Applying through Atlantic Bridge

[deutsche106]

Hey, guys,

I was just wondering, can anybody tell me the details about how to apply Irish medical schools through Altantic Bridge?

Thank you in advance! 🙂

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Go to http://www.atlanticbridge.com/. Click medicine, and then you can either read about it a bit or just go straight to the "Get an Application" page and follow the instructions. Once you submit a request for the application, you'll get an email giving you an application and instructions for completing it, including what needs to be submitted for your application to be considered.

 

[pattycanuck]

Go to http://www.atlanticbridge.com/. Click medicine, and then you can either read about it a bit or just go straight to the "Get an Application" page and follow the instructions. Once you submit a request for the application, you'll get an email giving you an application and instructions for completing it, including what needs to be submitted for your application to be considered.

If you want more info (personalized) - call direct and either talk to Peter Nealon or Louis Keenan - I see that Louis is still there as via the posts on this forum. Peter was the big man in my time - nice guys to talk to. Had a beer with Peter on discussing "bettering" the info process given to North Americans through the program (some others from my class have as well - one guy actually started up the actual webpage www.atlanticbridge.com)!

Hopefully you can talk to them - back in those days, there were very few North Americans going to Ireland/UK - now it has blown open and getting a hold them may be harder because of it. Likewise, Arthur O'Malley is the Atlantic Bridge contact in Ireland.

 

[deutsche106]

Hi, Pattycanuck,

Do you know how I can reach either Peter Nealon or Louis Kennan?

Thank you very much!!!

 

[Xypathos]

Anyone wanto explain to me why they would go to Ireland when it costs approx. $50,000/year for the education?

I don't see why --- I would either increase my chances for US schools or head to Eastern Europe, but not shell out $50k/year for Ireland.

 

[pattycanuck]

Anyone wanto explain to me why they would go to Ireland when it costs approx. $50,000/year for the education?

I don't see why --- I would either increase my chances for US schools or head to Eastern Europe, but not shell out $50k/year for Ireland.

If you have the chance to stay in the US, probably best to stay (if you want to stay there after especially).

If you want to go to anywhere outside of the US for medical school purely for the medical education (and not the real life education) then again, pursue your studies in the US. There are many Americans and Canadians that only come over for the education ... and hate it there. Thus, wherever you go to outside the US ... GO WITH AN OPEN MIND.

Irish schools are probably some of the best schools outside of North America to go to if you want to be recognized for quality medical education. The balance of a $50k/year education (similar to overall - tuition and living - costs by staying in the US) will not be in vain. Many schools have Irish graduates have a look at many attendings and academic positions at academic institutions along the northeast coast (where many Irish roots lay). They have institutionalized Irish education as being warranted "first-class" education - go ahead and look at their position lists if you want proof.

Another thing is that can be considered proof is that all of the individuals who have gone back from my alma mater through the US Match have gotten 1) a numerous amount of interview; and 2) either their first or second choice of residency ... yes first or second choice (including the BIG schools ... Harvard, John Hopkins, Mayo, etc. and BIG residencies ... EM, Anesthetics, radiology, etc.).

You don't have to prove that you speak English as the language of instruction is in English AND the local society speaks in English also - I am not so sure that this can be said for many Eastern European schools - something that many US residencies "quietly" consider. You may be taught in English, but when interviewing a patient, you will be conversing in the local language .. not English ... so why complicate your way back with that as well?

And on a side note, even though I am from Canada, during an interview one of the Canadian residency directors said that I went to "one of the top 10 medical schools in the world" ... and he said that it showed - a good percentage (probably the highest of all countries) of international grads that got into a Canadian residency were Irish-trained.

I would hope that statistics speak for themselves. There are many more examples that can be pointed out by many of the other posters on this very forum.

PC

 

[Who M.D.]

Where I'm from (Edmonton), there's a whole slew of Irish docs. In fact, one has even become chief of a department and now seems to like hiring other Irish grads.

So, UCD is a top ten medical school? That makes me feel a lot better about going to UCD in 9 days!

 

[Mr. McDuck]

It is? Wow. I didn't know that. I work with a few vascular surgeons that went to school in Ireland. Incidentally, they are the best surgeons I know (they did residency in the US, but so did the other less-than-adequate docs that I know).

Anyway, I have conversed with Louis through email several times since submitting my application. He seems like a very nice guy--very helpful.

 

[pattycanuck]

It is? Wow. I didn't know that. I work with a few vascular surgeons that went to school in Ireland. Incidentally, they are the best surgeons I know (they did residency in the US, but so did the other less-than-adequate docs that I know).

Anyway, I have conversed with Louis through email several times since submitting my application. He seems like a very nice guy--very helpful.

Well, I am not sure myself in terms of the "top 10" distinction and where he bases this source ... but at the end of the day ... does it really matter? It is nice to hear though 😀

What really matters is that you want to get back into either Canada or the US. If the program director at that university thinks like that (as well, my program director and they say many more think like that), THAT IS WHAT YOU SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN.

Again, the proof is in the numbers - contact residents/PDs in programs that you evenutally want to go to (especially during electives if not before medical school) - make sure that the school is IMG-friendly first.

Then and only then, proof will be seen that going to an Irish school is probably the next best bet compared to going to a school at home (US or Canada).

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Yeah, I have no problem going to Ireland. I'm looking forward to it. I also have no dillusional aspirations of going to the number one neurosurgery program in the US (not that I want to be a neurosurgeon, but you get the point). I realize many grads of Irish schools get great residency spots, but I'm just being a realist. I probably won't get picked over a guy with the same stats, but graduated from a US school. I don't really care either, lol.

I dunno where this post went to, so I'm going to end it. I just hope I get into UCD or somewhere, dammit.

 

[JediBookworm]

I totally agree...I'm also looking forward to studying in Ireland (whether or not I'm accepted into US/Can schools). I need a change of environment and prefer a setting with students from all over the world. It doesn't hurt to be so close to the rich culture and history of Europe either...

I don't think there's a need to end this thread...I think part of the appeal of online forums is that threads sometimes lead to other topics of discussion that may even be more relevant or interesting than their original intent...

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Oh, yeah. By "ending it", I meant my post. I don't have the power to close threads, and even if I did, this certainly isn't one to close.

I'm a little concerned with how I'm going to pay for the tuition deposit and residence fee and all that, since I was planning on paying with loans. I guess I'll just have to start saving my money now.

 

[JediBookworm]

What I'm worried about actually is the deadline for accepting offers (not that I'm going to be overwhelmed with them!) Can we later give up a seat even if we accepted earlier?

 

[Mr. McDuck]

I'm under the impression (from other posts) that to keep your seat, you have to have the deposit in by a certain date. If you then decide to go to another school, you can, but you'll lose the deposit. Apparently, UCD tends to give offers out earlier than RCSI, so hopefully I won't have to worry about that. I just better have the damn money ready to go.

 

[jujube]

Hi, I just took the August MCAT and I'm in the process of applying to both U.S. and Irish med schools. Does anyone know approximately how much $$ TCD and UCD require for their deposit? And when do they expect payment i.e. within 3 weeks, 2 months, etc.?

 

[Mr. McDuck]

I'm not entirely sure, but I think I remember reading on this forum somewhere that UCD wants upwards of 3 grand within 2 weeks or something. 😱

 

[jujube]

Hey, thanks for the response. Wow, within 2 weeks...well, I don't know what my situation is going to be like by next spring but I'm keeping an open mind. I think that MCAT nearly killed me.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Yeah. It'd be great if someone that was just accepted and went through everything could post and clarify the whole thing. Apparently, people get acceptances from UCD as early as February, so I guess I'd better start saving my money.

 

[benzylique]

The TCD deposit for me was around 6000 dollars Canadian.... and i only had a week and a half to decide.

good luck!

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Holy crap--that's about 5400 in USD. Did you have that saved up? How did you pay that much in a week and a half?

 

[deutsche106]

So bascially I will send all my transcripts and letters of recommendation to the atlantic bridge, which is in Newport beach, Cali, and they will help me send my application to each individual school, it's just like the AMCAS, right?

Thank you!

 

[maillot jaune]

The deposit goes towards your tuition. If you think 6K is alot, wait until you have to pay 21,000 Euro for the year in one hit.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Yeah, but that's what loans are for. I can't get a loan all approved and disbursed in a week and a half mid-February, lol. I wonder how everyone pays for their deposits, and how people afford to pay more than one when deciding between acceptances.

 

[med2UCC]

I had one week to reply to UCC, no exceptions or leeway. They wanted 3300.00 euro, so it came to about $5500.00 Canadian at the time. I was lucky - a family member came up with the money, as I had no idea I would need that much by way of a deposit, and no way to do it in the time frame allowed. Plan ahead, save yourself the headache of having a med school offer but no deposit money. Trust me, it sucked!
Good luck to everyone applying this year. Cheers,
M

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Yeah, I'm glad I know how much the deposit is ahead of time so that I can save up the money now. Luckily, I'll be working, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[benzylique]

Yeah my deposit was 4000 euros... so a little over 6000 dollars can.

I knew it was going to be that much since my brother had gone to UCC 4 years ago now...!!

good luck!

 

[Who M.D.]

The deposit at UCD was for Euro 3,174.

I had to make a decision on the application by mid-March. I got the offer in early March, though the letter was dated February 22 or so.

 

[leorl]

It's been around 3000 euro since I was accepted a few years back. It's tough when there are other factors and schools to take into account, but most people pay it so they are ensured a position in at least one school. It was easier for me since I knew straight off that I wanted to come here.

Anyway, I think 50k is an exaggeration on coming here, unless maybe you're going to RCSI...but still, it shouldn't cost 50k living here unless you live large. I'd echo Pattycanuck in saying that those who come here should want to come here, and those who are coming here as a last resort and aren't really interested in coming here are the ones who end up very bitter and miserable. There are some areas where the Irish could improve on (both structurally and culturally), but from these forums and people you've talked to, you know this already and expect it, so coming with an open mind enables you to take advantage of living in a very fun place and taking advantage of the opportunities here. It's a long hard road, you might as well enjoy it!

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Well, 3000 isn't too bad. Even 6000...now that I know the ballpark, it won't be a problem. I just didn't want to be surprised in February or March that I needed to send 4000 USD in 2 weeks. 😱

As far as going to Ireland, personally, I can't wait to go and really hope to get accepted. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Arb]

You should apply to Trinity and UCC to increase your chances. Also, bear in mind that it's pretty hard to finance the entire 5 years through loans especially if you go to RCSI.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

How does everyone else do it? That's what loans are for--to finance your education. My payments certainly won't be pretty, but I have good credit and with the Stafford loans, I don't think it should be too big a problem.

As far as getting in, I probably have a better chance than I think I do. I never like to think anything is a definite, or even a really good probability. I think I have a decent shot though.

 

[maillot jaune]

I'm pretty sure that when you walk into a bank with a letter of admissions to a med school they throw money at you... money you'll have to throw back eventually of course... but I think you'll be ok 🙂

 

[Arb]

I'm not sure how it'll work for those in the US, but in Canada it's not as easy. They certainly won't throw money at you lol. You are still a risk going to an international school. How much can you get from a Stafford loan? $140,000? That probably won't even cover tuition for 5 years seeing how it's been going up 10% every year and the predicted rise of the Euro. Hopefully you'll be eligible for more.

 

[JediBookworm]

We don't have Stafford loans in Canada...we have CanHelp...

On another note, has anyone used any Line of Credit loans from a bank before? I want to find out if they are better than government loans...

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Well, here you get 18,500 a year in Stafford loans. Plus, we have dozens of banks that offer special programs for medical students going to foreign countries; they have a list of schools that they approve and supply money to, providing you have good credit. The max you can take is like 40 a year or something, which is plenty when you factor in the Stafford loans.

 

[Arb]

Well take care with which loan you apply for first. Remember your "good" credit no longer carry you when you have a $100,000 loan and applying for another. I know the banks I and some others dealt with would not consider you or severely limit the funds available to you if you are already carrying a student loan from another institution. Would you loan someone $75,000 if that person already owes $100,000 to someone else? Build up your credit while you can. Just paying off your VISA bill every month will not create much of a credit history even for leasing a car let alone a $150,000+ loan. However, it does seem a lot easier for Americans to get funding.

 

[JediBookworm]

Well at most Canadian banks you can get lines of credit up to $150,000 for medical students, meaning you can still pay it off as you go and "regain" credit in order to borrow even more if you need to...

Just a note to Canadians: not all banks allow you to use it for foreign schools...

 

[Arb]

If you have money to pay off your loan as you go...why are you borrowing to begin with? Or if you have a little money to spare, remember you have interest payments every month (for bank loans). What does having banks offering $150,000 (less for TD) to medical students have to do with regaining credit? Are you implying you can borrow from one bank to pay off another because that's been covered.

 

[JediBookworm]

If you were working during the summers you could pay part of it off and if you needed to borrow it later on (e.g. rising tuition) then you could still borrow up to $150,000 total...

By the way, TD does offer up to $150,000 for medical students...I wasn't implying borrowing from two banks at once nor borrowing to pay another one off

 

[Arb]

I see. So the amount you make in 3 months goes to your principle payments. Remember you also have interest payments every month. Say you used $100,000 at 6%, that's $6000 a year for just interest payments.

Why would you pay off your priniciple instead of using the little money you make in 3 months to help pay tuition? Your line of credit is a finite amount and this way would be more reasonable because it stretches your loan to hopefully, the full five years rather than having to apply again after the 3rd year. Secondary loan is possible although not another $150,000...hopefully it'll be at prime like what I'm getting now.

 

[Arb]

Leads to another question. How many summers will we have off? I think only the first 2?

 

[JediBookworm]

Hmmm...not sure...hahaha...

Anyways, I was just trying to compare lines of credits with government loans...sigh I wish I didn't have to think about this stuff

 

[LavenderLoraine]

As Billy mentioned, coming from the US you can qualify for up to $18,500 of Stafford Loans which are both subsidized and unsubsidized. That won't cover a year of tuition, living expenses and supplies. So the rest of the money I needed came from a private loan company that caters to students in the health professions, in this case Health Xpress. There are many loan companies besides this one who are specifically for health care professions students.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

I'll have to check Health Xpress out. Are you happy with it so far? I was going to use the link on the ABP website.

Also, having a loan on your credit does not negatively affect it too much--at least not in America. When you have a student loan and it is deferred, it shows up as credit that you are keeping current. As a result, your credit doesn't really go down that much.

Plus, you have to remember that these companies are providing loans specifically to medical students. They KNOW you need a couple hundred grand in loans.

Anyway, right now I'm just focusing on getting accepted. Once that happens, I'll worry (more) about my loans.