Realistically, how long do you need to prepare for COMLEX III?

[MedicineMan99]

---

Members don't see this ad.

So I'm a second year Family Medicine resident at a combined DO/MD program. Our program mandates that we take COMLEX III during our second year. The only spots open to take the test are either in December, 2012 or March, 2013. I was really hoping to take it in late January or early February to give me a few months of solid study time. I'm currently scheduled for March 2013.

Anyways, I have some difficult inpatient months January-March. I will be able to study but it won't be fun. I have an easy November and December, however.

Now, I am below average on standardized tests. On Step 1 I got a 417 and Step 2 a 470. That is after studying like mad for 3 months each. That was after memorizing First Aid, Secrets, and doing a lot of COMBANK questions.

I know a lot of people say, "Just study for a few days and you'll be fine" for Step III. I just don't think that would work for me and I really want a nice 3 months to study. But, part of me really wants to just take it next month to get it over with.

So here's my question: Do you think it takes 3 months to prepare for Step III, especially for someone in my situation? Should I just bite the bullet and take it in December or wait until March so I have plenty of time to study. What is your advice?

Thank you so much!

 

[ShyRem]

I think it is difficult for any of us to give advice on how you should study because we're not you. Personally, I studied for level 1, then did BBC for level 2. Level 3 I took early in my PGY2 year (like in August I think), and literally read the peds, obgyn, and psych portions of my B&W book and did a question bank the weekend before the test. I did the best on level 3 of all of them. I am, however, an IM resident, and I don't know if that makes a difference.

I think you need to prep how you feel best. You'll get different advice from everyone depending on their residency, previous board prep, knowledge base, test anxiety, etc.

Not meaning to be a cop out, but truly I don't think I can give you a good answer. Sorry. 🙁

 

[MedicineMan99]

Thank you for your input. Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[PistolPete]

Bare minimum 2 weeks, would recommend at least 1 month, 2 if you can.