FAILED COMLEX 2 CE Failed

[Jade123*]

Failed Comlex 2 - a third time. Now what? Can't get DO without it.

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[DrZoidbergDO]

This is going to sound harsh, but if you can't reach the level of minimally competent on an easier test than step 3 times you should reconsider whether medicine is for you.

 

[Starbuxian]

@OP, presumably you changed your approach and study tactics between attemps? If not, a pivot to NP might be something to consider as those exams are (much) easier and you can still help patients.

 

[GoSpursGo]

What advice has your school given you? The NBOME allows 4 attempts, so it seems like you get one more shot.

Let's be clear--while you will undoubtedly find a predatory offshore school which will take your money, there is no chance of you matching from such a school. Your best and only chance to be a doctor is to pass level 2 on your next attempt, assuming your school lets you try.

 

[ChicagoBear]

Just be aware that so many Level failures can prohibit you from obtaining a medical license in a number states. A quick look at the FSMB site shows that 14 states have either a 2 or 3 attempt limit on a COMLEX Level and two other states limit your total number of attempts to either 5 or 7 over all three Level tests. These numbers are even worse for MD/Step takers - a number of states have limits on Step but for some reason give DO/Level unlimited or more attempts.

FSMB | State Specific Requirements for Initial Medical Licensure

www.fsmb.org

 

[Ho0v-man]

Looking through your post history, you’ve been failing shelf exams and struggling on rotations since 2020. Did you fail a year or just have to take a LOA?

What’s your goal besides getting the DO? If it’s obtaining a residency, the odds are very against you. Even if you could scrape a pass, three fails and a repeat year basically screen you out of everything everywhere.

It’s likely time to cut your losses.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Your options are limited. Per your post history, you've basically completed all of the coursework for your degree. Rarely, schools will graduate you without passing COMLEX/USMLE, but it sounds like your school requires it. You could ask if they would give you an MS instead -- this assumes that your school has an MS program, because if they don't they can't just make up a degree. Whether an MS like this would be of any value is unclear. For sure it would depend upon what you can make of it -- so in that way whether you actually get a degree vs find a niche to market yourself is kinda the same thing. I agree it may not be worth putting any more $$$ towards this -- although at this point you've paid the full tuition for a DO degree, so there isn't much "loss" to "cut".

You probably can't take L2 again when you're not enrolled in medical school, so talking to your school to see if they will sponsor you for a final retake would be reasonable, but if they are going to charge you mor tuition you'll need to decide whether that's "worth it".

You'll need to invent your own way forward. You'll need to sell yourself and be creative. There's a poster here who ended up working for a state insurance commission reviewing prior auths -- I forget if they graduated or not. Or you'll need to look at your other skills and find something. Often discussed is "research" - which certainly doesn't pay all that well, and "consulting" which is very pedigree driven and depends upon marketing a specific skill set (if you have one) and connections.

You should think about some financial counseling or come up with a plan. Chances are you'll enroll in a repayment plan, make minimum payments for 20 years, and then have your debt discharged. You might be able to petition for bankruptcy but that's a long hard path.

Best of luck, this is a tough spot to be in.

 

[ToKingdomCome]

I disagree with the above . Take it once more since that appears to be the max. I actually think you could match residency if you have a good work ethic and a pleasant person. You could literally match into a prelim surgery or even some boondocks FM program. Even if you Don’t you can still graduate as a doctor and go into consulting or tech or something

 

[EDThoracotomy]

I tend to agree with those that say graduate with your degree. You've invested so much and a medical degree will be more valuable than a masters. Even if you can't find a residency do an intern year so you can get a medical license and go from there. Now is not the time to toss in the towel and embrace the 450K debt for a masters degree.

 

[BoneWizard]

Would probably be best to graduate with the DO, then apply broadly to at least try and secure a prelim year. There are some states that allow you to obtain a medical license after one year of residency which opens some doors. I know one person who matched prelim only who is making mid 6 figures working for United doing home visits.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Do your best to graduate. Even if you don't get a residency, you can leverage this degree if you couple it with an MBA from a reasonably respectable institution. If you haven't seen a learning specialist, you should. By now you already burned your level 2 question banks. Level 3 is similar, so I would do the level 3 banks for UWorld, COMBANK, COMQUEST and AMBOSS. I would spend the money on a review course that you attend in person too

 

[Mad Jack]

Do your best to graduate. Even if you don't get a residency, you can leverage this degree if you couple it with an MBA from a reasonably respectable institution. If you haven't seen a learning specialist, you should. By now you already burned your level 2 question banks. Level 3 is similar, so I would do the level 3 banks for UWorld, COMBANK, COMQUEST and AMBOSS. I would spend the money on a review course that you attend in person too

Step 2 UW bank was highly effective for me, if OP hasn't given it a shot I would highly recommend. Going to +1 the testing for a learning or processing disability as you may be able to get accommodations that would allow a successful pass. If you at least get the degree hopefully you can leverage it into something.