Releasing COMLEX Scores this late?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Haole

Full Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2008
Messages
94
Reaction score
0
I recently got my COMLEX step 2 results, both CE and PE. Will programs care if I send them in at this point? I already took USMLE step 2 months ago and nobody asked about my COMLEX. Should I release them now or will it look like I was trying to slide it in there right before match w/o being noticed. BTW, the scores are good, well above average, but nobody seemed to care about my good COMLEX step 1 score because they had USMLE scores to go off of. I just don't want anyone to think it was because I was trying to pull a fast one. ???
 
I guess another reason I'm hesitant is the difference between the way the two exams are scored. If you are beyond one standard deviation above the mean on the COMLEX, your two digit score can still be in the high 80's. My USMLE was less than one standard deviation above the mean but my two digit score was in the high 90's. A two digit score in the 80's on the USMLE is a below average score. My fear is most people look at the two digit score for comparison because those are the only scores between the two tests that share the same range, 75-100. However, they are not equivalent and can not be compared directly to judge performance based on statistical data. Another reason the COMLEX should be done away with...but thats another discussion entirely.
 
I guess another reason I'm hesitant is the difference between the way the two exams are scored. If you are beyond one standard deviation above the mean on the COMLEX, your two digit score can still be in the high 80's. My USMLE was less than one standard deviation above the mean but my two digit score was in the high 90's. A two digit score in the 80's on the USMLE is a below average score. My fear is most people look at the two digit score for comparison because those are the only scores between the two tests that share the same range, 75-100. However, they are not equivalent and can not be compared directly to judge performance based on statistical data. Another reason the COMLEX should be done away with...but thats another discussion entirely.

On one interview I was questioned what went wrong with my comlex score. I made a 99 on usmle and 92 and 94 on comlex. I tried to explain that statistically I did better on comlex but they began to argue so I just played dumb and said Im not sure. This was a program coordinator with alot of power but didnt understand standard deviations.

But if I were you, I would release it. It may make a PD bump you up a place. Unless you think that you are the only DO applying to their program, they will have other numbers to compare.
 
I am fairly new to SDN so I'm not sure where to post this Q:


As a DO student, if I register for but then decide not to take the USMLE on top of the COMLEX, when I do my ERAS applications will I have to declare that I ever considered/registered for the USMLE?
 
I am fairly new to SDN so I'm not sure where to post this Q:


As a DO student, if I register for but then decide not to take the USMLE on top of the COMLEX, when I do my ERAS applications will I have to declare that I ever considered/registered for the USMLE?

Being fairly new, please be aware that you should not post the same question / post / issue in two different places, and definitely not in two threads in the same forum.

Same answer as other thread: Only report if you actually take the exam. If you take the USMLE and apply to allo programs, you must report the USMLE score.
 
Top