Usmle & comlex

[USCTrojan11]

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I'm trying to figure this out and I tried searching but can't find a definite answer. If a student is interested in also taking USMLE 1, when do they take it.

Does an osteopathic school adequately prepare one for the USMLE? I know school is geared towards COMLEX. Would there be additional time required to prepare for USMLE or are they similar enough to take within the same month? Also, how long does it take for USMLE scores to be reported.

 

[Dissected]

I'm trying to figure this out and I tried searching but can't find a definite answer. If a student is interested in also taking USMLE 1, when do they take it.

Does an osteopathic school adequately prepare one for the USMLE? I know school is geared towards COMLEX. Would there be additional time required to prepare for USMLE or are they similar enough to take within the same month? Also, how long does it take for USMLE scores to be reported.

Lots of DO students take both exams. You will take both after your second year in the "summer" before clinical rotations.

 

[USCTrojan11]

How long does it to report scores? I was interested in the opportunities to transfer.

 

[angryazn88]

I don't think the DO school prepares you for the USMLE but your classes should give you a good background as you use kaplan and other notes to prepare yourself for the USMLE

 

[Dissected]

How long does it to report scores? I was interested in the opportunities to transfer.

Don't go to a DO school with the plan to transfer to an MD school. It is incredibly rare.

It takes about a month for scores to be reported.

 

[USCTrojan11]

Don't go to a DO school with the plan to transfer to an MD school. It is incredibly rare.

It takes about a month for scores to be reported.

I wasn't planning to, just wanted to see the options if I change my mind and want to transfer closer to home if I happen to go across the country.

Does anyone know how closely related these tests are? Also are we at a huge disadvantage on the USMLE since the allopathic schools teach it and prepare for material specific to it?

 

[USCTrojan11]

I don't think the DO school prepares you for the USMLE but your classes should give you a good background as you use kaplan and other notes to prepare yourself for the USMLE

We meet again. Hows the application process going for you bro?

 

[nlax30]

Besides OMM on comlex and how the questions are worded there really is not much difference in the actual content.... both test on the same basic sciences you learn doing first 2 years of med school.

I took both, within two days of each other. Pretty much used USMLE study material, like most of my classmates, and then used an OMM review book on the in between day before taking comlex.

I also agree with not taking USMLE for the purpose of transferring. I would think that it's a pretty rare situation and have personally never heard of someone doing so. Would have to be a compelling reason for a school to even consider it.

 

[angryazn88]

We meet again. Hows the application process going for you bro?

Still waiting for get interview invites, it sucks! how about you?

 

[indynshrty]

I don't think the DO school prepares you for the USMLE but your classes should give you a good background as you use kaplan and other notes to prepare yourself for the USMLE

Not necessarily true, I would say this is more school curriculum dependent.

And I personally recommend First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 🙂

 

[indynshrty]

I wasn't planning to, just wanted to see the options if I change my mind and want to transfer closer to home if I happen to go across the country.

Does anyone know how closely related these tests are? Also are we at a huge disadvantage on the USMLE since the allopathic schools teach it and prepare for material specific to it?

In general, transferring between any medical school is very difficult.

Also, the tests are similar in that they both test basic science knowledge.

Different because of OMM, the vagueness of the question and having less information to work of off. This can be circumvented by using a Qbank specifically for the COMLEX.

Disadvantage is school dependent - not every school covers everything that is tested on boards, including allopathic schools 🙂

If you are planning on taking both, use FA for Step 1, Uworld and Combank.

 

[Goro]

You'll get a more than adequate preparation for COMLEX at any osteopathic school, but keep in mind that the two exams are VERY different. I've seen both exams and written (and taken) COMLEX items.

In a nutshell, USMLE is very wordy, and heavier on molecular genetics and biochemistry. COMLEX is pretty much "bugs and drugs", with pathophysiology rolled in.

There is a trend developing to have COMLEX be more similar to the USMLE, and to better prepare DO students for both exams. No mean feat, that.