BOTH Should I sit for USMLE Step 3?

[LowLevelStress]

Been a while since I've even touched this account, but now I'm at a challenging time and looking for advice. I'm about to graduate as a DO, but haven't matched anywhere. So, as part of my plan for the next go around, I'm going to take my COMLEX Level 3 this year.

I've not been able to find a good answer whether or not someone in my situation would become meaningfully more competitive by having Step 3 under their belt for their second try at the match or if I should just go for the COMLEX, which is all that I strictly require.

For context on myself, I passed Step 1 and Level 1 on the first try. For COMLEX Level 2, my score was a 609. For USMLE Step 2, my score was a 257. All tests were passed on the first try. I'm applying to Pathology, though I'm also going to apply for Internal Medicine as a secondary option.

Anyways, I'm not sure what I should do. I'm pretty confident that I'd be able to do well, considering that all previous exams were pretty easy to study for, but the price is pretty steep to take both (especially since I'm not going to be having much of an income due to not matching.) If anyone has any insight in this matter, I'd be grateful to hear about it.

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[Dr. Pineal Gland]

Is there a reason you did not match path? I would focus on that more than which boards to take. I read that some fellowships might care at more academic centers but there must be a red flag you aren't mentioning

 

[LowLevelStress]

Is there a reason you did not match path? I would focus on that more than which boards to take. I read that some fellowships might care at more academic centers but there must be a red flag you aren't mentioning

Only red flag is no publications (and I am doing research this year so it isn't like I'm not addressing it.) I did have extensive research experience, but it was all slower projects with mouse models and cell lines that didn't lead to any papers during my time on it.

I've done 4 path rotations, all with great evaluations (including at places which interviewed me.) I had multiple letters of recommendations from pathologists. I have no marks on my record and was in the top 5% of my class. I even got perfect evaluations for path rotations at places which interviewed me. I don't know how in the know you are about path, but this might have been the most competitive year in the specialty's history, with only 3 spots left over in SOAP.

It's irrelevant to my question, anyways. I'm going to be taking Level 3 regardless, and I'm already working on my one major deficiency. All I want to know is if it'd be worthwhile to shell out for USMLE 3 while I'm at it. I know I'd be able to pass it without any difficulty if I did take it, using what I studied for COMLEX 3.

 

[Dr. Pineal Gland]

Only red flag is no publications (and I am doing research this year so it isn't like I'm not addressing it.) I did have extensive research experience, but it was all slower projects with mouse models and cell lines that didn't lead to any papers during my time on it.

I've done 4 path rotations, all with great evaluations (including at places which interviewed me.) I had multiple letters of recommendations from pathologists. I have no marks on my record and was in the top 5% of my class. I even got perfect evaluations for path rotations at places which interviewed me. I don't know how in the know you are about path, but this might have been the most competitive year in the specialty's history, with only 3 spots left over in SOAP.

It's irrelevant to my question, anyways. I'm going to be taking Level 3 regardless, and I'm already working on my one major deficiency. All I want to know is if it'd be worthwhile to shell out for USMLE 3 while I'm at it. I know I'd be able to pass it without any difficulty if I did take it, using what I studied for COMLEX 3.

>become meaningfully more competitive by having Step 3 under their belt for their second try at the match or if I should just go for the COMLEX, which is all that I strictly require.

Well you asked if it would make a difference in you matching which is why I asked.

This thread answers your question.

I

Thread 'USMLE Step 3 as a DO? Does the score matter?'

Oct 10, 2022

Hello all,

I apologize if this has been asked elsewhere but I couldn't find a satisfactory answer.

I am a DO planning ahead on when to take Step 3/Level 3. I am interested in a cardiology fellowship and was wondering if there is any benefit or reason to take USMLE Step 3 instead of COMLEX Level 3? You can get licensed as a DO through USMLE in all but I believe 5 states.

Additionally, whether I end up taking Step or Level, does the score matter at all for fellowships? Even in the slightest bit? Thank you!

• IdkLol2049
• Replies: 8
• Forum: Internal Medicine and IM Subspecialties

It doesn't seem like it will make a difference, even for fellowship but it seems like there is no harm to taking it unless you fail, which it sounds like won't be a problem for you.