Taking USMLE 1 halfway through 3rd year

[Sugarrush]

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So 2nd year I went to my Dean of Students, who I trusted, and asked him if I should sign up for USMLE as well as COMLEX, and I was told that since D.O.'s are recognized as equals (legally) to M.D.'s, there was no need for me to take USMLE, COMLEX was looked at as equal to USMLE by the Allopathic programs. (a terrible run-on sentence I know, but it's already been a long day)

So on a break today, I'm doing some research on Residencies. I'm looking to do EM with tactical medicine as a final goal, at a program in the South East United States. Only Allopathic programs exist there. So I call a couple and they tell me the same thing, "I'm afraid we require everyone to take the USMLE, we USED TO TAKE COMLEX but not anymore."

So now I'm left in the awkward position of trying to decide what to do.
I scored right at avg on Comlex step 1, back in May. I'm middle of my class, neither top of the class nor the bottom. It's been half a year now since I did any serious hard-core studying on the basic sciences.

Whats the track record here?

Does anyone do well taking USMLE a long time after Comlex? I could potentially get an easy rotation in February, study my butt off, and take it at the end of February. Opinions anyone?

As a sidenote, anyone here run into something similar? Find any Allo programs that take Comlex?

 

[deleted245139]

and not to hijack... but:

Would Step II suffice?

I only ask because to take Step 1 so deep into 3rd yr would be so difficult. I'm in a similar boat and am wondering the same thing

 

[DrWBD]

It is possible to pass and even to do well on the USMLE Step 1 during third year.
If you really want to do EM and the programs you are interested in only accept USMLE, study whenever you get a chance and do the best you can.
Hope you learned a valuable lesson about whose advice to trust when it comes to your future.

 

[Rollo]

It is possible to pass and even to do well on the USMLE Step 1 during third year.
If you really want to do EM and the programs you are interested in only accept USMLE, study whenever you get a chance and do the best you can.
Hope you learned a valuable lesson about whose advice to trust when it comes to your future.

Agreed.

For any 2nd or 1st years or premeds reading this, take the extra test. It's only 1 more test...the content is similar...sure the styles are different but USMLE has better style which makes it easier to practice and prepare for.

Just take the damn test so you won't be in a difficult position like the two guys above.

Anyway, I think it's possible to do an easy rotation or even take a month off if your schedule allows it, and then study for it. I know couple of classmates who took Step 1 well into 3rd year and although I don't know their scores, they are satisfied with their scores.

And I'm not sure if Step 2 would suffice because Step 1 is given more weight than Step 2. Your best bet is to contact some programs and ask them if Step 2 would suffice.

 

[Dissected]

It is possible to pass and even to do well on the USMLE Step 1 during third year.
If you really want to do EM and the programs you are interested in only accept USMLE, study whenever you get a chance and do the best you can.
Hope you learned a valuable lesson about whose advice to trust when it comes to your future.

Every 2nd year student should take note of this. I stopped listening to our clinical affairs administrators about board exams a while ago. They are misinformed about everything that isn't family medicine.

 

[FutureInternist]

Agreed.

For any 2nd or 1st years or premeds reading this, take the extra test. It's only 1 more test...the content is similar...???sure the styles are different but USMLE has better style which makes it easier to practice and prepare for.

Just take the damn test so you won't be in a difficult position like the two guys above.

Anyway, I think it's possible to do an easy rotation or even take a month off if your schedule allows it, and then study for it. I know couple of classmates who took Step 1 well into 3rd year and although I don't know their scores, they are satisfied with their scores.

And I'm not sure if Step 2 would suffice because Step 1 is given more weight than Step 2. Your best bet is to contact some programs and ask them if Step 2 would suffice.

While the content is similar, as in they both cover the same areas (physiology, anatomy etc) the difference lies in the depth of the material tested. COMLEX is usually very superficial, one step Qs with Qs being difficult due to poor writing rather than the material. USMLE is multi-step, more thought-provoking, rather than memorisation, and harder.

I echo the sentiments in this thread re: telling EVERYONE to take USMLE !!

 

[dermpathdoc]

So 2nd year I went to my Dean of Students, who I trusted, and asked him if I should sign up for USMLE as well as COMLEX, and I was told that since D.O.'s are recognized as equals (legally) to M.D.'s, there was no need for me to take USMLE, COMLEX was looked at as equal to USMLE by the Allopathic programs. (a terrible run-on sentence I know, but it's already been a long day)

I tell my students it is up to them and what specialty they plan to go into as well as where they want to do thier residencies...but if they plan to take USMLE they must study way harder than for COMLEX as USMLE focuses on zebras and COMLEX on MC's

 

[Rollo]

While the content is similar, as in they both cover the same areas (physiology, anatomy etc) the difference lies in the depth of the material tested. COMLEX is usually very superficial, one step Qs with Qs being difficult due to poor writing rather than the material. USMLE is multi-step, more thought-provoking, rather than memorisation, and harder.

I echo the sentiments in this thread re: telling EVERYONE to take USMLE !!

You're right and thanks for the clarification.

Although I still think that preparing for the USMLE is easier because you can focus on the zebras and dive into the detail mechanics of pathophys using World or Goljan.

COMLEX on the other hand is a crapshoot sometimes because they ask questions that don't make sense or are on levels beyond us (prostate cancer staging based on pathology pics, anyone???)

 

[Dissected]

COMLEX on the other hand is a crapshoot sometimes because they ask questions that don't make sense or are on levels beyond us (prostate cancer staging based on pathology pics, anyone???)

Yea, I was asked to stage cervical cancer based on just a pathology slide. I literally laughed out loud in the prometric center.

 

[coffeeeandtea]

You're right and thanks for the clarification.

Although I still think that preparing for the USMLE is easier because you can focus on the zebras and dive into the detail mechanics of pathophys using World or Goljan.

COMLEX on the other hand is a crapshoot sometimes because they ask questions that don't make sense or are on levels beyond us (prostate cancer staging based on pathology pics, anyone???)

i vaguely remember some OB/GYN shelf type questions on mine and just throwing up my hands, thinking "wtf is this". i definitely also thought it was easier to study for the USMLE first and then take the COMLEX because it takes me a lot longer to memorize details than it does to go from details --> vague.

i would also recommend that as long as you think you can do well on the USMLE, you might as well take it because you never know if you'll change your mind.. i know a few classmates who only took COMLEX and then realized halfway through 3rd year that they wanted to do ACGME surgery and pathology, so now they're going to take step 1 in march. more power to them, but i can't imagine being on rotations and studying for the USMLE at the same time, haha

 

[desijigga]

Do take the USMLE, but DO NOT take the test lightly. Take plenty of practice tests and make sure you are atleast getting above a 220. Failing the USMLE is a whole lot worse then not taking at all! I took my USMLE couple months after the COMLEX in late august, I was already couple months into my rotations. I did well, so it can be done. Just like others have said try to get yourself a light rotation it will make it alot easier to study...

Usmleworld+First Aid+ Goljan Audio = Decent score

 

[DrWBD]

Remember, D.O.s Eat Their Young.

 

[Dissected]

Remember, D.O.s Eat Their Young.

Haha, that looks like an interesting read. It appears that it has been out of print for a while though? One used copy for $178.41

Edit: DMU's library has it! I'm gonna go check it out after winter break.

 

[DrWBD]

Haha, that looks like an interesting read. It appears that it has been out of print for a while though? One used copy for $178.41

Edit: DMU's library has it! I'm gonna go check it out after winter break.

It's a good read and gives insight on how things were like 15 years ago for DOs who wanted to pursue ACGME training. My opinion is that the tendency for osteopathic medical school faculty to give misleading advice about ACGME training has only marginally improved in recent times. The original post illustrates that there are still people in osteopathic education who deceive students in order to promote a pro-AOA agenda.

D.O.s Eat their Young was somewhat revolutionary for its time but now is mostly out of date in terms of practical advice for the Match. Definitely don't spend $178 on it

 

[AndyRSC]

Does anyone do well taking USMLE a long time after Comlex? I could potentially get an easy rotation in February, study my butt off, and take it at the end of February. Opinions anyone?

Sugar, I was in your exact predicament several months ago.

I've long been aware that a USMLE score is pretty much a must for a DO student applying ACGME, from everything I've been told by 4th years and freshly-matched associates. The consensus that there is bias against DOs and COMLEX scores is unequivocal. Many programs make it clear that a DO needs a USMLE score in hand to be considered, as you have already seen.

Even so, I didn't really consider taking it until I botched my COMLEX exam. I did take it after being up for 30 hours, due to peculiar circumstances, but all excuses aside I wasn't all that well-prepared. After getting my score, I spent several months deciding whether to ride it out or to redeem myself with a USMLE score that will give me a much better shot at the field I want to be in.

I've made up my mind and buckled down around September, took the test in November, and got my score of 248 a few weeks ago. It's definitely doable, but by no means easy. Having electives, rotations with a light schedule, or a vacation month definitely helps. Make a gap in your shelf exam schedule, if possible. As desijigga pointed out earlier, and as you certainly already know, FA + UWorld is the highest-yield combination available to you.

Having been away from basic sciences for a while, you'll find that some has faded away, but a lot more than you think has remained. Touch up on things forgotten, skim quickly through things you know well, and focus heavily on things you don't yet know or in which you have a definite weakness. During my refresher, I didn't touch the subjects I knew well, focusing only on my weaknesses. Although I got through only 40% of UWorld, I was pretty well-rounded by the end.

Lastly, don't blow off rotation material. While memorizing things like trade names or dosages is worthless for step 1, rotations serve as great review of clinical presentation and treatment. I was able to answer several neuro questions on USMLE only because I was then in a neuro rotation.

Best of luck to you in whatever avenue you pursue. Oh, and tactical medicine kicks ass.

 

[nwmedapplicant]

Great advice here - thanks for the information! Do many D.O.'s that take the USMLE 1 use the following study resources:

Usmleworld+First Aid+ Goljan Audio


Are there any other OUTSTANDING prep resource materials that could be recommended (and why - what is the strength of the resource)? Thank you for any additional insight!!

 

[Sugarrush]

Well, took NBME 6.
Scored the equivalent of a 163. So I need at least a 57 point improvement in my score, in a matter of ~8 weeks. I'm thinking I may not sign up for the USMLE. I went in as a DO planning on doing a DO residency, I didn't realize MD was an option until a little while ago, so I don't really feel like I've lost anything. (Other than all that data I forgot between June and now obviously 😉 )

I appreciate the advice y'all. Thank you.

 

[Kate6058]

Try contacting programs and finding out if they will accept a USMLE Step 2 score. As in, do they just want to see USMLE somewhere on your app, or do they specifically require Step 1? I elected not to take USMLE at the end of second year while still undecided, and after talking to some programs I'm interested in, I decided to just go ahead with a COMLEX 1 score and take USMLE Step 2 instead of backtracking and taking the USMLE Step 1 at this point. Overall they seemed to be more interested in just having a USMLE score to compare, though there are a couple that absolutely want Step 1.

 

[GraceEuphoria]

I, too, have considered delaying my USMLE until maybe August ( I start rotations on July 30) because I'm worried about taking COMLEX in mid June and being burnt out when I take USMLE. I plan to travel a ton during July before rotations and will not have much time between COMLEX and those trips to schedule USMLE. Do you all think it's better to just knock it out while everything's still fresh and you're in test mode, or wait a little bit and freshen up on material right before? Also, I have this bad feeling about USMLE as a DO student- do you need to score really well on USMLE to make it worth taking? Or is a decent passing score going to look good enough to allopathic programs?

 

[Dissected]

I, too, have considered delaying my USMLE until maybe August ( I start rotations on July 30) because I'm worried about taking COMLEX in mid June and being burnt out when I take USMLE. I plan to travel a ton during July before rotations and will not have much time between COMLEX and those trips to schedule USMLE. Do you all think it's better to just knock it out while everything's still fresh and you're in test mode, or wait a little bit and freshen up on material right before? Also, I have this bad feeling about USMLE as a DO student- do you need to score really well on USMLE to make it worth taking? Or is a decent passing score going to look good enough to allopathic programs?

Take them in close proximity. DO NOT take a vacation in between them and DO NOT take the USMLE after you start rotations. June is generally a good time to do it.

Start hitting First aid and USMLE World hard now and stick to a schedule. USMLE World will probably kick your butt at first, but just remember -- it's a learning tool. In April or early May take one of the NBME assessment exams (extremely accurate) to gauge where you are..you may surprise yourself with a good score. But remember, it's all about what you do between now and then.

The USMLE is important to keep your options open..but it will close doors if you do not do decent on it. Shoot for the ballpark of 220 and get higher than that if you can.

 

[GraceEuphoria]

After discussing my trends in grades/standardized tests with a friend in an allopathic program, I am fairly confident I can pull a 220 at least. I just wasn't sure if people had had experiences where as a DO student, residency programs wanted to see some rockstar USMLE score to somehow "compensate" for the fact that my education has clearly just been so inferior?? 😛 Either way, I guess that answers that question- I will take it by the end of June. Right now I'm scheduled for COMLEX on June 18th and will try to do USMLE within the 10 days after that...thanks!

 

[Rollo]

Yeah don't delay taking USMLE. I'd say that even 10 days is too big of a gap between the two exams because those 10 days will be the longest 10 days of your life as you will want to just take the damn thing and get it over with.

Keep the gap 5 days or shorter, please. You will thank us later.

 

[coffeeeandtea]

Yeah don't delay taking USMLE. I'd say that even 10 days is too big of a gap between the two exams because those 10 days will be the longest 10 days of your life as you will want to just take the damn thing and get it over with.

Keep the gap 5 days or shorter, please. You will thank us later.

i scheduled 7 days in between my exams and after the 3rd day i wanted nothing more than to get it over with and never look at First Aid again. if you've been studying hard, 5 days max is all you need

 

[GraceEuphoria]

Sounds good...I figure if I'm ready to take COMLEX by June 18th, I'm ready to take USMLE too. Once done with the first 9 hr test day, am I really going to study during the next few days? Probably not. I might brush up on concepts that pop up on COMLEX that I was lost on, but other than that, I'll likely just relax. Thanks for all the feedback everyone.