you know that it will be hard for you to jump back in the ring after sitting for one exam, schedule the next one early. If you know you will be picking cups of your brain up after the first test and you have time to relax and regroup and still be ok, schedule later.