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any Canadians having troubles making the $4000 deposit for UCC GEM ?
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The only trouble I had was that my bank was not letting the transaction through. I had to call them and the problem was fixed.
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did you do the wire transfer option or the credit/debit card way?
Hi! I was accepted to the RCSI 6-year program. I completed the last 2 years of high school in the US. I didnt think I had a chance being accepted being I didn’t take any AP subjects and my junior year grades were trash (a lot of Bs, a couple Cs and a D). But this year my grades pulled up to almost all As and I scored a 1420 on the SATS. I think it helped explain my junior year grades just a little that my high school is very reputable within the US and I had to transition to the American system from a British one. I also had some great ECs. Volunteering at a therapy program, started up a successful online business for a couple years (we talked quite a bit about this in the interview), a lot of sports, shadowed 4 different specialists in a hospital over a month long peeriod, etc.
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I used a credit card
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If we are being honest I don't think the requirements are too high at least for the 6 year program. Just get a mid B in Chem and Bio and be good at one specific thing like a sport or some other hobby to get offered an interview. I interviewed after getting a 78% in Chem 11 and never took Bio before but still managed to get accepted. I never filled out the updated courses form either. My interview only lasted about 15 minutes and all they really did was ask me to explain the process about getting back to Canada and my work ethic. Tbh the interview process was nowhere as hard as the interviews I had to do for my UK medical schools. If you are already thinking about medical school in Grade 11, I'd say your already at a better start then I was when I applied.
You'll get in don't worry
Try getting a loan through the federal and provincial/state government. Depends on the value what you get/are eligible for, TD or whichever bank may be willing to fund the rest!
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Yeah, that's what I heard as well - that completing clinical electives in the US greatly improves your chances of matching with a residency program! I don't really know about the difficulty of obtaining a B1, but I'm hoping you are right and that it won't be a hassle. Also, I hope it won't be too difficult to be able to find and participate in a clinical elective in the US given that I will be considered international. Well I guess I'll have to see
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Has there been a facebook group made for the UCC GEM Class of 2022?
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I tried for RCSI however I was only offered $275,000 (BMO) + $50,000 (Federal Loan) however this was not nearly enough to cover the 6 year program. I was unable to find any other suitable loans
BMO still has not approved my program yet- i will hear back from them tomorrow. I am also waiting on RBC.
Hi! I applied from straight out of high school in the US and got accepted into 5 year RCSI. I had a 4.2 GPA weighted which I think translated into a 3.6 unweighted. I took AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, and AP Language and Composition last year and this year I'm taking AP Biology, AP Statistics, AP Psychology and AP Literature. I have a 1480 SAT which isn't too high but within that I got a 790 on the Math part which saved me. I also have tons of experience volunteering at multiple hospitals while completing an internship at Tufts Medical Center for the summer. During my interview, the guy was mainly impressed with the amount of extracurriculars I had while balancing a decent transcript and harder classes..hope that helps!!
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I don't believe it is possible to have student line of credit loans from 2 banks, at least that was what I was informed from BMO
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Good luck this week everyone! Hopefully we hear back soon! Go n'éiri leat! 
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You can check your provincial funding. I know some students from Ontario can qualify for OSAP - you can get a little bit (up to 10K) in bursaries and much more in a loan! Maybe check that out and just take the bursary option, so you aren't mounting up various loans.
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did anyone who got waitlisted for RCSI's four year GEM program, submit any additional documentation to support their application?
I'm curious if this would put you in better standing with the school.
I'm curious if this would put you in better standing with the school.
Hey! Firstly, congrats on your acceptance!!
Second, do you mind sharing how many LORs you had/what relation they had to you? Also, what types of ECs did you do?
I'm asking because I'm in a similar situation, my GPA is about the same as yours but I have excellent ECs and LORs, as well as a noticeable difference between my grades in first/second year VS third/fourth (I switched programs).
Of course as I'm sitting here waiting for a response for the GEM program i'm thinking about all these things, so it'd be nice to hear from someone in a similar situation.
Still nothing from NUIG or TCD !!
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Me neither!
Hey All!
Here's an update for those of you waiting on UCD (GEM) second round offers. I was told by n ABP representative that since the deadline for the deposit for UCD first round acceptances is April 11, offers for second round will come out after that date (I'm guessing on the 18th - judging by trends). So unfortunately, if anyone is waiting for a second round offer at other schools before placing your deposit, chances are the deposit deadline is before this.
I was hoping to hear back from UCD before my deposit for UCC is due which is on the 6th... but looks like I'll be going to UCC! (Side note: the deposit is quite a hefty amount of money - its $5,000 some USD -- not sure how much it is for the other Irish med schools but I know deposits are a lot cheaper for US med schools and Caribbean med schools)
Questions:
1. Does anyone know if/what U.S. hospitals UCC is affiliated with for summer elective rotations?
2. For anyone who has done their research, which medical schools in the US for summer elective programs are most receptive towards foreign medical students?
3. For people who are planning on going to UCC and have looked at the curriculum for graduate entry med students... I'm a little confused - is the curriculum systems based?? - the streams are throwing me off because it just says "Foundations of Medicine I" (I suppose I will find out more during orientation and when school actually begins)
4. The academic year for UCC seems really long, so I'm wondering how applications to US summer electives (which I heard the whole process can take up to 6 months) and also studying for USMLE step 1 (& Irish exams) will all fit together -- seems like I would be extremely pressed for time and its making me nervous. Does anyone have any stats on USMLE pass rates for UCC med students
5. Does anyone know about student life is like in Cork? What and how are the housing options? Is the campus close? What is the public transportation like? Is the city center close by?
Good Luck to everyone who is still waiting/trying to make a decision and Congrats for all that got offers of acceptances!
Here's an update for those of you waiting on UCD (GEM) second round offers. I was told by n ABP representative that since the deadline for the deposit for UCD first round acceptances is April 11, offers for second round will come out after that date (I'm guessing on the 18th - judging by trends). So unfortunately, if anyone is waiting for a second round offer at other schools before placing your deposit, chances are the deposit deadline is before this.
I was hoping to hear back from UCD before my deposit for UCC is due which is on the 6th... but looks like I'll be going to UCC! (Side note: the deposit is quite a hefty amount of money - its $5,000 some USD -- not sure how much it is for the other Irish med schools but I know deposits are a lot cheaper for US med schools and Caribbean med schools)
Questions:
1. Does anyone know if/what U.S. hospitals UCC is affiliated with for summer elective rotations?
2. For anyone who has done their research, which medical schools in the US for summer elective programs are most receptive towards foreign medical students?
3. For people who are planning on going to UCC and have looked at the curriculum for graduate entry med students... I'm a little confused - is the curriculum systems based?? - the streams are throwing me off because it just says "Foundations of Medicine I" (I suppose I will find out more during orientation and when school actually begins)
4. The academic year for UCC seems really long, so I'm wondering how applications to US summer electives (which I heard the whole process can take up to 6 months) and also studying for USMLE step 1 (& Irish exams) will all fit together -- seems like I would be extremely pressed for time and its making me nervous. Does anyone have any stats on USMLE pass rates for UCC med students
5. Does anyone know about student life is like in Cork? What and how are the housing options? Is the campus close? What is the public transportation like? Is the city center close by?
Good Luck to everyone who is still waiting/trying to make a decision and Congrats for all that got offers of acceptances!
I haven’t heard yet from either school. They were the only 2 I applied to.
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Hey I'm from Toronto studying in Dublin, TCD medicine. I didn't find out till later May, some heard earlier! I was also accepted into NUIG in March.
Hope this helps!
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Hello all. I am debating over applying to medical school in Ireland specifically UCC with my current stats versus waiting a year and taking the MCAT and applying for GEM. I am a junior in college, US citizen, have completed biology, calculus and will do a semester of general chemistry. But my GPA is not so great. Can anyone share their stats for GPA for 5 year program? Also anyone from the US dealing with federal loans process? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Hello! May I ask are you a US citizen? If so did that help with your residency match?
Congrats on the acceptance!
In terms of electives: there are plenty of institutions that offer electives but it all depends on which specialty you want. Certain electives (usually the Internal Medicine) have more options, but this varies quite a bit. Typically upper years in your class will pass on guidance and/or opinions on places they secured for electives.
In terms of USMLE studying: most students will study concurrently with their regular material as there should be overlap. The summer after 2nd year will be your dedicated time where its 100% just step 1 studying- step 2 studying will happen during 3rd year! And, elective applications will happen during 3rd year concurrently with studying and rotations.
So let’s say someone got accepted from Irish medical school, I was looking around and it got my attention that the security seat fee around 5K !! What ? Why is it so high ? Do people have to pay all within two weeks of acceptance?
The initial deposit is large because it weeds out applicants who are not truly serious about studying medicine in Ireland. That way they can give the spot to someone who is willing to commit.
I'm not sure about each school but for UCC the first year tuition is due by July.
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Okay, am I the only one who is checking their email obsessively? Has anyone heard from NUIG and TCD yet? Or does anyone have any updates on them? Let's hope we hear from them sooner rather than later... 
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Why don't you email Atlantic Bridge?Okay, am I the only one who is checking their email obsessively? Has anyone heard from NUIG and TCD yet? Or does anyone have any updates on them? Let's hope we hear from them sooner rather than later...
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I did last week, but their only response is that they haven't had any news from them... I am just finding it odd that we weren't given a timeline like most other schools
Hi there! I am in the same boat
Positive thoughts.
But if anyone has heard back from trinity or NUIG, it would be wonderful if you could share!
Thank you
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Some people were asking for comparisons of Irish schools. I can only speak mostly for Limerick and UCC.
Limerick:
Pros: Learning style is very different. Have to memorize things and present topics on a regular basis. Problem based learning if this is your style.
Cons: way way too many weeks of family medicine rather than other specialties. Good if family medicine is your goal. Can feel small. Not allowed to do rotations during academic year. Secluded campus.
UCC
Pros: really high match rates to Canada and USMLE marks.
You are allowed to do certain core rotations during the academic year in the US and Canada (pysch, obgyn, internal)
Affiliation with certain US hospitals like John Hopkins, U of Sask (although they stopped last year due to congestion from their own medical students). Upper years are extremely helpful. More affordable housing than Dublin.
Cons: Dealing with admin. Stops giving support after Step 1 (but you got amazing upper years). Takes all the credit on their website when people land amazing residencies. Not as nice as Dublin but lots of new restaurants opening up.
Limerick:
Pros: Learning style is very different. Have to memorize things and present topics on a regular basis. Problem based learning if this is your style.
Cons: way way too many weeks of family medicine rather than other specialties. Good if family medicine is your goal. Can feel small. Not allowed to do rotations during academic year. Secluded campus.
UCC
Pros: really high match rates to Canada and USMLE marks.
You are allowed to do certain core rotations during the academic year in the US and Canada (pysch, obgyn, internal)
Affiliation with certain US hospitals like John Hopkins, U of Sask (although they stopped last year due to congestion from their own medical students). Upper years are extremely helpful. More affordable housing than Dublin.
Cons: Dealing with admin. Stops giving support after Step 1 (but you got amazing upper years). Takes all the credit on their website when people land amazing residencies. Not as nice as Dublin but lots of new restaurants opening up.
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Thank you. Can you tell me what scores you got in your AP testing and congratulations on your acceptance, well done, you will absolutely love Ireland .
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Are you straight out of high school?
If so could you share your high school subjects, ?AP, SAT results? Interview questions etc.
I hope to apply for 2019
Thank you and congratulations
Okay, am I the only one who is checking their email obsessively? Has anyone heard from NUIG and TCD yet? Or does anyone have any updates on them? Let's hope we hear from them sooner rather than later...
Hi there! Any word yet?
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I am also checking obsessively!!! No word yet. AB said usually late March-early April.... I feel like someone will hear from them soon!
Does anyone who has studied in Ireland know of any mature students in med school who brought families with them?
If I get in I will be bringing my husband and two little ones so it is an enormous decision and would be great to get some information about what medical school would look like with a family in Ireland.
Good luck Dr. Mom! If we are on the same boat, I’d say that’s a good sign for now! I can see things being backlogged but I am much too apprehensive to email AB again as I had just contacted them last week and received the same reply ! Please let me know when you get your good news
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1.
Johns Hopkins, UPenn (but I think only 1 person can go), may be missing some
These aren't affiliated but people have successfully submitted applications and gotten elective here:
Harvard isn't associated. Its a lottery system where you apply and see if you get it
Mayo clinic (just toss in an application
Cleveland clinic
2. Their just like lectures in the first 2 years. You attend. You have small group learning as well where you present on a specific part of a topic.
4. It is extremely pressed for time. Plan ahead. Most gunners can do around 6 electives abroad throughout med school. It would help if you have connections to get electives outside the normal route to maximize how many electives you can do. You can do certain core rotations abroad (OBGYN, Psych, Internal, and I think one more) during the academic year. In third year, you have 3 months off for the summer so you can arrange to do up to 3 electives while writing USMLE STEP 2 CK, USMLE STEP 2 CS, and NAC. This is probably the most stressful summer and advise you strongly to plan 1 year ahead of time. To give you an idea of what is like:
June - First elective. Don't underestimate how tough electives are. You will be sucking up, last to leave, first to show up, begging for extra things to do to look good.
July - Second elective. While on elective, take time off to write STEP 2 CS before deadline otherwise your score wont be ready for ERAS. Write STEP 2 CK on time before deadline for scores to be reported on time for ERAS.
Aug - Elective, start working on ERAS applications, collecting reference letters which is due in Sept?
Sept - School starts. Return to Canada to do NAC OSCE at assigned date and location.
Oct - US interviews roll out
Nov - CARMs application due.
If someone doesn't match this is the time they usually mess up. Failed CS, bad NAC, late CK. Not sure how things will change since they are replacing the MCCEE with MCCQE1 for Canada in 2020. This means by the time your doing med school you might well be doing QE1 in the same summer because its so similar to step 2 ck than to step 1.
As for USMLES. It depends on the person. The people that scored really high tend to be top of the class to begin with. We tend to score higher than other Irish schools. You dont really get support for USMLE other than a mandatory exam that you have to pass before you can write Step 1.
5. Most people live in Sheare's gate in first year. Its very much overpriced but it makes sense because you don't know anyone there and might not be there physically be there to check out apartments. Campus is very close. <10 minute walk from Sheare's gate, 7 min walk from Dennehy's cross (another popular place). City Center is probably 20 minute walk from campus but there are buses along the way that take you right into town. Public transportation - bikes for rental in certain areas (mainly downtown), lots of buses, bad roads for driving (think the steering wheel is on the right).
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Hi rzilla, same here. Did you apply for it?
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I did, but I applied to all the schools to cast a wide net... Now I am a little suprised that I received an interview (and have heard nothing from the other schools)... Did you apply?
I applied to rcsi-mub + all four gems except rcsi. Luckily got an invitation from UL and rcsi-mub...havent yet heard back from the others.
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Just Received RCSI Bahrain interview call
I had a 5 on Calc and a 4 on Chem, I have a conditional offer to the 5 year program for which I need to get at least a 4 on Bio.
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Good luck ,
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Thank you,
How long was the interview and when did you sent your completed application form?
What in your opinion were the interviewers looking for?
Was RCSI your first choice?
Do you have a family medical background?
When did you get notice about the interview?
Thank you so much for your help .
