Timing of USMLE for DO

[fuegorama]

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For those folks that took both the COMLEX and the USMLE step I, what is your advice regarding timing?

The few people I know that have taken both say that the week prior to COMLEX is the best bet for taking the USMLE. Do you agree?

Did you continue to study between the exams?
Thanks-
F

 

[VentdependenT]

I know folks who have taken it a week before or a week after. I think either way is fine. I took it 5 days after the COMLEX. Relaxed for 3 days. Didn't crack a book. Then studied stats and flew over some path pics and first aid biochem the last 2 days.

Whatever you do don't wait more than a week. You'll be so anxious/burned out/ready to get it over with that it'll be sheer misery.

 

[Idiopathic]

I waited 17 days, took the first 3-4 off and studied for the next two weeks. I figured since I paid the extra money for it it was worth the extra time. Just my opinion.

 

[Vince]

I took USMLE Step 1 about two weeks after COMLEX Level 1(June) and wish I had taken it sooner so I had more time before rotations started to relax. I thought I was going to study but the two days of COMLEX just wears you down and I had trouble studying any further.

I took Step 2 about 10 days after Level 2 and although this was b/c of my rotation and scheduling conflicts, I think it worked well. I had to take Level 2 in the middle of an ICU rotation, but at the end of the rotation on a Saturday I took Step 2, before my sub-internship started on Monday, and it went very well.

Thus, I would recommend 1 week to 10 days after COMLEX to take USMLE.

COMLEX is your warm-up.