Importance of COMLEX 2 CE

[discharged]

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I've been searching around for answers, but I haven't really seen much about this. How important is the COMLEX 2 CE score, since many programs seem to interview even without the score available?

The reason why I'm asking is because my step 2 score is 450 (from 525) and I have NO IDEA why! I was much more prepared coming around and I was so sure I would crack 550..

Will this hurt my chances as far as obtaining a residency? 🙁

 

[ajndersn]

I'd like to know this as well. From talking to a few program directors in a highly competitive specialty, they said they don't put nearly as much weight in step 2 as they do as step 1. However, they do like to see consistency between the steps and question a drop > 50 points. I, also, dropped quite a bit on step 2 and started to freak out initially. After talking to a bunch of people though, it seems that a lot of people's scores have been dropping. When I mentioned that to a PD, he said that he has seen that commonly in the past and it is just the way the test was for that year. Has anyone else gotten the consensus that many people's scores are dropping from step 1 to step 2?

 

[dozitgetchahi]

I've always had the impression that people tend to drop on COMLEX step 2 vs step 1...unlike the USMLE where people almost always do better.

 

[OnToDO]

I've been told by PDs that it's actually quite important to have a competitive CE score before applying

 

[Mass Effect]

I'd like to know this as well. From talking to a few program directors in a highly competitive specialty, they said they don't put nearly as much weight in step 2 as they do as step 1

This always seems odd to me. Since Level/Step 2 tests clinical knowledge, you'd think that's what would be more important. Any idea why PDs put more weight on Step 1?

 

[ajndersn]

My guess is that is the best way for PDs to compare basic preclinical knowledge. It is really hard to compare grades from the various schools as they have different curriculums and grading criteria. I agree that the clinical knowledge is more important, but I also think that it is easier to learn from experience in the wards. If you don't have the fundamental science down, what seperates you from a PA? Any midlevel can learn the clinical stuff by memorizing algorithms but many have no clue why they're doing it. I'm not trying to dog any midlevels as they do a great job. However, the amount and depth of preclinical knowledge that they are taught doesn't compare to what is taught in medical school.

 

[Mass Effect]

My guess is that is the best way for PDs to compare basic preclinical knowledge. It is really hard to compare grades from the various schools as they have different curriculums and grading criteria. I agree that the clinical knowledge is more important, but I also think that it is easier to learn from experience in the wards. If you don't have the fundamental science down, what seperates you from a PA? Any midlevel can learn the clinical stuff by memorizing algorithms but many have no clue why they're doing it. I'm not trying to dog any midlevels as they do a great job. However, the amount and depth of preclinical knowledge that they are taught doesn't compare to what is taught in medical school.

Yeah, but is Step 2 all about algorithms? I would think that what separates our exam from the exam PAs and NPs take is that it isn't, but I haven't taken it (or studied for it) yet, so maybe I'm wrong. I agree that foundation is important. I'm just surprised that Step 2 isn't just as important.

 

[GraceEuphoria]

Yeah I have to say everything I've heard has been opposite of what's mostly been stated here...I've heard that Step 2 for COMLEX is more important and that most people bump their score WAY up on Step 2 as compared to Step 1. I can't speak from personal experience, though....I would base most of your opinions on info from PDs, as well recent grads that have just gone through the process. They will be the ones most able to provide you with accurate and relevant info...I also imagine your specialty and region of the country desired for residency plays a large role here, so take that into consideration when soliciting feedback.

 

[DocTrek]

The CE is not as important compared to Level I. Doing electives in the areas that you like to do residency is the best foot through the door!

 

[Dissected]

The CE is not as important compared to Level I

What are you basing this on?

 

[MrBeauregard]

I always thought that Step 1 > Step 2. No?

 

[Dissected]

I have no clue anymore. I keep hearing how much more important level II is now than it used to be.

 

[Bacchus]

I have no clue anymore. I keep hearing how much more important level II is now than it used to be.

From what I've heard, its been given more clout now that you're required to pass in order to graduate. Programs don't want to take the risk that you won't begin on time because you're screwing around with the COMLEX.

With that said, it's just another screening tool at the PD's disposal.

 

[swlabr1980]

I always thought that Step 1 > Step 2. No?

Depends on the specialty.

 

[TeamZissou]

Depends on the specialty.

This is my understanding as well.

I know EM values step II quite highly.

 

[Dissected]

I've received eras confirmation messages from a program or two "expecting" to have your level II score by a certain date. Not sure if that means it is more or less important than level I but some programs want to see it before they gauge you, it seems.

 

[SO2B]

If they see that your are serious about their hospital and the discipline of your choice, of course they will like you. It shows that you are going out of your way to learn more about what you really want to practice in. They also know that some great test-takers make poor doctors!
Do not not misinterpret me; of course if you also have great Level I and CE scores it is going to a plus in your resume!

 

[Rollo]

I'd like to know this as well. From talking to a few program directors in a highly competitive specialty, they said they don't put nearly as much weight in step 2 as they do as step 1. However, they do like to see consistency between the steps and question a drop > 50 points. I, also, dropped quite a bit on step 2 and started to freak out initially. After talking to a bunch of people though, it seems that a lot of people's scores have been dropping. When I mentioned that to a PD, he said that he has seen that commonly in the past and it is just the way the test was for that year. Has anyone else gotten the consensus that many people's scores are dropping from step 1 to step 2?

Yes, I can confirm, myself included, n = 6 of my classmates dropped their step 2 scores from step 1...most of us >50 but <75 so I'm not sure.

I can't wait to be done with COMLEX 3 and COMLEX exams in general. Most useless, irrelevant, blind-rage-inducing board exams ever written by humans anywhere on this God's green earth for any purpose whatsoever.

 

[coffeeeandtea]

Yes, I can confirm, myself included, n = 6 of my classmates dropped their step 2 scores from step 1...most of us >50 but <75 so I'm not sure.

I can't wait to be done with COMLEX 3 and COMLEX exams in general. Most useless, irrelevant, blind-rage-inducing board exams ever written by humans anywhere on this God's green earth for any purpose whatsoever.

myself and some of my friends dropped from level 1 to level 2 as well.. still good scores but not as high as level 1.

and i could not agree more with the second part of your post 👍 can't wait to never have to take a comlex exam ever again, ugh

 

[MrBeauregard]

So then what could you guys have done different to not have dropped so much from Level 1 to Level 2?

 

[ShyRem]

I did far better on level 2 than level 1. When I applied to programs, I had already taken and passed both the PE and written level 2 exam which was universally stated to put me up above people who either hadn't taken the exam yet or hadn't passed it. More than a few programs won't rank anyone who hasn't already passed the exams by the time rank lists are due.