DO students are not required to release their USMLE scores when applying on ERAS. Which means as a DO you get all the benefits by taking the USMLE exams, but almost none of the repercussions. Only downside is for the rare programs that require you to have passing USMLE exams. I only had a passing Step 1 but no Step 2 on my ERAS application, and had both COMLEX level 1 and 2, no program of my 13 interviews asked for Step 2 except for my number 1. I also know people who failed Step 1 and did not report it on their app and still matched. Although Neurology is not competitive, but I can tell you just having a passing Step 1 in there got me a look at many places that wouldn't have otherwise. I was also part of the bottom 1/4 for my class.