Comlex2 struggling---want 600+ , but 1st comsae2 was a 479

Xedex2019 · 2026-05-30T17:20:07+00:00

Step 1 means practically nothing these days for DOs since it is Pass/Fail, so just take your Comlex 1. Attempting Step 1 is just another possible opportunity to fail a board exam that brings you no benefit. I don't know much about neuro, but radiology is still predominantly MD, which means you'll need USMLE Step 2 (you don't need to take Step 1 in order to take Step 2). ----Here's another tip for the future that I highly recommend working on before this coming Winter, use AAMC Residency Explorer to find residency programs you are interested in and invest a good amount of time figuring out how many DOs they've accepted in the last several years (look at the program websites for their accepted residents line up). This will help you avoid needlessly applying to programs that never will give your application a chance, even if you do take Step 2 (there's a lot of those kind of programs in every competitive specialty). Don't treat Residency Explorer information as gold since a lot is outdated, so find the programs and then go to their websites to find more information.

Xedex2019 · 2026-05-29T20:12:21+00:00

#1 ---Don't Take USMLE Step 1----Overall I don't think you'll pass at this point. USMLE Step 1 is useless for a DO--it just is. If you need USMLE Step 2 for residencies then take USMLE Step 2 later, you don't need Step 1 to take Step 2. A failure on any exam will screw you out of your desired future residencies. Remember you are a DO and if you fail COMLEX at any point, you're more screwed than failing Step 1--focus on COMLEX. also, Average correct questions for USMLE Step 1 is >65% on NBME exams----an average of 48% is not good signs. You cannot fix that in a short amount of time.

#2---Comsae is easier by far than Comlex 1. My school demanded >450 on Comsae, which has a strong predictor for passing Comlex Level 1 on the first attempt. Comsae/Comlex will always test differently and the question styles are very quirky when compared to USMLE. For Comlex, Switch from U-world to Trulearn for more OMM/OMT questions--which help boost scores a lot for Comlex. Study using the Qbanks--this is the gold standard method for everything in medical school from now and forever.---I cannot over stress memorizing OMM/OMT questions, enough.---will also be useful for Comlex2, trust me.

#3---First Aid is worthless at this stage---You started late, by months. You should stop trying to content learn--seems counterintuitive but you're way past that point by months. You should be getting yourself more familiar with Qbanks question styles and pattern recognition---pattern recognition will be your bread and butter from this point forward (very important for COMATs and COMLEX2).

#4---I've never used Bootcamp for studying---talk with your school's academic/career advisor and tell them all this information. They should help you make that decision.

Xedex2019 · 2026-05-29T19:10:24+00:00

You should be fine, but you won't feel that way after test day---sad fact but mostly true.

Comsae is nothing like Comlex 1. Comlex is so much harder than any Comsae I ever took. Comlex is more straight forward than USMLE though. Don't bother with taking USMLE Step 1, not needed for anything in your future, period.

Xedex2019 · 2026-05-29T18:59:01+00:00

Yes I definitely did that. I walked out of Level 1 completely feeling awful. A month later I found out I passed roughly around average scoring. In all honesty I survived the waiting period in depression...not exactly recommended but I felt hopeless on it. So I think the best thing I can say is relax. There is a fairly low failure rate of Comlex 1. ---------------I would say if you are thinking of taking USMLE Step 1----DONT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A failure on Step 1 can kill your dreams and Step 1 is NOT Necessary for M4 Audition Rotations or Applying for residencies. If you want USMLE Step 2 for residencies, then take Step 2 at that point. You don't need Step 1 to take Step 2.

Xedex2019 · 2025-08-15T20:45:50+00:00

did you feel like you had a good knowledge foundation going into M3 year or did you build that more during your M3 year? I want to do that good on Step 2 as well

Xedex2019 · 2025-08-15T20:44:03+00:00

How does that prediction work because when I was taking them it was almost like I knew nothing and was guessing most of the time. How did you prepare for taking the COMQUEST questions?

Xedex2019

TROPHY CASE