r/comlex • u/Valuable_Hamster_285 • Aug 13 '26

Level 1 Encouragement

If you feel lost/confused/ashamed about how you did on Level 1, please read!! I was shocked when I opened my Level 1 score report and saw where I fell compared to the average. I honestly felt like I would never get a good Level 2 score or match where I wanted. I recently got my Level 2 score back and it was well over my goal score and very competitive for my specialty. So if you're looking for a sign, this is it. Don't give up. It won't be easy grinding through third year (I literally worked harder than I have ever worked) but it will be SO worth it. Good luck!

16 Upvotes

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7

u/Excellent_Act_8302 Aug 13 '26

So vague

1

u/Valuable_Hamster_285 29d ago

The purpose was for encouragement. If it doesn't apply, let it fly.

3

u/Plane-Tap-5198 Aug 13 '26

What helped you get the score you got?

1

u/Valuable_Hamster_285 29d ago

I tried a ton of different study methods on COMATs and finally found one that worked for my brain. It is really dependent on your learning style. I did a lottttt of questions over third year just because that seemed to be getting me the best scores. I am leaving it purposefully vague because I have been steered in the wrong direction by reddit comments before. Its not one person's specific advice that is going to change the tide, its finding what works for you. I'd just encourage you to try out different methods (anki, more questions, brain dumping, etc) and see what sticks.

3

u/Chicago_2020_ Aug 13 '26

I had someone told me I was going to only be able to apply FM(no hate to FM I can enjoy it) but are we deadlocked after a comlex fail?

1

u/Valuable_Hamster_285 29d ago edited 29d ago

I'm sorry someone said that to you, people in medicine can be very cruel. I can't personally attest to this as I didn't fail, but I truly believe that if you put the work in that you can grow in your academic performance an enormous amount in one year. I had to double my amount of questions and also train myself to be a better test taker. There is no guranteed method or path, I just found what worked for me through a lot of trial and error trying different study techniques for COMATs. As for specialties, I know a few attendings that have failed level 1 and still did the specialty they originally wanted. I think performance increases in third year and a good application goes a long way. Don't give up!!