How residency programs evaluate DO applicant USMLE, COMLEX scores

For osteopathic medical students, the COMLEX exam series is a must. But what about USMLE? Survey details residency program directors’ views.

By
Brendan Murphy Senior News Writer
| 7 Min Read

For osteopathic medical students, the decision about which series of licensure examinations to take—or pursuing the option to take both the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in addition to the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA)—can have downstream effects for their residency training options.

The COMLEX is necessary for graduation, while USMLE scores—AMA policy advocates that the exams be viewed equally—are more commonly used as a metric in the residency-selection process. 

What should osteopathic medical students know about how the exams are used to evaluate residency applicants? Recent data and insight from faculty members offer insight on that question. 

In this article, medical students will get valuable information regarding:

  • How programs view the USMLE versus COMLEX exam series.
  • Why maximizing exam performance is important on any licensure exam.
  • How Step and COMLEX performance factor into interview invite decisions.
  • How performing well on Step 2 can help expand your GME options.
  • Why the exams may carry less weight for programs using wholistic review.

 

 

Sign in to read this article.

Create a free account to view this content. 

AMA membership has its advantages

  • Be a part of the nation's largest physician organization
  • Play a role in shaping the future of health care
  • Enjoy exclusive perks and savings

Not a member? Become a member now.

FEATURED STORIES FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS

Figures moving household items into a truck

Moving post-Match? Tips for relocating, renting on a resident’s budget

| 4 Min Read
Figure holding an arrow leads a group

Looking to ace Step 1? Here’s how these medical students did it

| 5 Min Read
Figure holds giant magnifying glass over a maze

How to make clerkship rotations a key specialty choice data point

| 5 Min Read
Giant magnifying glass hovers over a row of figures

6 specialties that value away rotations in GME interview invites

| 8 Min Read