Submit COMLEX?

[Entgegen]

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So I'm a DO student and have both Steps 1 and 2 of both USMLE and COMLEX, and have done well on all of them. I'm applying ONLY to MD programs, and I'm wondering if I should submit my COMLEX scores or just my USMLE (both Steps >250). Here's the deal: my COMLEX Step 1 was >700 and my Step 2 is >600, but there is a 132-point drop from Step 1 to Step 2.

The COMLEX scores taken by themselves are both pretty good, but when viewed together I just don't like that 132-point drop. Should I submit my COMLEX scores (in addition to USMLE) anyway, or just USMLE?

 

[MountainEM]

i thought u had to submit ur comlex scores as that is how we get board certified?

also, md schools wont know it but there has been a very recent re-tightening of the step 2 so I think we are all going to drop/ the pass rate is now only like 83 percent which is way lower than usmle. they screwed us on step 2 recently
d

 

[Colbert]

i thought u had to submit ur comlex scores as that is how we get board certified?

also, md schools wont know it but there has been a very recent re-tightening of the step 2 so I think we are all going to drop/ the pass rate is now only like 83 percent which is way lower than usmle. they screwed us on step 2 recently
d

Where did you hear this?

 

[flabs]

I'm in the exact same position, and would like to know what people think about this.

 

[JonnyG]

Passing the Comlex is the only way to graduate from medical school. Some states will let you use the USMLE for licensing. Programs want to see that you will graduate from school, some even require it as proof so that theyw ill rnak you.

 

[Entgegen]

Ok, so I've gotten differing opinions on the matter so far. A current resident in my chosen field (pathology) that graduated last year from my institution was in the exact situation I'm in now (large drop from Step I to II on COMLEX, but good USMLE scores), except her COMLEX scores weren't as high as mine (both Step I and II, and her Step II was even <600). She had submitted her scores anyway and ended up matching at a very good academic program, so she recommended that I just go ahead and submit the scores in order to appear as transparent as possible and not look like I'm trying to hide anything, considering my >600 COMLEX score is still a good score.

I had also emailed the dean at my school (who interviewed us for our Dean's Letter) expressing my reservations about submitting the COMLEX scores due to the 132-point drop. This is her reply:

"I tend to agree with you…while 623 [my Step II score] is still a good score, there is no reason to raise the question in the PDs minds about why/how you had such a large drop. Don’t release the COMLEX scores. Be prepared that some of them may ask for them though."

It should be noted that since ERAS asks for the status of your board exams, all the programs will still know that I had passed everything...it's just the specifics (the actual scores) that I'm concerned about.

Any other opinions would be most appreciated.

 

[clement]

Ok, so I've gotten differing opinions on the matter so far. A current resident in my chosen field (pathology) that graduated last year from my institution was in the exact situation I'm in now (large drop from Step I to II on COMLEX, but good USMLE scores), except her COMLEX scores weren't as high as mine (both Step I and II, and her Step II was even <600). She had submitted her scores anyway and ended up matching at a very good academic program, so she recommended that I just go ahead and submit the scores in order to appear as transparent as possible and not look like I'm trying to hide anything, considering my >600 COMLEX score is still a good score.

I had also emailed the dean at my school (who interviewed us for our Dean's Letter) expressing my reservations about submitting the COMLEX scores due to the 132-point drop. This is her reply:

"I tend to agree with you…while 623 [my Step II score] is still a good score, there is no reason to raise the question in the PDs minds about why/how you had such a large drop. Don’t release the COMLEX scores. Be prepared that some of them may ask for them though."

It should be noted that since ERAS asks for the status of your board exams, all the programs will still know that I had passed everything...it's just the specifics (the actual scores) that I'm concerned about.

Any other opinions would be most appreciated.

I asked your exact same question in the Osteopathic forum. My main concern was shelling out 70 bucks or not (i.e. if I'm only apply allo and took USMLE's, then why order the COMLEX transcript). Some people said just do it because you are required to pass COMLEX for licensure, but someone else said, you'll have to pay the 70 bucks and order the transcript, but only assign it to programs if they ask for it. This person said of all the allo programs he applied to, only ONE program specifically asked for the COMLEX score to be sent to them...Granted, this probably depends on how familiar the PD is with osteopathatic applicants and licensing examinations.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I doubt allo programs are going to care about a drop in your comlex scores if your USMLE scores are good. A 632 is a fine score. I really think you are worried about nothing.