Official comlex 1 2012 experiences, advice, and scores thread

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For those of you who have taken COMLEX I, please feel free to post schedules, advice on studying/ how to best prepare, types of questions you saw on the test, something you wish you had done while preparing to improve your score, etc. Also feel free to post your score.

I am taking COMLEX I on June 25th, and I'm getting a bit nervous because I feel disorganized and don't have a solid plan. If I come across good suggestions, I will post them here right away. 😀

Thanks for everyone's help, and I hope we all rock this test!!!

 

[JHL]

I think you are stressing out too much. If you been studying hard then you WILL pass. I took it yesterday and yes I'm pretty sure whoever took it on the same day usually have the same exact test. There's no use to ask what exactly was on previous tests since they make different exams for each day. I can tell you that the general consensus over the past months reading the forums and taking the comlex yesterday that 20-30 percent of the questions are micro. Yes there are a few hard questions that are not in first aid or any qbank, but that's the way it is.

I'm sure you will pass if you know your micro, path, and pharm and maybe phys. With the rest, you get what you get. I had no biostat questions at all, about 10 ethics, multiple psych and repro question, very few Biochem, very little cardio, some general anatomy Q that weren't too hard, there were many viscerosomatic questions, I didn't have a single Chapman's but a lot of dermatomal type nerve question, for neuro- epidural and subdural hematoma was asked several times on top of cranial nerves dysfunction. Some blocks were very easy but my 2nd to last block, I literally marked half of the questions. With that said, I'm sure I still passed. Oh lastly my comsae scores A-C: 498, 602, 554.

Again the focus will prob change once you take your test with the except of micro and opp. Some questions were very easy and some questions i feel like even if i study for another 3 months i won't know what they're saying. Know everything there is to know about micro, even the bioterrism bugs! The hard questions for opp were more about diagnosing certain chronic osteopathic diseases but there were many easy opp questions to drown those out. Sorry for the run-on sentences, that's just how i talk haha. Good luck to all.

from all the comments that I have been reading, I feel like voiding my test already

I have to take mine on Monday and it looks like it won't be pretty🙁

For those that have taken the exam more recently, can you please post a breakdown of questions by categories (repro, cardio, etc), and percentage of each? I want to compare what you guys say to what others have said in the past month to see how the test has changed, especially in content.

Really appreciate your entries 👍

 

[scummie]

So just checking my email for the test and it says you have to bring your NBOME identification number. What is that? Is it the same thing as the confirmation number?

 

[Siggy]

So just checking my email for the test and it says you have to bring your NBOME identification number. What is that? Is it the same thing as the confirmation number?

You're supposed to verify your number every time you log in, but it's just displayed. You don't have to enter it and I only brought my 2 IDs, even though they only asked for my government ID (drivers license).

 

[scummie]

Thanks Siggy!

 

[Pink Candy]

I think you are stressing out too much. If you been studying hard then you WILL pass. I took it yesterday and yes I'm pretty sure whoever took it on the same day usually have the same exact test. There's no use to ask what exactly was on previous tests since they make different exams for each day. I can tell you that the general consensus over the past months reading the forums and taking the comlex yesterday that 20-30 percent of the questions are micro. Yes there are a few hard questions that are not in first aid or any qbank, but that's the way it is.

I'm sure you will pass if you know your micro, path, and pharm and maybe phys. With the rest, you get what you get. I had no biostat questions at all, about 10 ethics, multiple psych and repro question, very few Biochem, very little cardio, some general anatomy Q that weren't too hard, there were many viscerosomatic questions, I didn't have a single Chapman's but a lot of dermatomal type nerve question, for neuro- epidural and subdural hematoma was asked several times on top of cranial nerves dysfunction. Some blocks were very easy but my 2nd to last block, I literally marked half of the questions. With that said, I'm sure I still passed. Oh lastly my comsae scores A-C: 498, 602, 554.

Again the focus will prob change once you take your test with the except of micro and opp. Some questions were very easy and some questions i feel like even if i study for another 3 months i won't know what they're saying. Know everything there is to know about micro, even the bioterrism bugs! The hard questions for opp were more about diagnosing certain chronic osteopathic diseases but there were many easy opp questions to drown those out. Sorry for the run-on sentences, that's just how i talk haha. Good luck to all.

thanks JHL!!! you know that prob 95% of us here are type AAA personality so we tend to freak out easily

from what i have read so far in here, i will be happy if i just pass the freakin' test I really just want to go on with my life

 

[bowlin123]

I disagree... I think it's pretty random on who gets the wtf tests. I took mine June 1st , and I had a very bad experience, and if you've read any of my previous posts, and seen my scores, you would see i was very prepared.

Yeah, I know exactly how you feel. Rather than trying to do my best for USMLE on 6/29, now I have to worry about passing my COMLEX. I don't know what is on their mind. They gave a portion of us very hard exams and the other portion very easy ones. There is absolutely no way that I can study everything during the last 2 years, especially the minutiae. Yet minutiae is exactly what I was being tested and a couple of questions had answer choices that are completely alien to me, meaning that I don't even know their definitions. Unfortunately for me, I was sitting next to this guy who kept on cursing while I don't even have the gut to curse during the exam. It's so screwed because the questions were in either extremes and what is up with 4 repeat questions asking me the same thing. There are at least 2 questions i know were repeated 4 times, e.g 3-5 exh dys. I am, in general, pissed. 😕

 

[Siggy]

So for the people who took it on Monday, on the sexual abuse rectal infection etiology question, who else was looking for "Sandusky" to be an answer choice?

 

[scummie]

So for the people who took it on Monday, on the sexual abuse rectal infection etiology question, who else was looking for "Sandusky" to be an answer choice?

You know he's blaming it on his histronic personality disorder right? Makes me sick.

 

[Roberie]

You know, I took it yesterday, and my exam seemed to bear no resemblance to anyone else's. I didn't have any of the same questions. There must be multiple forms on the same day or something.

 

[JHL]

You know, I took it yesterday, and my exam seemed to bear no resemblance to anyone else's. I didn't have any of the same questions. There must be multiple forms on the same day or something.

There was an 8am block and another block which started later at 11:30. It is possible that they don't want the people taking it at 8 to be telling their friends at 11:30 what's on their test during breaks.

 

[bowlin123]

There was an 8am block and another block which started later at 11:30. It is possible that they don't want the people taking it at 8 to be telling their friends at 11:30 what's on their test during breaks.

That's not true. My friend's exam started at 8 and mine at 1, and he called me during the break and I thought it was just him who didn't study the right stuff. Then, I saw the exam myself. We are talking about a person who can score 99 on an exam where avg is only about 83. When he called me, he was so mad at himself and thought he only answered 33% correctly. Afterwards, we talked about the exam and all of the questions we brought up were exactly the same.

 

[JHL]

That's not true. My friend's exam started at 8 and mine at 1, and he called me during the break and I thought it was just him who didn't study the right stuff. Then, I saw the exam myself. We are talking about a person who can score 99 on an exam where avg is only about 83. When he called me, he was so mad at himself and thought he only answered 33% correctly. Afterwards, we talked about the exam and all of the questions we brought up were exactly the same.

Good to know.

 

[pipe dream]

That's not true. My friend's exam started at 8 and mine at 1, and he called me during the break and I thought it was just him who didn't study the right stuff. Then, I saw the exam myself. We are talking about a person who can score 99 on an exam where avg is only about 83. When he called me, he was so mad at himself and thought he only answered 33% correctly. Afterwards, we talked about the exam and all of the questions we brought up were exactly the same.

Hearing this convinces me that the focus of this discussion shouldn't be why are some exams harder than others but rather why do they allow ppl to call ppl during breaks when they're administering the same exam at different times????

 

[bowlin123]

Hearing this convinces me that the focus of this discussion shouldn't be why are some exams harder than others but rather why do they allow ppl to call ppl during breaks when they're administering the same exam at different times????

Yeah, I don't like that either, but i am not a person who would cheat. I didn't get anything from him other than that he bombed the exam.

 

[JHL]

Lucky no one from the NBOME is reading this. Or are they ? hahaha. I bet that's why the exam is very different from day to day.

 

[polkadoctor]

I'd be annoyed someone is ranting about their exam a few hours before mine! I hope that didn't throw you off - or perhaps it comforted you to know other people must surely be thinking WTF as well.

 

[Siggy]

Hearing this convinces me that the focus of this discussion shouldn't be why are some exams harder than others but rather why do they allow ppl to call ppl during breaks when they're administering the same exam at different times????

You're not supposed to have access to anything outside of the 40 minute lunch break.

 

[pipe dream]

You're not supposed to have access to anything outside of the 40 minute lunch break.

But ppl do if this guy called his friend. On the usmle thread ppl talk about studying during breaks so they must have access to some stuff anyway. Maybe ppl sneak a phone call

 

[Siggy]

But ppl do if this guy called his friend. On the usmle thread ppl talk about studying during breaks so they must have access to some stuff anyway. Maybe ppl sneak a phone call

Sorry, I assumed that since this was the COMLEX thread we'd be discussing the rules regarding breaks during COMLEX, which are different from the USMLE.


Hey, can anyone discuss about breaks during what ever exam med students take in the UK?

 

[Everglide]

You're not supposed to have access to anything outside of the 40 minute lunch break.

Maybe I'm reading your statement incorrectly, but you can do whatever you want on your 40 minute lunch break. Including leaving the test center for lunch, looking at study notes, using cell phone, drinking your sorrows away, etc.

Considering lunch would be 12-12:30 at the very latest for 8am takers, you could definitely talk to a 1pm test taker.

 

[pipe dream]

Sorry, I assumed that since this was the COMLEX thread we'd be discussing the rules regarding breaks during COMLEX, which are different from the USMLE.


Hey, can anyone discuss about breaks during what ever exam med students take in the UK?

Way to be a d-bag. I referenced the usmle test takers to say that maybe the rules aren't that clear cut.

 

[polkadoctor]

For certain you have access to phones during the comlex. my classmates were tweeting during their breaks!

 

[Siggy]

Way to be a d-bag. I referenced the usmle test takers to say that maybe the rules aren't that clear cut.

How are the rules for COMLEX not clear cut? Just because the rules for USMLE are different (and very clear cut, you're free on break to do as you please) doesn't change that the rules for COMLEX are very clear cut (no outside material during the 2 mid session breaks).

 

[Siggy]

Maybe I'm reading your statement incorrectly, but you can do whatever you want on your 40 minute lunch break. Including leaving the test center for lunch, looking at study notes, using cell phone, drinking your sorrows away, etc.

Considering lunch would be 12-12:30 at the very latest for 8am takers, you could definitely talk to a 1pm test taker.

You're correct and that's what I meant. The 10 minute intersession breaks are supposed to be limited, but you're free for the 40 minute lunch break to do as you please

 

[Daedra22]

During my COMLEX I was specifically told that I could read materials, go to lunch, and generally do whatever I wanted on my breaks. The people at Prometric were very explicit about these conditions.

 

[Siggy]

During my COMLEX I was specifically told that I could read materials, go to lunch, and generally do whatever I wanted on my breaks. The people at Prometric were very explicit about these conditions.

Are you talking about the 40 minute break or the 10 minute break?

No Outside Information or Access to Personal Items
During the full test session, a candidate will not be permitted access to any information or data not provided to the candidate by the NBOME or the testing vendor at the test center, including but not limited to any access to a cellular phone or PDA, text, notes or other materials, and may not communicate in any manner with anyone outside the testing center. Candidates are required to place all personal property in the secure lockers provided at the test centers. Candidates are permitted to access their personal property during the lunch time between sessions, but not during breaks.​

Emphasis added

- http://www.nbome.org/docs/comlexBOI.pdf

 

[pipe dream]

Yea and according to what you just posted they can't use their phones during lunch break either but you say the can.

During the full test session, a candidate will not be permitted access to any information or data not provided to the candidate by the NBOME or the testing vendor at the test center, including but not limited to any access to a cellular phone

 

[Siggy]

Yea and according to what you just posted they can't use their phones during lunch break either but you say the can.

During the full test session, a candidate will not be permitted access to any information or data not provided to the candidate by the NBOME or the testing vendor at the test center, including but not limited to any access to a cellular phone

COMLEX-USA Level 1 is a problem-based and symptom-based assessment integrating the basic medical sciences of anatomy, behavioral science, biochemistry, microbiology, osteopathic principles, pathology, pharmacology, physiology and other areas of medical knowledge as they are relevant to solving medical problems. The examination consists of two four-hour test sessions during one day, each containing questions related to diverse clinical presentations.​

Emphasis added
-same link

So when they talk about a "full session," it's the morning session or afternoon session of 4 blocks in 4 hours.

 

[Siggy]

You know he's blaming it on his histronic personality disorder right? Makes me sick.

On the bright side, when he goes to jail he will get lots of special hugs. It's therapeutic!

 

[pipe dream]

It says FULL test session. I take that to mean the whole day, not theorning vs afternoon block.

Whatever, it doesn't matter. People have already said they used their phones during breaks.

 

[polkadoctor]

Hey hey guys - let's focus on what's really important: how comlex is a crapshoot.

 

[dermpathdoc]

And talking about how COMLEX is a crap shoot, has anyone had a disastrous experience at Prometrix sites where the COMLEX exam didn't have images on some of the questions?

 

[frankyazz]

And talking about how COMLEX is a crap shoot, has anyone had a disastrous experience at Prometrix sites where the COMLEX exam didn't have images on some of the questions?

Nope.. but that sounds pretty bad assuming that there were supposed to be images.

 

[The kitchen sink]

Test is friday. Bugging out.

What is the chapman point for the colon? and the prostate? thanks

 

[Siggy]

Test is friday. Bugging out.

What is the chapman point for the colon? and the prostate? thanks

For the large intestine, put your forarms over your large intestine so that your fingers are touching in the middle of the transverse colon, your right elbow is above the cecum and your left elbow is over your sigmoid colon. Great, now flop your arms straight down over your legs so that your hands are near your knees and your elbows at the top of your thigh. That's how the colon is laid out over the legs.


Prostate is the inferior portion of the iliotibial band.

 

[bowlin123]

You're correct and that's what I meant. The 10 minute intersession breaks are supposed to be limited, but you're free for the 40 minute lunch break to do as you please

Actually, I went in at around 1230 that day and specifically asked them whether if I can study. They said yes to me and other people who were taking their 40-min breaks. So yes, you can study during your 40-min break and do whatever you want with the time. I wouldn't study during my 10-min break even had they said yes.

 

[Siggy]

Actually, I went in at around 1230 that day and specifically asked them whether if I can study. They said yes to me and other people who were taking their 40-min breaks. So yes, you can study during your 40-min break and do whatever you want with the time. I wouldn't study during my 10-min break even had they said yes.

So you're agreeing with what I said. Lunch break is free time.

 

[JHL]

Maybe I'm reading your statement incorrectly, but you can do whatever you want on your 40 minute lunch break. Including leaving the test center for lunch, looking at study notes, using cell phone, drinking your sorrows away, etc.

Considering lunch would be 12-12:30 at the very latest for 8am takers, you could definitely talk to a 1pm test taker.

Not to mention they have early 8 am sessions in the east coast and an option for a later afternoon/aftermorning sessions on the west coast hahaha.

 

[StressedMedStud]

Hey Guys an 85 on the two digit scale translates to what 3 digit score on comlex?

 

[Everglide]

Hey Guys an 85 on the two digit scale translates to what 3 digit score on comlex?

Around 540, 60th percentile. ( https://www.nbome-pe.org/cbtscoreconv/ ) Worth noting this is for last year's but it's the best we have until next year....


Did anyone have a lot of derm on their test? Just wondering because Comquest seems to really hammer on derm compared to other question banks.

 

[Jayscin]

I had a little derm....not much tho. Most of it was easy and straight forward. I only used FA and Pathoma. I felt like the Derm there was sufficient. Def not very HY in my opinion.

Around 540, 60th percentile. ( https://www.nbome-pe.org/cbtscoreconv/ )


Did anyone have a lot of derm on their test? Just wondering because Comquest seems to really hammer on derm compared to other question banks.

 

[gocatgo]

Hi everyone,
I'm going to do my first and only Comsae--I'm trying to decide which one to do.Comsae B or C? Iwill be taking the exam next week

 

[JHL]

Hi everyone,
I'm going to do my first and only Comsae--I'm trying to decide which one to do.Comsae B or C? Iwill be taking the exam next week

Why not do both? It will be a better assessment. You spent all this studying, might as well be sure if you are ready.

 

[BrnEYEDgrl]

I think you can only take form C if your school buys it for you. I took C, but I've heard that both are good. I've also heard that C can under-predict your score so B might give you a more accurate estimate.

 

[gocatgo]

Why not do both? It will be a better assessment. You spent all this studying, might as well be sure if you are ready.

I will try both if I finish up my review by tomorow. Still have weak areas like OMT, anatomy, that I'm still hammering in. Did you take your exam yet-- was it equivalent to Combank?

I think you can only take form C if your school buys it for you. I took C, but I've heard that both are good. I've also heard that C can under-predict your score so B might give you a more accurate estimate.

Ok so it sounds like B and C are better than A. Yes my school purchased both exams but I didnt start hard-core studying until Memorial weekend due to illness.
Thanks guys, good luck

 

[JHL]

I will try both if I finish up my review by tomorow. Still have weak areas like OMT, anatomy, that I'm still hammering in. Did you take your exam yet-- was it equivalent to Combank?


Ok so it sounds like B and C are better than A. Yes my school purchased both exams but I didnt start hard-core studying until Memorial weekend due to illness.
Thanks guys, good luck

I took it on Monday. I gotta say, Comsaes will be the closest resemblance. The whole point is to get you to get used to the way the examiners will ask. I would say at this point your priority would be to take the a comsae ASAP to find out where you stand and further narrowing down weak areas to focus your study in the last week. I only did about 600 questions on combank to practice forcing myself to sit in one place and do questions. However, I did as many assessments as I could find like uworld assessments, Kaplan assessments, and so on.

 

[mommy2three]

i took mine this past monday (6/18) and i felt like there were very similar questions phrased slightly differently.
i also felt like my pre-lunch section was pretty solid then my post lunch section i felt like i had a bunch more wtf questions that made me go "huh?"

 

[inGodwetrust]

So the nbome website has been down for maintenance since about noon.
Does anyone know if they are posting scores

 

[runner0382]

Looks like May test takers will have it the 26th or 27th

 

[dermpathdoc]

Derm would have been for pathology because Part 1 does not test for internal medicine components which is what Derm is a part of.