It is COMLEX rules that you can only take it 4 times in a given school year. It is DCOM rules that you can only take it 3 times in a given year, the 4th retake will occur a year later after you have studied more. NBOME actually states you can take COMLEX as many times as you want. The percentages you mentioned are not entirely correct, but close. While I know several students in my class who did well (including a 750+), not everyone passed the first time. A couple people didn't pass the second time and are gearing up for another retake. While this may be something you might be concerned with, DCOM did prepare us as best they could to do well (hence some individuals did in the 700's, as previously mentioned). A general way of looking at it (and this is not always the case), if you start medical school and are consistently struggling to pass, it is best that you evaluate your learning style and try to figure it out as soon as possible. From those I know who struggled with COMLEX, they typically struggled with coursework and/or were too busy with other things (leadership, volunteering, EC's). It is best that you avoid getting involved in EC activities until you know how you will be able to handle the rigors of medical school. No one cares that you were the family medicine club leader or EM treasurer if you struggle to learn the material and failed COMLEX. However, this is just my opinion and how I look at this process.
