Preparing for the COMLEX....

[TheNobleNoir]

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I am entering school this coming year (class of '13). I know most will tell me to relax or something, but I wanted to know what suggestions people have in preparing for the COMLEX. When should I start preparing? Should I supplement school material with COMLEX prep throughout the year? What would you have done differently if you had a do over? Part of this is that I am honestly not a good test taker, and I want to over prep for this test so i won't cram like I did for the MCAT. But I also realize that I shouldn't be prepping this summer (,right?). Thanks.

 

[nascardoc]

I am entering school this coming year (class of '13). I know most will tell me to relax or something, but I wanted to know what suggestions people have in preparing for the COMLEX. When should I start preparing? Should I supplement school material with COMLEX prep throughout the year? What would you have done differently if you had a do over? Part of this is that I am honestly not a good test taker, and I want to over prep for this test so i won't cram like I did for the MCAT. But I also realize that I shouldn't be prepping this summer (,right?). Thanks.

The best way for you to prep for boards is to do well in your classes. You can use review books to help out studying while putting notes in First Aid, or RR Path, or whatever. There is no need to do qbank questions in your first 3 semesters.

Your last semester of 2nd year is when you can get UW or Kaplan qbanks and start doing questions and start board prep. Other than that, focus on your classes and do well, make sure to understand how everything works, not just straight up memorizing random facts. I would say (I haven't taken boards yet, so its an assumption, but a good assumption based on what I've seen and know) is really make sure you understand physio, path, and pharm, esp. physio. It's so critical to get a good grasp on physio as it makes everything much easier to grasp.

 

[TracksuitsRock]

But I also realize that I shouldn't be prepping this summer (,right?). Thanks.

It's cool that you want to do well and are thinking about the future. I think the above poster gave you great advice on how to think about the COMLEX even during your first year.

In answer to your question about summer studying, you are RIGHT! Don't prep this summer! You should totally enjoy your summer and realize that medical school picks up at a fast pace and whatever you study over the summer will not yield you much in the grand scheme of things. You will absolutely learn it once you start school. This is your chance to have a kick***** summer before school starts. I've made myself truly disconnect from school at every break I've had, and it's been such a nice rest for my brain. Turns out you use it a lot in med school.

 

[JStub]

Get a review book like first aid and fill in your own notes in the subject you're taking (biochem, neuro, pharm, micro) in the review book. I started doing this 2nd year and the notes helped a lot and I was kicking myself for not starting first year. Otherwise, just take it easy til 2nd year and start reallt studying in your 4th semester. I used kaplan and UW and felt kaplan was better for comlex part 1.