Please help need advice COMLEX USMLE

[jbrec123]

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Hi, I recently took my COMLEX and will not be getting my score until late July. As of right now I don't know whether I should take the USMLE or not. About 3-4 weeks ago I took NBME 13 / 15 and scored a 222. I decided to postpone my exam because I didn't feel ready. After taking the COMLEX, I was just burnt out/ mentally drained and was about to cancel my USMLE test date. However, I decided to take another NBME (NBME 16) and ended up with a 239. I can probably push through until mid July but I think that's all I can do without going mentally insane. Either I take it now or I will never take it. So please if anyone can give me some advice. Also, I don't even know what I want to specialize in so it's really difficult for me to make a decision. People have told me to take it during third year, and I just want to say I WILL NEVER study for the USMLE during my third year. I don't know why but everyone at my school keeps pushing for the USMLE but is it even worth it now with the merge? Please any 4th years or people who took the exam should I take it at this point or just cancel it. thanks for the response

 

[WhitJord85]

As someone who took both USMLE Step 1 and 2, I would say take it..... I also however knew I wanted to do surgery, in particular ACGME Surgery. That being said... since you don't know what you want to do... I think the scores you have reported getting on the NBME exams are very respectable and I think scores in those ranges will open more doors for you than not taking the USMLE. With those scores it is highly unlikely you would fail. And obviously the higher the score the better, but I think some score in the range you mention will do you more good than harm, especially with an unknown specialty choice at this time.

 

[Dharma]

The merger will not have much affect on our class and if anything what we will see is more DO students taking the USMLE as a result of the merger. People push for the USMLE because having a good score makes one a more competitive applicant. Those students who are ready for the exam should take the exam. I'm seeing colleagues talk themselves out of taking this exam left and right, and some of them will be kicking themselves for it in a year and half +. Those students who don't take it will be at a disadvantage as compared to those DOs who take it and do well. They aren't just competing against MD students but also the DOs who took the initiative to take both tests.

I say take it. But you should trust your gut on this one. You should know if your ready or not. Good job on 16 btw. Good luck.

 

[sylvanthus]

Take it, do not limit yourself.