Is it hard to finish all of the questions on the COMLEX 1?

[BJO777]

I was wondering how difficult it is to finish the COMLEX 1 questions in the allowed time? I have always been a slow test taker and receive extended time accomodations on all of my exams, however, I have heard it is almost impossible to be approved by NBOME for extended time even with all supporting documentation. I'm currently a pre-med in an early acceptance program with LECOM.

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[th3v3rn]

We had the NBOME president at our school a week ago and he said it is a 8 hr test. He also said there are people that finish it in 4 hours. So it relieved my fear that it was going to be a 8 hour long race like the MCAT, just longer. I think you'll be fine.

 

[Roberie]

You'll become accustomed to answering many rapid fire multiple choice questions as you progress through your courses and also while studying for the COMLEX. When I took boards my strategy was to do between five and eight blocks of fifty questions per day. After awhile you learn to spot what they're looking for quite quickly.

 

[th3v3rn]

You'll become accustomed to answering many rapid fire multiple choice questions as you progress through your courses and also while studying for the COMLEX. When I took boards my strategy was to do between five and eight blocks of fifty questions per day. After awhile you learn to spot what they're looking for quite quickly.

How long did it take you to complete?

 

[Roberie]

I took the whole allotted time. I took my time and marked any questions where I wasn't certain of the answer. I then went back to these questions at the end of each block. Time was never an issue.

If you meant how long did it take to complete my practice blocks, probably most of the day with breaks. Studying always took longer because I would read the explanations as I went along.

 

[cdistel]

How about those who have taken step 1, was time an issue?

 

[BrooklynBulls]

Step 1, time is more of an issue than COMLEX I, by far. But it was sufficient for me, without any issues. I finished COMLEX I very early in comparison. Step 2 was by far more time constrained, the only board exam where I took every second available on all sections.

 

[j4pac]

Test taking skills...

Get the answer right the first time. You will be bias to our original answer if you go back to the question. Take your time understanding the question before reading the answer choices.

 

[DocWinter]

I took the NBOME in a school mandated practice run in 1st year. I finished in 4 hours and thought it was not at all difficultly written. I did not know 1/2 the material, seeing as I am a 1st year, so naturally I didn't give it my full attention, but it is clearly written, straightforward, and shouldn't take anyone 8 hours. I think you'll be fine.

 

[FutureInternist]

I took the NBOME in a school mandated practice run in 1st year. I finished in 4 hours and thought it was not at all difficultly written. I did not know 1/2 the material, seeing as I am a 1st year, so naturally I didn't give it my full attention, but it is clearly written, straightforward, and shouldn't take anyone 8 hours. I think you'll be fine.

H*** NO !!!!
COMLEX is one of the most poorly written exams (SAT, MCAT, GRE, USMLE & COMLEX taken)
The Qs you miss are likely those that even 2-3 weeks more of studying would not help with
Lots of "guess what we are thinking", lots of Qs where the stem is so small that you could easily pick 2 answers & be justified, lots of crappy pics

Good luck

 

[DocWinter]

IDK...I've taken those exams too. The USMLE is miles longer in vignette length and the MCAT is a knotty bowl of alphabet soup. I didn't have that problem with the COMLEX.

 

[FutureInternist]

I was referring to it being called a "clearly written, straight forward"

For me, the USMLE, despite being longer, was easier, and I got done with more time since it was well written & the long stems actually help r/o answer chocies