Programs that accept either USMLE or COMLEX

[Doctor G]

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Dear all,

I'm applying to ACGME programs. I took both USMLE and COMLEX Step 1, passed both, but have a much more competitive COMLEX score.

Some programs accept either USMLE or COMLEX (stated either on website or on the phone)... for osteopathic applicants, would you guys submit just the COMLEX for those programs? Or, do you think it's better off to show them you passed both?

I don't know if this is even an option, once you requested transcripts for both tests.

Thank you!

 

[WestcoastMedicine]

From what I understand Osteopathic Candidates are no longer able to not disclose your USMLE for allopathic programs. This is the first year that they changed this and it. I know alot of students who are happy as the DO average is much lower with the theory that alot of osteopathic students take the USMLE before the COMLEX as a way to get them ready for it. As a result of not studying for it thinking they can just not disclose the grades the hope is they will only take it if seriously prepared for it and our average wont be so crappy.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Theoretically, you must report your USMLE scores if you are applying to any ACGME programs.

From the ERAS instructions:

Note to osteopathic applicants only: Before you certify your ERAS application, consider whether you will apply to ACGME and/or AOA-accredited programs. If you apply to ACGME accredited programs and you have taken the USMLE, you must report that on your CAF. If you only apply to AOA accredited programs, you do not have to report the USMLE on your CAF.

Could not following this rule get you in trouble? Probably not, but theoretically not releasing your USMLE's when the rules state you do is application fraud, and would be (again theoretically) cause for immediate termination if discovered any time in the future.

 

[Doctor G]

That was not what I mean.

I authorized release of both of my scores, usmle and comlex. I'm asking this... for each individual program, you know how you have boxes to select letters, picture, usmle, and comlex to be sent. Ok, so for a certain program which accepts either score, can I just submit one of them?

I "reported" and "authorized" release of both scores. I'm just asking if I can send just one of them to some programs that accept just one of the two scores.

Thanks.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

That was not what I mean.

I authorized release of both of my scores, usmle and comlex. I'm asking this... for each individual program, you know how you have boxes to select letters, picture, usmle, and comlex to be sent. Ok, so for a certain program which accepts either score, can I just submit one of them?

I "reported" and "authorized" release of both scores. I'm just asking if I can send just one of them to some programs that accept just one of the two scores.

Thanks.

I think we're confused on terminology here.

You "Authorized" USMLE and COMLEX to send your scores to ERAS. So now, ERAS has official reports of your scores. This authorization doesn't send scores to programs.

You must list on your CAF that you took the USMLE if you applied to allo programs.

I guess you could list that you took the USMLE, and then not send the USMLE score report. I think that would be a bad choice, since it would highly suggest a bad score.

 

[Doctor G]

Thank you for your clarification, aProgDirector! I really thought I could be program specific in choosing which programs to send which score to. But, since ALL programs would know what tests I've taken, I guess there's no reason to not submit them. And like you said, this would suggest a low score.

I heard from some IM programs that board scores do not impact the application that strongly, as they won't really make the screening process based on board scores alone.

As long as I got over 200, and that my comlex score is about 1 std dev above the mean, I should get a healthy number of interviews, right? Suppose I apply to about 20 programs in IM.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I heard from some IM programs that board scores do not impact the application that strongly, as they won't really make the screening process based on board scores alone.

As long as I got over 200, and that my comlex score is about 1 std dev above the mean, I should get a healthy number of interviews, right? Suppose I apply to about 20 programs in IM.

Eac program weighs board scores differently. They clearly are important.

I agree that if your score is >200, and you're applying to a mix of programs, then you're likely to get a bunch of interviews.

 

[Doctor G]

I'm an osteopathic med student and applying to programs in California only. Holding everything else constant (assuming otherwise decent application), with my board scores: low 200s usmle, competitive comlex (about 1 std dev above mean), do you guys think I'm still going to get a decent amount of interviews?

aProgDirector, I know you're not from the west coast, but any input will be appreciated. 🙂

 

[villa]

Another question:
Briefly, my story is the same as the OP. I took and passed both USMLE and COMLEX and am applying to both allo and osteo programs.

Except, I already submitted my CAF without saying I had taken/passed the USMLE. As a note, I realized this mistake before I submitted, and when offered the chance to cancel the submission, I did. However, for some reason, it submitted anyway. I e-mailed ERAS telling them of this computer error. They replied saying there was still no way to change my CAF and to just submit my USMLE transcripts. Fine. My question is, for anyone who actually reviews these applications: is that enough? I don't want to be obnoxious and e-mail PDs telling them I passed the USMLE, when they will obviously have my transcript. But. AprogDirector brought up the point of fraud, and I certainly don't want to err on that side either.
Advice?
Thanks in advance.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I'm an osteopathic med student and applying to programs in California only. Holding everything else constant (assuming otherwise decent application), with my board scores: low 200s usmle, competitive comlex (about 1 std dev above mean), do you guys think I'm still going to get a decent amount of interviews?

aProgDirector, I know you're not from the west coast, but any input will be appreciated. 🙂

I honestly have no idea.

Another question:
Briefly, my story is the same as the OP. I took and passed both USMLE and COMLEX and am applying to both allo and osteo programs.

Except, I already submitted my CAF without saying I had taken/passed the USMLE. As a note, I realized this mistake before I submitted, and when offered the chance to cancel the submission, I did. However, for some reason, it submitted anyway. I e-mailed ERAS telling them of this computer error. They replied saying there was still no way to change my CAF and to just submit my USMLE transcripts. Fine. My question is, for anyone who actually reviews these applications: is that enough? I don't want to be obnoxious and e-mail PDs telling them I passed the USMLE, when they will obviously have my transcript. But. AprogDirector brought up the point of fraud, and I certainly don't want to err on that side either.
Advice?
Thanks in advance.

No big deal. Release your USMLE report and no one will care.