COMLEX vs USMLE? Which Exam To Take And Why?

The confusion to take COMLEX or USMLE won’t arise amongst students enrolled in med school; they are already midway in their journey and they know the rules. The primary reason why students already enrolled in a college generally do not face this confusion is because they have been accepted into a program that specifies whether they need to take the USMLE Step 1 or opt for the COMLEX Level 1 prep. Each of these exams holds importance in their respective fields. All students studying for an MD will take the USMLE, while those in osteopathic programs will take the COMLEX. These exams play an essential role in a physician’s training, yet they support different pathways within the medical profession.

If you’re still in the process of applying to medical schools, it’s helpful to know the differences between MD and DO programs. Here is a simple breakdown; USMLE is for MD students and COMLEX is for DO students.   

While both tests cover similar medical knowledge and skills, they cater to different pathways in medicine. Now, let’s talk about some strategies to help you prepare for these important exams:

Start Early

Both licensure exams involve time-consuming preparation and are not easy. The only way to crack these exams is by being the early bird to collect all those worms. The Step 1 exam is ideally given in the second year of the med school program. The topics are related to the basic foundational science and it is recommended to start your real preparation six months ahead of the exam. This period will be sufficient for you to go through the topics of both science and those covered in the first two years of medical college. 

Create A Study Plan

The first step to success is understanding what the exam will be like. When you know the layout you are familiar with the question types, scoring pattern, and topics covered. This will help you spend more time on the subjects that are most important while ensuring you touch on everything else at least once. Create a study schedule that works for you. If you’re a morning person, consider studying for a couple of hours each morning before classes and another hour after class.

Active Vs Passive Learning

Unless you enact, take notes, discuss, and use gaming methods, you will not be able to engage with the content and adopt active learning methods. You’ll find it easier to remember information if you engage with it, like listening to lectures, watching interactive videos, and taking notes. Use memory aids like mnemonics and flashcards, which can make it easier to recall information during the exam and help you organize your thoughts.

Smart Choices

Choose study materials that are well-regarded and specifically designed for your exam. Mixing textbooks, online courses, practice tests, and review guides can be very effective.

Conclusion:

If you’re already in medical school, the real question isn’t which exam you should take but rather how to prepare for it. Both exams are enduring yet rewarding. So, stay healthy, start early, and be consistent for exceptional results.