taking step2 after failing step1?

[Slim Pickins]

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I'm an MS3 DO student. I failed USMLE 1, barely, but I passed the COMLEX 1. Problem is that I didn't do very well on COMLEX either. I am debating retaking the USMLE. But I heard that I can take the step 2 even though I failed step one. If it is true is this a good idea?
I basically have 3 options and hope to get some feedback from all you experienced SDNers.

1. Forget the USMLE and study hard to work the COMLEX 2 and just hope that speaks for itself.
2. Retake the USMLE 1.
3. Take USMLE 2 when I take COMLEX 2 (in August) and hope for good scores on both.

Weird, I know, but what's your opinion? I really could use some help on this decision.
Slim

 

[Slim Pickins]

Sorry I forgot to add that the reason I posted the thread here is that I am set on anesthesiology and hope to get some feedback in that context.
Thanks!

 

[VentdependenT]

If you can get away with only submitting your USMLE step 2 score without submitting your step one score then do it. I can't remember off hand if that option is available. Make it a priority to find out.

Don't bother retaking step I. You'll have to submit your failing grade and unless you totally smash it, its not worth it.

As far as COMLEX step II goes I'm not sure how much a stellar score would help but it certainly wont hurt. You may certainly call programs you are interested in and ask what their feelings are on a COMLEX II vs a USMLE II score but I'm willing to bet that they could care less about the COMLEX score.

 

[InductionAgent]

You cannot pick and choose which scores will be released. It's all or none. I would recommend simply not releasing any USMLE scores and claiming you never took it. If you don't release your scores, the programs will not know. It follows from this that I would also forget about taking USMLE Step 2 and just focus on the COMLEX II.

If you're hell-bent on taking the USMLE 2, don't do so without re-taking USMLE 1. It is absolutely unacceptable to have a failing board score on your transcript (and report it) without a successful retaking of it.

 

[Slim Pickins]

Thanks guys. I'm going to forget the USMLE and just try to do better on COMLEX 2. We'll see what happens.

Slim