Registering for the COMLEX/USMLE

[California2000]

Has any second year students received information yet from their schools to register for the USMLE or COMLEX that is going to be taking it this coming May/June. Just wondering if I missed something because I haven't done anything yet in terms of registering and don't want to be late. Thanks!

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[bellakk]

About a week ago, everyone in my class got an email from NBOME that my school had sent in a list of all eligible student, then today we got an email from school to register asap.

I'm taking it May 22, scariest $535 ever.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Basically what Bellak said. Your school will hand in everyone eligible to take the upcoming seasons' test, you'll then get an email. If you're going to take the USMLE you can actually get started on that yourself.

 

[California2000]

Thanks for the info!

 

[ShyRem]

Oh, just wait until your level 2 exams. And your level 3 exam. Those are MUCH more expensive.

And boards. Oh, yeah... wait until your specialty boards.

But regarding your level 1 exam.. schedule it ASAP. Dates fill quickly.

 

[Trogghunter]

Take it later but register asap if you don't mind studying a month or more than your peers...like august. You can change the date free of charge as long as its a month in advance. I talked to so many people about theirs and the 'wtf' questions that they saw. I ended up seeing ~20 that they straight up had on their exam and told me verbatum. Wouldn't have gotten them had I not looked them up. Everyone rushes to be finished with it before rotations, but IMO its well worth taking it when you're ready. Good luck.

 

[kgpremed11]

Oh, just wait until your level 2 exams. And your level 3 exam. Those are MUCH more expensive.

And boards. Oh, yeah... wait until your specialty boards.

But regarding your level 1 exam.. schedule it ASAP. Dates fill quickly.

I would seriously protest those test fees $500? I guess the tryants who make the test say "well they are gonna be doctors, they can afford it." It takes $500 to grade a test? Hope there is a fee assistance program for disadvantaged students like the MCAT.

 

[docnotsopc]

After reading all the comments above, got worried as I heard nothing from my school.... so i took upon myself to sign up on my own for the USMLE (just waiting to get my USMLE password and ID).

 

[etothehizzo]

can someone tell me how long before start of third year you're taking boards?

3rd yr starts 7/29 and COMLEX scores must be back 2 weeks prior, so I am having trouble deciding where to fit in USMLE. Classes run until May 17th . . .

 

[ShyRem]

Board scores typically take about 6 weeks to come back. You need to take them no later than June 10.

 

[docnotsopc]

Board scores typically take about 6 weeks to come back. You need to take them no later than June 10.

Why June 10? My rotations dont start until June 24th...and im taking COMLEX June 21.....

no word on USMLE though yet (sent proof of enrollment form to NBME one week ago. Any idea how long this usually takes to schedule from that point?? Thanks

 

[Igor4sugry]

Make sure to register as soon as possible, those May/early June dates for COMLEX fill up fast. Same goes for Step II PE, register for that in summer of MS-3.

 

[ShyRem]

Why June 10? My rotations dont start until June 24th...and im taking COMLEX June 21.....

no word on USMLE though yet (sent proof of enrollment form to NBME one week ago. Any idea how long this usually takes to schedule from that point?? Thanks

But the poster directly above my reply has to have scores back before their third year rotations start. I was replying to their query... Thus my post directly after theirs.

If you don't have to have scores back before your third year rotations then by all means take them whenever you please. Some schools are not as accommodating.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

Can a wise senior post the steps to signing up for usmle for me, please? Pretty sure my school is anti-usmle and keeps that process very hush hush.

 

[MedPR]

I would seriously protest those test fees $500? I guess the tryants who make the test say "well they are gonna be doctors, they can afford it." It takes $500 to grade a test? Hope there is a fee assistance program for disadvantaged students like the MCAT.

Pretty sure step 2 is upwards of $1k.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[DrWBD]

Can a wise senior post the steps to signing up for usmle for me, please? Pretty sure my school is anti-usmle and keeps that process very hush hush.

http://www.usmle.org/apply/index.html

 

[Resio]

http://www.usmle.org/apply/index.html

If your a DO med student you have to get authorization.

https://apps.nbme.org/ciw2/prod/jsp/login.jsp

For DOs, go to above site. Register, giving them your info. They email you back in about 1 business day with a ID # and password.

Log in with new ID number and provided passoword. Click the link Apply for USMLE go through the motions paying for the test, $560.

After test is paid for go back to above site and click on Review/Print Application.Click the reference ID number to view your application. At the bottom is a link for Certification letter. Click this and print it.

Obtain passport photo, print name on back of passport photo and attach to Certification letter. Bring letter to student affairs and have them sign and stamp.

Mail certification letter to:

National Board of Medical Examiners
Attn: Applicant Services
3750 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3102

Few days later you will get an email that tells you that your letter was received and to keep an eye out for another email in the next following days that states you have permission to register.

Go back to above website, click on the Step 1/Step 2 Scheduling link. Pretty straight forward from there on out.

I'm not a senior but just finished this process earlier this week.

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

Thanks guys

 

[docnotsopc]

Thanks, helped me too!

 

[California2000]

Whats the recommended time between taking the USMLE and COMLEX? I scheduled the usmle first and the comlex 3 days later. Is 2 days in between the two exams enough to study the omm for the comlex?

 

[cliffhuxtableDO]

I'm shooting to have 5-7 days between usmle and comlex... Where I plan to cram savarese.

 

[pattr]

Whats the recommended time between taking the USMLE and COMLEX? I scheduled the usmle first and the comlex 3 days later. Is 2 days in between the two exams enough to study the omm for the comlex?

That's exactly what I did (3 days between the exams) and I did better on the COMLEX than the USMLE.. so it's definitely do-able. But then again I like OMM and studied/practiced throughout first two years. I would say the ideal time frame is between 5 and 7 days, just so you can do all of Savarese, practice some COMLEX-specific questions if you haven't already, and go through some high-yields once more.

You're gonna be totally drained after the USMLE though so don't count on getting too much studying the night after.