Official 2016 COMLEX Level 1 Experiences and Scores Thread

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ortnakas said:
What's their cutoff for deciding if they're worried about you?

My school did something similar but was vague about the numbers. I know I got high enough that they're not worried about me, but I don't know what "good" or "safe" is.
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No idea
 
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ortnakas said:
What's their cutoff for deciding if they're worried about you?

My school did something similar but was vague about the numbers. I know I got high enough that they're not worried about me, but I don't know what "good" or "safe" is.
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Directly from the mouths of the writers of COMSAE at a lecture during SOMA/OMED- if you get a 450 or higher, it is highly likely that you will pass the test. That is literally all the assessment is meant to tell you.
 
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School made us take Comsae D and I got a 615. It seemed very buzz-wordy and short. Is that what the actual exam feels like? I've heard comlex is more exhausting than step 1 b/c your breaks are limited and there are more questions. Can anyone cofirm this? What's 615 in NBME terms? I did Rx throughout the year finished Uworld last week and half way through kaplan. I hated combank lol. I'm just studying for step and I'm good with OMM so i'll review savarese for a day or two before comlex. Any suggestions?
 
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hanz504 said:
Directly from the mouths of the writers of COMSAE at a lecture during SOMA/OMED- if you get a 450 or higher, it is highly likely that you will pass the test. That is literally all the assessment is meant to tell you.
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I think it's annoying they say stuff like this. One guy I know got a 750 on Form D and the school told him to take the COMLEX early. He ended up with a 398. I just don't think they are accurate predictors of how well we will do. It's just a crapshoot about which crappy version of the crappy COMLEX you are going to get.
 
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Took the test yesterday.

Overall it wasn't too bad, very comparable to what I saw in Combank (except there are no instances where you have to lock in an answer). The length of the test is kind of sucky and by the 8th block I just wanted to be done, but overall not too bad.

To me it seemed much easier than the USMLE.

I had always heard that the test was very poorly written but I can only think of like 2 questions where it was unclear what exactly they were asking.
 
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Buckeye1992 said:
Took the test yesterday.

Overall it wasn't too bad, very comparable to what I saw in Combank (except there are no instances where you have to lock in an answer). The length of the test is kind of sucky and by the 8th block I just wanted to be done, but overall not too bad.

To me it seemed much easier than the USMLE.

I had always heard that the test was very poorly written but I can only think of like 2 questions where it was unclear what exactly they were asking.
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People keep saying the COMLEX is longer and has longer stems. Any comment on that? COMBANK questions are fairly short thus far.
 
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Took COMSAE form E this morning: 495. Needed a 450 by school requirements. 6 weeks out from COMLEX.
Seemed more straightforward than what I was expecting. Had very few cranial questions. There were some stems that were equal, or greater in length to UWorld. A lot of Neuro and Micro.
 
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LaughingMan said:
People keep saying the COMLEX is longer and has longer stems. Any comment on that? COMBANK questions are fairly short thus far.
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I took it today. I didn't think it was too bad. Very much like Combank. Stem length and all. Some pretty vague-but not horrible. The only things I got with super long passages, you didn't really need to read the whole passage to answer. Same is true for the videos. Never have problems with time on any test and for this test it's tough to fit in a break! It's hard in that I feel like I overstudied and that first aid provides so much detail and information and COMLEX only covered approximately 25% at best-and mostly pretty surface. Will check back in 6 wks when I get my score. Happy studying. It's so much brighter on the other side!!
 
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Hey guys, I am studying only for the COMLEX and I was doing DIT videos (almost done). Would you guys suggest skipping biochemistry for the test? I already went through a pass before and was thinking of skipping the section to get some more neuro/ob-gyn in, etc etc (these posts about obscure neuro questions are scaring me). In addition, any suggestions for topics to focus on the last week (besides my personal weaknesses obviously).

I've been doing COMQUEST questions (finished uworld) + Videos everyday + Sketchymicro and pharm, might do a last pass through pathoma.
 
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nshalaby said:
Took the comlex 2 days ago and felt absolutely destroyed by it. Took all comsaes and was doing alright on them (avg.585) and thought that the real thing was nothing like those. Seems pretty common but I too just used sketchy for micro and felt like it didnt help me out at all on the real thing which was odd because I crushed every micro comsae section. Also felt like I was guessing on a large number of questions due to them being vague or not really understanding what they wanted. So either I just **** the bed or most people felt that way about it. Congrats to everyone being done with it
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nshalby posted this in the 2015 thread, thought I would share it here
 
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Took COMLEX yesterday, terrible exam. I guess I just wasn't used to the question style (didn't use any COMLEX banks). Was really hoping I'd have my sacral questions sine they're so easy but I had almost none 🙁
 
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sarah_medstudentlife said:
For those of you who are reading this from 2016, What exactly can we bring to the COMLEX? I've heard that we can bring notes to stuff in our lockers for breaks, but does that mean I can stuff a first aid in my locker? Also, how much time do we get for breaks? The NBOME website says we get a 40 minute break at the end of section four, and if we choose we can take two other breaks, but the time will be deducted from our total time for those last two breaks. I heard something different from the school. Now I'm worried. As I have to pee quite a bit and I always need every single second during these tests. So can we save our 15 minute tutorial time to take bathroom breaks?
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This was posted on an older thread.
 
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drwatson1575 said:
This was posted on an older thread.
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You can't use your tutorial time for extra time. The 2 "breaks" do detract from the entire time-so much so that I didn't feel comfortable taking a break for the first 4 hours. If you don't use your whole 40 minute lunch break you don't get any of the extra time. I was a little nervous about only being allowed a break after the 2 and 6th blocks because you just never know! At my specific prometric center, the guy assured me that I could take my break whenever I wanted (not just after block 2 and 6) but I think that was site specific. I can't speak to the whole notes thing...but a girl had her cellphone out during her lunch break which i thought was kind of shocking. I really think it varies site to site.
 
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nshalaby said:
Took the comlex 2 days ago and felt absolutely destroyed by it. Took all comsaes and was doing alright on them (avg.585) and thought that the real thing was nothing like those. Seems pretty common but I too just used sketchy for micro and felt like it didnt help me out at all on the real thing which was odd because I crushed every micro comsae section. Also felt like I was guessing on a large number of questions due to them
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I honestly felt the same way about micro (I think we had the same test.) UWorld preps you for the obvious stuff -no worms, super obscure things, Bugs not in FA. Micro has always been a strong point for me and I really felt that this was the section I bombed the most on the comlex!!!
 
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hanz504 said:
I honestly felt the same way about micro (I think we had the same test.) UWorld preps you for the obvious stuff -no worms, super obscure things, Bugs not in FA. Micro has always been a strong point for me and I really felt that this was the section I bombed the most on the comlex!!!
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Is bioterrorism still a thing on the comlex? :barf:
 
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hanz504 said:
I took it today. I didn't think it was too bad. Very much like Combank. Stem length and all. Some pretty vague-but not horrible. The only things I got with super long passages, you didn't really need to read the whole passage to answer. Same is true for the videos. Never have problems with time on any test and for this test it's tough to fit in a break! It's hard in that I feel like I overstudied and that first aid provides so much detail and information and COMLEX only covered approximately 25% at best-and mostly pretty surface. Will check back in 6 wks when I get my score. Happy studying. It's so much brighter on the other side!!
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Might I ask was it buzzword heavy?

Looking to see if its worth it to spend lots of time with the First Aid Rapid Review in the back of the book!
 
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recycledpaper said:
Took COMLEX yesterday, terrible exam. I guess I just wasn't used to the question style (didn't use any COMLEX banks). Was really hoping I'd have my sacral questions sine they're so easy but I had almost none 🙁
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What resources did you feel were the most helpful? (This question goes to anyone else who wants to answer as well)

I know this question is probably better answered when you get your score back, but any insight given is much appreciated
 
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Maybe it's time to take a break from studying, I opened First Aid this morning and this is all I hear.
 
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LaughingMan said:
Might I ask was it buzzword heavy?

Looking to see if its worth it to spend lots of time with the First Aid Rapid Review in the back of the book!
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I wouldn't read through it more than 2-3 times. i honestly think it's more for you to see what you know and don't know based off of loose associations. less buzzwords than i was expecting tbh
 
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For those of you who took the test recently, what topics were heavily tested for both systems (neuro, micro, etc.) and OMM (cranial, sacrum, etc.)?

I have USMLE in a week and COMLEX a week after that. Just trying to figure out what to focus on during the week before comlex.
 
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gobigorgohome22 said:
For those of you who took the test recently, what topics were heavily tested for both systems (neuro, micro, etc.) and OMM (cranial, sacrum, etc.)?

I have USMLE in a week and COMLEX a week after that. Just trying to figure out what to focus on during the week before comlex.
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I doubt anybody will answer this on a public forum.
 
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I know COMSAEs aren't good predictors but are they suggestive of improvement? I took C and got a 388 a few weeks ago. Took B today and got a 550. I would be ecstatic with a 550 on the real thing but worried that B was too easy compared to C? COMLEX is driving me crazyyyy.
 
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anabananafofana said:
I know COMSAEs aren't good predictors but are they suggestive of improvement? I took C and got a 388 a few weeks ago. Took B today and got a 550. I would be ecstatic with a 550 on the real thing but worried that B was too easy compared to C? COMLEX is driving me crazyyyy.
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It looks like improvement right there for me, but there's still form A for you to spend $55 if you'd like another boost of confidence 😉
 
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Sloosha said:
It looks like improvement right there for me, but there's still form A for you to spend $55 if you'd like another boost of confidence 😉
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Lol. No thanks! I wasn't even going to take another COMSAE (after getting 388 on C) but made the mistake of seeing my oh so helpful advisor who told me that COMSAES aren't very reliable but then emailed me 2 weeks later and said she had discussed my "situation" with the dean and thought it was best I take a COMSAE and submit the score to her before taking my test.

I really hate myself during dedicated. I feel like an anxious, neurotic brat. 🙁 Reading the 2015 experiences was a bad idea.
 
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anabananafofana said:
I really hate myself during dedicated. I feel like an anxious, neurotic brat. 🙁 Reading the 2015 experiences was a bad idea.
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My friend, don't hate yourself.

Instead, channel such feelings into disliking the people that write a test that resembles gambling more than an accurate assessment of your actual knowledge through 2 years of med school.

Or you can choose to dislike Donald Drumpf. Or Nickelback. :yuck:

Anyway, love yourself and have faith to sail through this craziness!

amor vincit omnia
 
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Sloosha said:
My friend, don't hate yourself.

Instead, channel such feelings into disliking the people that write a test that resembles gambling more than an accurate assessment of your actual knowledge through 2 years of med school.

Or you can choose to dislike Donald Drumpf. Or Nickelback. :yuck:

Anyway, love yourself and have faith to sail through this craziness!

amor vincit omnia
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Man, way easier said than done. I've never been a stressful person, always confident that I would get through things. Boards has me neurotic and no idea where it came from. I hate the process, hate the exam, hate my school for (my opinion) failing to prepare us adequately. I very much hope to see a 401 on my score report and make the best of it as I am terrified of not passing this exam.
 
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recycledpaper said:
Took COMLEX yesterday, terrible exam. I guess I just wasn't used to the question style (didn't use any COMLEX banks). Was really hoping I'd have my sacral questions sine they're so easy but I had almost none 🙁
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I have my USMLE test on Thursday and COMLEX 4 days after. I did nothing for COMLEX up to this point, what do you recommend I do between both tests?
 
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Ibn Alnafis MD said:
I have my USMLE test on Thursday and COMLEX 4 days after. I did nothing for COMLEX up to this point, what do you recommend I do between both tests?
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Neuro, micro, and pharm refreshers. And yes some sort of sacrifice will suffice. I can honestly get a 450 or a 700 and I wouldn't be surprised with either outcome.
 
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Ibn Alnafis MD said:
I have my USMLE test on Thursday and COMLEX 4 days after. I did nothing for COMLEX up to this point, what do you recommend I do between both tests?
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I am in the same boat as you. Taking USMLE this Friday and then COMLEX next Thursday. I am basically going to take Friday night and Saturday off. Sunday through Wednesday I plan on reading Saverese 2-3 times and take the practice tests at the end of the book along with doing some COMBANK OMM questions. I gotta get back to adjusting to the COMLEX style of questions.
 
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ninjaman22 said:
I am in the same boat as you. Taking USMLE this Friday and then COMLEX next Thursday. I am basically going to take Friday night and Saturday off. Sunday through Wednesday I plan on reading Saverese 2-3 times and take the practice tests at the end of the book along with doing some COMBANK OMM questions. I gotta get back to adjusting to the COMLEX style of questions.
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We have the same schedule and I have about the same plan. Instead of the Savarese questions I'm going to stick to Combank, and I'm also going to try to flip through Neuro MRS (Combank seems to be neuro-heavy compared to Uworld).
 
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ortnakas said:
We have the same schedule and I have about the same plan. Instead of the Savarese questions I'm going to stick to Combank, and I'm also going to try to flip through Neuro MRS (Combank seems to be neuro-heavy compared to Uworld).
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That's actually a good idea. COMLEX is neuro and MSK heavy. I might do some of those questions as well. Thanks for the suggestion and good luck!
 
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Is the COMLEX interface similar to COMBANK? I just started COMBANK and the lab values sheet opens up as a pop-up in the middle of the test. Does COMBANK have a "passline"? I emailed them two days ago but no response yet.

I hear there really is no chance to take a break between blocks 1-4, is that true? I feel like I'm definitely going to need a break after 2 blocks! If I finish a block early can I take the rest of that block time as a break? Or does it immediately go into the next block?

Tutorial time- can you use it to write down mnemonics/etc? If you don't use all the time is it added anywhere?

Can we look at test materials during our 40 minute lunch break? I know if I don't have anything productive to do I'm going to be freaking out. I was thinking of just bringing some light flashcards or something to mindlessly do while I eat to keep myself in the zone.

Thank you!
 
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Sloosha said:
My friend, don't hate yourself.

Instead, channel such feelings into disliking the people that write a test that resembles gambling more than an accurate assessment of your actual knowledge through 2 years of med school.

Or you can choose to dislike Donald Drumpf. Or Nickelback. :yuck:

Anyway, love yourself and have faith to sail through this craziness!

amor vincit omnia
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Thank you for this <3. Good luck to you!

ortnakas said:
You're not alone. I feel terrible for my husband right now. I'm not sure how he's putting up with me.
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I feel SO bad for my husband. I snapped at him yesterday- he came by to see how I was doing and we had a quick chat, he returned 10 minutes later with coffee since he noticed my cup was empty and I snapped at him before seeing why he interrupted me again 🙁. I seriously feel so awful, I hate what this process is doing to me and wish I was dealing with it better!
 
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anabananafofana said:
Is the COMLEX interface similar to COMBANK? I just started COMBANK and the lab values sheet opens up as a pop-up in the middle of the test. Does COMBANK have a "passline"? I emailed them two days ago but no response yet.

I hear there really is no chance to take a break between blocks 1-4, is that true? I feel like I'm definitely going to need a break after 2 blocks! If I finish a block early can I take the rest of that block time as a break? Or does it immediately go into the next block?

Tutorial time- can you use it to write down mnemonics/etc? If you don't use all the time is it added anywhere?

Can we look at test materials during our 40 minute lunch break? I know if I don't have anything productive to do I'm going to be freaking out. I was thinking of just bringing some light flashcards or something to mindlessly do while I eat to keep myself in the zone.

Thank you!
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- No idea regarding your question about lab value sheet. I would assume not though.
- I dont think there is a "passline". Uworld doesn't have anything like that. COMBANK does show you your percentile compared to other users which you could use to gauge your performance.
- To my understanding, COMLEX only has 2 blocks, each of 200q (morning and afternoon sessions). There are NO scheduled brakes other than the 40 min at the end of 200q. If you need to get up, you would just use the restroom while the exam is running.
- I believe yes, you can use the tutorial time to write down mnemonics. The time is NOT added anywhere.
- You can do whatever you want during break time.

I haven't taken the exam yet but this is my understanding of the exam day procedure based on what I've read. Maybe someone else who has taken it can verify.
 
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The interface is similar to COMBANK. No search option, you have to scroll down. Alternatively, to save like 0.1 second, you can click on the underlined category of the lab values at the top of the lab value page and it will jump you there. For instance, you click on Hematology headline at the top, it will direct you there without scrolling through.

You DO have an optional 1o minute break between session 2 and 3, and between session 6 and 7, in addition to the 40 minute lunch break. However, those 10 minutes break time are to be subtracted from your total testing time.

The tutorial time is separate from your actual testing time. I've heard there are people who write down their notes on the laminated sheet they give you during this time without any problem (i.e. Oooh... you cheat, nuh uh you're out - things like that)

They won't let you look at your note during your 10 minutes break, but you can do so during your lunch break.

With the longer stem, most people won't have the time to take that 10 minute break since they make you sign in/out and have a full body scan before letting you back in.
 
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Sloosha said:
The interface is similar to COMBANK. No search option, you have to scroll down. Alternatively, to save like 0.1 second, you can click on the underlined category of the lab values at the top of the lab value page and it will jump you there. For instance, you click on Hematology headline at the top, it will direct you there without scrolling through.

You DO have an optional 1o minute break between session 2 and 3, and between session 6 and 7, in addition to the 40 minute lunch break. However, those 10 minutes break time are to be subtracted from your total testing time.

The tutorial time is separate from your actual testing time. I've heard there are people who write down their notes on the laminated sheet they give you during this time without any problem (i.e. Oooh... you cheat, nuh uh you're out - things like that)

They won't let you look at your note during your 10 minutes break, but you can do so during your lunch break.

With the longer stem, most people won't have the time to take that 10 minute break since they make you sign in/out and have a full body scan before letting you back in.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the clarifications!
 
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