COMSAE Form 107 is an excellent diagnostic tool if approached with the right mindset. Do not let a lower-than-expected score discourage you; instead, treat it as a roadmap detailing exactly what you need to fix before test day. Maximize your OMM points, get comfortable with the unique phrasing of the questions, and use your question banks effectively to conquer this hurdle on your way to becoming a licensed DO.
Student reports on forums like Student Doctor Network and Reddit reveal a more nuanced picture. Many students report that COMSAE scores actual COMLEX performance—sometimes by substantial margins.
While all COMSAE forms strictly adhere to the NBOME Master Blueprint, student feedback and historical data indicate that Form 107 has a distinct presentation and places heavy emphasis on specific disciplines. 1. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Principles
Among the various COMSAE phases, Form 107 is frequently cited by students for its balanced difficulty. While some forms are known for being heavy on obscure microbiology or biochemistry, Form 107 is often regarded as a "fair" representation of the core concepts tested on Level 1. It emphasizes clinical reasoning and the application of foundational sciences rather than pure rote memorization. Key Content Areas in Form 107 comsae form 107
| Category | COMSAE Form 107 | Real COMLEX Level 1 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | High focus on sacral diagnoses, Chapman’s points, and viscerosomatics (levels of facilitation). | Broad coverage, but more emphasis on muscle energy, HVLA, and counterstrain. | | Microbiology | Heavy on Gram-positive cocci (Staph/Strep) and antibiotics mechanisms. | More parasitology and fungal questions than expected. | | Biostatistics | Straightforward (NNT, ARR, sensitivity/specificity). | Slightly more convoluted study design questions. | | Ethics | Obvious answers (do not lie, get consent). | Subtle nuances regarding state laws and mandatory reporting. | | Image Quality | Dark, sometimes difficult to interpret X-rays/CTs. | Slightly improved, but still not great. | | Stem Length | Short-medium (most are 3-6 sentences). | Can be longer with more "distractor" labs. |
Many students find Form 107 particularly challenging due to the "vagueness" of its questions. Reports on community forums like Reddit's COMLEX community Difficulty Level
Despite these complaints, the general consensus is that COMSAE is a necessary hurdle, often required by schools, and its value lies in building endurance and getting familiar with the COMLEX question style. COMSAE Form 107 is an excellent diagnostic tool
Conversely, some students have reported that COMSAE scores overestimated their performance. One user wrote: “COMSAE overestimated my score by 20 points”. Another shared that the COMLEX scores of examinees who took the timed COMSAE exam were, on average, than their Phase 1 scores.
Complete targeted blocks of OMM, musculoskeletal, and ethics questions. Pay attention to how these platforms phrase questions compared to USMLE-focused resources. 3. Practice Timing and Endurance
Most osteopathic medical schools use a as the threshold for COMLEX-USA Level 1 eligibility. Some schools may have different requirements—for instance, ATSU-SOMA specifies a minimum score of 450 on COMSAE-D or COMSAE-E—and students should consult their own institution‘s policies. Student reports on forums like Student Doctor Network
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Please consult your school's academic advising office for official guidance on COMLEX readiness. frequently seen on Form 107?
COMSAE Form 107 is more than just a hurdle; it is a diagnostic tool that reveals exactly where your weaknesses lie. By approaching the exam with a focused strategy—emphasizing OMM, mastering ethics, and analyzing your post-exam data—you can move forward into your dedicated study period with confidence and a clear path to success. Share public link
Real-world clinical scenarios where a patient's visceral pathology presents as a somatic dysfunction.
The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Self-Assessment Examination (COMSAE) is a three-phase series of exams created by the NBOME. Its purpose is to help osteopathic medical students assess their knowledge in advance of taking the COMLEX-USA—the licensing exam required to practice as a DO in the United States.