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ThrowAwayStepDO
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any chance in hell i can get anesthesia with a 540 comlex only
n=1; pretty indicative for me. Below average student though but hopefully this helps people like me in the future?
UWSA1 3 months out; pre-dedicated: 175
COMSAE A 7 weeks out: 480
COMSAE E 5 weeks out: 420
COMSAE B 2 weeks out: 460
8/27 COMLEX: 490
Felt E noticeably harder than B which was slightly harder to A.
Actual exam for me felt easier than any of the COMSAEs (maybe similar to A) personally though YMMV. A lot of first order questions that I just couldn't recall the answers for but with wordier stems than the comsaes, but try to start from the bottom, read the answer choices, and then skim the stem for just pertinent info. Heard it's weighted a little heavier for OMM but I've never really been good at it. Sketchy pharm/micro and pathoma were personally enough for right arrows.
UWORLD tutor/random 1x @ 52%, finished between comsae A and B.
COMBANK 1x @ 64% would do blocks in weaker sections > stronger sections
COMQUEST 800 q's @ 40 q random blocks, about 63%
First Aid 1x
Pathoma 1.5x videos + reread it a lot (maybe 4 passes?)
Sketchy Micro 2x
Sketchy Pharm 1x skipped all the penicillins, macrolides, fluroquinolones, NSAIDS, and that race track one (just couldn't ever get through any of them or get them to stick so I just firstaided those).
A little bit of B&B for sections I was bad in (endo, cardio phys, resp phys, anat, biochem)
Really wanted to break 500; but also felt this was the score I deserved; just coasted for the first two years and always felt a little burnt out/unconfident even prior to getting into med school. Felt like I taught myself like 75% of the material during dedicated. I couldn't seem to be able to do the 10 hour studying periods most people do during dedicated, I would put in maybe 6-8 hours/day with a day off a week?
At the end I felt it was just a memorization game, and that the slow grind/understanding material didn't really help cause I would lose it all after two weeks if I didn't keep going back to refresh and there's only so much brain power I had. So I felt like I was trying to cram what I felt I was worst at into the last 2-3 weeks? I would just read as much FA as I could and then do a bunch of Q's focused on what I read and randomly to make sure I didn't forget other sections completely.
I don't know how this strategy would hold up for STEP since I feel you have to think a lot more on those questions whereas comlex reminded me of COMBANK questions with ~Comquest/Uworld length stems so very first order recall questions, but for comlex I would just try to review your weakest sections in the two weeks leading up to it and pray
didn't take step 1, but if I take step 2 and apply will I have a good shot?That depends on your USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 scores.
didn't take step 1, but if I take step 2 and apply will I have a good shot?
Step 2 won't do much for you. Step 1 is what matters more. Your score is pretty darn good considering this year's crappy curve.
I wouldn't risk taking another high stakes exam unless you're scoring comfortably well in your NBME's.
Scored ~70 points lower than comsaes. Got a 457. Anyone know if I'll be ok to match into Peds with this? Any advice would be great. Im a little freaked out rn. Haven't taken usmle yet
Pls don't talk if you don't know anything.
didn't take step 1, but if I take step 2 and apply will I have a good shot?
didn't take step 1, but if I take step 2 and apply will I have a good shot?
Gas 2017-2018 cycle II yield
Just to get a feel for the stats you need to be competitive along with the NRMP 2018 data
n=1; pretty indicative for me. Below average student though but hopefully this helps people like me in the future?
UWSA1 3 months out; pre-dedicated: 175
COMSAE A 7 weeks out: 480
COMSAE E 5 weeks out: 420
COMSAE B 2 weeks out: 460
8/27 COMLEX: 490
Felt E noticeably harder than B which was slightly harder to A.
Actual exam for me felt easier than any of the COMSAEs (maybe similar to A) personally though YMMV. A lot of first order questions that I just couldn't recall the answers for but with wordier stems than the comsaes, but try to start from the bottom, read the answer choices, and then skim the stem for just pertinent info. Heard it's weighted a little heavier for OMM but I've never really been good at it. Sketchy pharm/micro and pathoma were personally enough for right arrows.
UWORLD tutor/random 1x @ 52%, finished between comsae A and B.
COMBANK 1x @ 64% would do blocks in weaker sections > stronger sections
COMQUEST 800 q's @ 40 q random blocks, about 63%
First Aid 1x
Pathoma 1.5x videos + reread it a lot (maybe 4 passes?)
Sketchy Micro 2x
Sketchy Pharm 1x skipped all the penicillins, macrolides, fluroquinolones, NSAIDS, and that race track one (just couldn't ever get through any of them or get them to stick so I just firstaided those).
A little bit of B&B for sections I was bad in (endo, cardio phys, resp phys, anat, biochem)
Really wanted to break 500; but also felt this was the score I deserved; just coasted for the first two years and always felt a little burnt out/unconfident even prior to getting into med school. Felt like I taught myself like 75% of the material during dedicated. I couldn't seem to be able to do the 10 hour studying periods most people do during dedicated, I would put in maybe 6-8 hours/day with a day off a week?
At the end I felt it was just a memorization game, and that the slow grind/understanding material didn't really help cause I would lose it all after two weeks if I didn't keep going back to refresh and there's only so much brain power I had. So I felt like I was trying to cram what I felt I was worst at into the last 2-3 weeks? I would just read as much FA as I could and then do a bunch of Q's focused on what I read and randomly to make sure I didn't forget other sections completely.
I don't know how this strategy would hold up for STEP since I feel you have to think a lot more on those questions whereas comlex reminded me of COMBANK questions with ~Comquest/Uworld length stems so very first order recall questions, but for comlex I would just try to review your weakest sections in the two weeks leading up to it and pray
Can you please comment on timing left on comsae vs comlex for you? I was able to finish comsae with 25min to spare, but I'm worried about comlex longer question stems.
Do You have any idea of the range of COMLEX and USMLE scores the 10 people who matched received? Did your school suggest what scores you would need to have reasonable certainty of matching in Anesthesiology?This is how anesthesiology PD's rank applicants, in order of importance, according to 2016 NRMP data.
USMLE Step 1/COMLEX Level 1 score
Letters of recommendation in the specialty
Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE/Dean's Letter)
USMLE Step 2 CK/COMLEX Level 2 CE score
Grades in required clerkships
Personal Statement
Class ranking/quartile
Any failed attempt in USMLE/COMLEX
Grades in clerkship in desired specialty
Evidence of professionalism and ethics
Perceived commitment to specialty
Personal prior knowledge of the applicant
http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/NRMP-2016-Program-Director-Survey.pdf
My school also sent us specialty sheets that were updated for 2018. This is on the report:
Top 5 factors Anesthesiology PD's use in selecting applicants to interview and in ranking from 2018 NRMP PD Survey:
Obtaining an Interview:
1. Level 1/Step 1
2. LOR from physicians in the specialty
3. MSPE
4. Level 2 CE/Step 2 CK
5. Personal Statement
Ranking after interview:
1. Interactions with faculty
2. Interpersonal skills
3. Interactions with housestaff
4. Feedback from residents
5. Level 1/Step 1
Do you see what I mean now? Step 2 is important, but Step 1/Comlex Level 1 matters a heck of a lot more. Step 2 isn't necessary, as Comlex Level 2 will be just as good. I have friends who successfully matched to ACGME Anesthesiology without a Step 2. Most DO students do NOT take a Step 2. While a really good Step 2 will benefit you, I wouldn't recommend taking it unless you're confident you'll do well on that exam. My school matched 10 students into ACGME anesthesiology this year. I trust the reports from my school, which compiles data of all the students from my school who matched into anesthesiology in the past 6 years more than what SDN provides. It's really disheartening to see how much misinformation is posted online and on here.
And there are people on SDN who spread more hysteria than usual especially because of the merger and tell everyone to take Step 1, Step 2, etc. It honestly depends on an individual case by case basis, and what type of program/location of where they want to go. Obviously, the more competitive ones may prefer a Step 2, but if you're just looking to get into an anesthesiology program, and your Comlex scores aren't like above 600's and getting 240-250's on your Step 1's, there's no need to try to appease those super competitive PDs and burn yourself out for them.
Do You have any idea of the range of COMLEX and USMLE scores the 10 people who matched received? Did your school suggest what scores you would need to have reasonable certainty of matching in Anesthesiology?
For people who think to take USMLE on top of Comlex, well make sure you're scoring above a 220 on your NBME's, or else it won't even matter.
Poor Boards- What do I do?
This person had a decent Comlex, but then only got a 203 in Step 1.
My school only reported the Comlex averages of those who matched into ACGME. The ranges are in the 550s this year and 560s in the previous years. Obviously some took the USMLE, but the school doesn't report that. I know of someone who got in with a score in the 230s this year.
Do You have any idea of the range of COMLEX and USMLE scores the 10 people who matched received? Did your school suggest what scores you would need to have reasonable certainty of matching in Anesthesiology?
@shadowlightfox Typical bushido stuff from RowanSom here
@shadowlightfox Typical bushido stuff from RowanSom here
I don't even want to reply to mathnerd88 since he's just one of those DOs with only COMLEX who will be applying to a moderately competitive specialty. But, fresh data from my MD advisor from the most recent matched class for GAS tell us of the averages being around Level 1 550-570, Level 2 550-570, and USMLE Step 1 of 220-230. However, the advice for me is to withhold all my COMLEX scores and release my USMLE scores for my top three specialties -- all of them are moderately competitive for DOs. This advisor is a graduate of a top five MD school in the NE who still maintains strong connections to PDs of strong IM programs in both the NE and the West Coast.
So, take it for what it's worth. Always reach out for advice from legit mentors in the real world with real connections instead of sdn bums who lie or spread false info on the Internet.
I got 446 on comsae recently and have comlex in 5 days. Can't postpone anymore as rotations start right after exam. So I'm pretty sure I won't score higher than that dude in your link. However, I wonder if I can study for step 1 for first 3 rotations and take it around Christmas vacation? I'm thinking with 3 months left till Christmas I can realistically aim at 220. The only thing I'm not sure is if it's realistic to study for step 1 while on rotations?
@shadowlightfox Typical bushido stuff from RowanSom here
I don't even want to reply to mathnerd88 since he's just one of those DOs with only COMLEX who will be applying to a moderately competitive specialty. But, fresh data from my MD advisor from the most recent matched class for GAS tell us of the averages being around Level 1 550-570, Level 2 550-570, and USMLE Step 1 of 220-230. However, the advice for me is to withhold all my COMLEX scores and release my USMLE scores for my top three specialties -- all of them are moderately competitive for DOs. This advisor is a graduate of a top five MD school in the NE who still maintains strong connections to PDs of strong IM programs in both the NE and the West Coast.
So, take it for what it's worth. Always reach out for advice from legit mentors in the real world with real connections instead of sdn bums who lie or spread false info on the Internet.
For me, it's not possible unless you take some of your flex time and take time off for dedicated study. Rotations will be tough depending on which one you're at. Mine makes me stay at least 10-12 hours per day. Realistically, I feel like I'm inadequately prepared for even shelf exams because I'm always tired afterwards and need to crash/nap. Plus, if you're doing a rotation you're not interested in makes it worse haha.
I'm trying to serve over 35-40 patients per day at times. Some rotations make work with a resident, which is easier, but others (like mine) you work with a doctor who sometimes will ask you to go in yourself. I'm still on the fence if I'm taking the Step 1 exam or not. I'm going to meet with my advisor soon and have a chat. My Comlex score should be adequate for IM, but I'll see as time goes on. And as I said before, if you're just looking to do FM and IM, Comlex only should suffice.
Also, which COMSAE did you take?
Whoa its possible to not release your COMLEX score to ACGME programs?
ROFL
With that volume and efficiency, you might as well tell your preceptor and residents to go home.
No need to learn from those chumps.
I'm trying to serve over 35-40 patients per day at times.
5 min h&p, 3 min presenting, 5 min notes. Next. Let us know where is that to avoid that Hospital
Is there any score conversion online showing what my COMLEX score would be equal to on a USMLE (maybe for percentiles)? What would a 520 on COMLEX level 1 be equal to on the USMLE step 1?
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Based on their algorithm, it should be a 207 on the USMLE Step 1. However, with this year's change in COMLEX scoring, I would expect it to be higher.
Standard Setting — NBOMEWhat is the scoring change on this year's comlex?
I was sure I was going to get a 600+ on the COMLEX, but some how got a 520-530, wtf. I am kinda disappointed by this lol! I was aiming for family medicine anyway, but I feel like I can't be picky with FM residency. On Step I got a 223-226 score.
If you're aiming for an FM residency, your Step 1 score alone is more than enough, even in bigger cities. The big issue is this repetitive score adjustment makes comlex scores practically meaningless to ACGME directors that were not previously AOA programs. With the sheer volume of applicants, I'd be completely surprised if any ACGME program directors bothered to figure out score readjustments every several years. With the Step 1 consistently having a mean score between 226-229 for several years in a row, it's really easy for PDs to just look at Step 1 scores and be able to make quick assessments.
If you're aiming for an FM residency, your Step 1 score alone is more than enough, even in bigger cities. The big issue is this repetitive score adjustment makes comlex scores practically meaningless to ACGME directors that were not previously AOA programs. With the sheer volume of applicants, I'd be completely surprised if any ACGME program directors bothered to figure out score readjustments every several years. With the Step 1 consistently having a mean score between 226-229 for several years in a row, it's really easy for PDs to just look at Step 1 scores and be able to make quick assessments.
PDs aren't going to simply toss every applicant with COMLEX only just because they don't bother to do something. They don't operate simply by "need to bother or not". They do bother, they do know what COMLEX score is, they are not idiots lol. Every PD who has been in business for more than 1 application cycle knows about COMLEX and has an idea what score is good, great or bad. They don't have to know exactly down to 5-10 points. They still going to accept lots of COMLEX only applicants. Lots of them. Repetitive score adjustment will change nothing for PDs - if anything they know that score got harder, NOT easier.
Hey all,
Can anyone tell me what time COMLEX starts? I am looking for apartments for next year and I am trying to determine the logistics of where I will take the exam.
1. Is it reasonable to live 1 hour away from the testing site and still be able to sleep in my own bed (as opposed to being in a hotel) the night prior to the exam?
2. Is the test only offered at like 8am or are there afternoon sessions offered also? Any link I could use to see what time the exam is offered?
Thank you.
Definitely reasonable. A lot of my classmates had to travel an hour to get to their testing site. And the time that the test starts varies by site with I think a majority being either 8:00 or 9:00. I took mine at 9:00.
Thanks! I spoke with a 3rd year recently and I swear I thought she said that she took it starting in the afternoon. Is that possible?
I know it's possible for step 1 not sure about comlexThanks! I spoke with a 3rd year recently and I swear I thought she said that she took it starting in the afternoon. Is that possible?
chip at it little by little whens the big dayHey guys, I'm sure this has been asked but...
OMG-OMT vs Saverese? Or both? Can it be done within 5 days along with other content review like Pathoma/SketchyMicro?
OMG-OMT and Savarese can be done in 2 days easily: Actually OMGOMT is crappy resource, Savarese is enough + look up how to diagnose sacral dysfunctions in 10sec - theres' a youtube video. However, I have no idea how you can do Pathoma/SketchyMicro in the rest 3 days? Not going to happen.Hey guys, I'm sure this has been asked but...
OMG-OMT vs Saverese? Or both? Can it be done within 5 days along with other content review like Pathoma/SketchyMicro?
So sorry to hear you didn't do well . Have you tried COMQUEST (a lot of delayers/retakers who recently passed at my school loved it)?
And if you don't mind me asking, how were your COMSAEs? If you took any.
I ironically bought COMQUEST for Level 2 a month ago hoping I would be using it now. I might look into using it for level 1. I've heard mixed responses about it for level 1 with more people saying it's better for level 2, but at this point I might just give it a try.
COMSAE D (may-before full dedicated)- 399
COMSAE A (June) - 395
COMSAE E (July) - 434
COMSAE C (Aug) - 510
Not sure if the COMSAEs highly overestimated, I had a bad day, or I just wasn't prepared enough (I do know neuro is my weakest and my test was heavy in neuro, so that might have been my downfall). I was also surprised with my micro results. I really thought micro was easy and that I answered most of them correctly, but I was near the borderline area on my report so I don't know what happened with those.
Same here, almost 100 point drop from my Comsaes. The thing is for me it felt not hard at all, and yet I failed it too. Like you I'm not sure how it's possible to score 500 on comsae and then fail comlex. Time wasn't an issue for me and questions seemed easy-ish mostly. I know most people feel bad coming out of it - but I felt good actually and thought I at least passed. Really weird. Could it be we got new exam form with harsher curve? I already had rotation and funniest thing is that I got honors on it and got excellent eval from my preceptor. And now this hits be in the back. Worst thing is that unlike you, I won't have 3-4 months. Our school policy is to give 30 days to retake it. And then rotations again. I've forgotten a good half of material details and it will take some time to refresh everything and then add some more. I'm thinking maybe I can ask my school for more prep time? I mean I failed already, so why not prepare properly this time.
I also noticed that questions on comlex were not UW like at all. So I'm not sure if I should hit UW or focus only on Combank/Comquest to get into that mode of vague comlex question stem style? It's like you have to become a psycho and think like a psycho to catch a psycho lol. So I'm a bit confused how to prep for Comlex specifically?