USMLE 1 or 2?

[wick215]

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I was told, by a program, that the director would only accept USMLE scores. I am a D.O. and have only taken COMLEX 1 and 2. I am only going to take one test and am not quite sure which one is considered more important. Any advice?

 

[DrQuinn]

Are you sure you can even take USMLE Step 2 without taking Step 1? I was told that you could only take 2 if you had successfully passed Step 1...

Q, DO

 

[rirriri]

yes, Step 1 must be passed before one can take Step 2.

 

[Maire]

Dear Wick 215,

You can take step 2 first if you wish. From page 4 of the USMLE 2003 bulletin: "If you meet the eligibility requirements to take Step 1 and/or Step 2 (see page 3), you may take either step first. You may apply for step 3 only after passing both Step 1 and Step 2."

For what its worth, I would definitely take step 2. Step 1 is heavy on the preclinical stuff, which you haven't had recently. Step 2 is much more similar to COMLEX 2 than step 1. A friend of mine had the same dilemma, and decided to take step 2. She got her first choice of residencies.

Hope this helps!

Maire

 

[rirriri]

errr OOPS!

sorry about that...MY MIND AINT WORKING COS I'M STUDYING FOR STEP 2 right now!!

hahaha

Cuts and Maire are absolutely right...you can take either one first.

I must have been thinking of the CSA or Step 3 or Step 12 or Step 55 or Step 98.

excuse me.

 

[wick215]

I did contact the USMLE offices today and they said I can take step 2 w/o taking step 1. I just needed to know which one programs would like to see. I do agree that it has been awhile since preclinicals and I would probably do better on step 2. Thank you for all the feedback!

 

[vitaminj]

I agree with Cuts...I would take Step 1 first...it does seem to be used as screening exam for applications. Many people myself included haven't taken Step 2 before they submit their application to ERAS.

Just one man's opinion though. 🙂