Sending USMLE scores to DO programs

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Is this ever done? Would it be suicide, or could it ever impress?

 

[Green912]

I'd say the former. Besides if your USMLE score is high enough to potentially impress your COMLEX should be up to par also.

 

[Dr JPH]

Interesting thought.

1. Your USMLE score is low and you COMLEX is high. It would be pointless to send the USMLE score.

2. Your USMLE score is comparable to your COMLEX score. Whats the point of sending 2 similar scores?

3. Your USMLE score is high and your COMLEX is low. Now you just look bad from the standpoint of the COMLEX.

 

[Shodddy18]

Interesting thought.

1. Your USMLE score is low and you COMLEX is high. It would be pointless to send the USMLE score.

2. Your USMLE score is comparable to your COMLEX score. Whats the point of sending 2 similar scores?

3. Your USMLE score is high and your COMLEX is low. Now you just look bad from the standpoint of the COMLEX.

Very good point! I didnt even take the usmle, but still a good point!

 

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3. Your USMLE score is high and your COMLEX is low. Now you just look bad from the standpoint of the COMLEX.

COMLEX scores aren't back yet, but this is the situation I'm wondering about. If COMLEX is low, sending a high USMLE couldn't make things any worse could it?

 

[OSUdoc08]

COMLEX scores aren't back yet, but this is the situation I'm wondering about. If COMLEX is low, sending a high USMLE couldn't make things any worse could it?

Nope.

I plan on doing this.

 

[Dr JPH]

A good USMLE score wont make you look bad.

But put it next to a poor COMLEX and you better be able to explain the difference.

And saying "its a poorly worded exam" wont cut it...regardless of whether it is true or not.

Personally my USMLE and COMLEX were nearly identical in percentage so I didnt even think about this.

I just think that some osteopathic programs would look at your good USMLE and your poor COMLEX and have some questions about why you are applying to an osteopathic program.

Just my $0.02

 

[fadedrebel]

A good USMLE score wont make you look bad.

But put it next to a poor COMLEX and you better be able to explain the difference.

And saying "its a poorly worded exam" wont cut it...regardless of whether it is true or not.

Personally my USMLE and COMLEX were nearly identical in percentage so I didnt even think about this.

I just think that some osteopathic programs would look at your good USMLE and your poor COMLEX and have some questions about why you are applying to an osteopathic program.

Just my $0.02

I think with a high USMLE, low COMLEX you could just say that you had a bad day (or 2, depending on when you took it) when you took the COMLEX.

 

[vegasdo]

What if you have an average USMLE score and a good COMLEX score?

Would DO programs like the fact that you tried to take the USMLE? Or could they care less that you made an effort to take it?



Thanks

 

[Green912]

It could easily backfire if your USMLE score lands into the hands of a staunch D.O. attending/director who doesn’t support your views.

 

[Dr.MISHKA D.O.]

I think it would be suicide to send your USMLE to a DO program as they will know you are applying to MD programs. Does anyone take the usmle if they are not seriously considering applying to an MD residency? No. This happened to me, I had good vibes with a DO program (which I was considering until I got good vibes from several MD programs I liked) and then my ERAS updated with my USMLE II (didn't take step I) and the DO PD called me all nervous - "your are still making us your Number 1 right." If you want DO, even if you have shady intentions, DON'T send USMLE Scores.

Best Wishes

The Mish

 

[BklynWill]

I think it would be suicide to send your USMLE to a DO program as they will know you are applying to MD programs. Does anyone take the usmle if they are not seriously considering applying to an MD residency? No. This happened to me, I had good vibes with a DO program (which I was considering until I got good vibes from several MD programs I liked) and then my ERAS updated with my USMLE II (didn't take step I) and the DO PD called me all nervous - "your are still making us your Number 1 right." If you want DO, even if you have shady intentions, DON'T send USMLE Scores.

Best Wishes

The Mish

I don't see the issue. Since the AOA match occurs before the ACGME match, you're contractually obligated to attend the DO program because you'll have matched into it first. You'd no longer be eligible into match the MD program.

I can sense the joint match debate begining again... 🙁

 

[beastmaster]

I had good vibes with a DO program (which I was considering until I got good vibes from several MD programs I liked) and then my ERAS updated with my USMLE II (didn't take step I) and the DO PD called me all nervous - "your are still making us your Number 1 right."

What is wrong with a phone call from a PD exploring whether mutual interest exists between you and their program? All you have to answer is, "Yes, I'm still very interested and ranking you #1, but you must understand that in this competitive world of surgery, it's tough on us DO applicants, and some of my professors recommended that I take the USMLE in case I don't get into your program... etc etc" Whats wrong with honestly communicating the reality of the situation?

 

[Arch Guillotti]

I would not send USMLE scores to a DO program, I think it sounds ridiculous, but that's just my personal opinion

 

[Dr.MISHKA D.O.]

I am very well aware that the DO match occurs before the allo, but there comes a nut cutting time when you have to decide if you will not rank your DO programs and try for MD or rank your DO matches and forget about the MD programs. This depends on many factors and for me included what sort of vibe I was getting from my possible MD matches. Remember you will match to any DO program you rank over all your MD if that is what you choose. So you might match to your #2 DO program which might be your #8 overall. I personally would take my #2 or #3 MD over #8 overall, wouldn't you?

None the less my point is if you are competetive you should have a good Comlex, and if you truly want to do a DO program sending them a USMLE score is like cutting off your own nuts. Don't do it, they will think that they are unlikely to match you as you will probably join the MD match and won't rank you.

Play the game wisely grasshopper and beware the promises of the PD

Best Wishes

The Mish

 

[SquidDoc]

None the less my point is if you are competetive you should have a good Comlex

What exactly is a good COMLEX score? Is 90+ generally considered a good score?

 

[Dr.MISHKA D.O.]

Not to sound like a jerk, but in the enviroment I live in I am headed more that way each day - but I only know how I did and a 99.99% is pretty damn good. I would think anything in the 600+ range would be impressive (get a 700+ and you can write yourself a blank check, that is unless your a complete tool).

Best Wishes

The Mish