Atlantic Bridge 2018 entry

[xanoistic]

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Does anyone know when UCD starts sending out the 6-year program acceptances/rejections?

If I’m not wrong they’re later with their decisions, between late March- early April

 

[Lucky.]

If I’m not wrong they’re later with their decisions, between late March- early April

Yeah you’re right. A big chunk of the first rounds will be concluded in March

 

[canadianmedhopeful07]

i'm so nervous and can't stop checking my email every day! i applied to all of the 4 year gem programs with a 3.20(out of 4.0) GPA and 505 MCAT score, strong ECs (president of student clubs, highly involved with student governance, over 600 hours of volunteering, research and almost published, but have presented 2 posters at number of conferences) and outstanding letters of recommendation. Was not accepted in Canada or US MD schools, so applied kind of late in cycle - close to February 16th. What are my chances?

 

[Lucky.]

i'm so nervous and can't stop checking my email every day! i applied to all of the 4 year gem programs with a 3.35(out of 4.0) GPA and 505 MCAT score, strong ECs (president of student clubs, highly involved with student governance, over 600 hours of volunteering, research and almost published, but have presented 2 posters at number of conferences) and outstanding letters of recommendation. Was not accepted in Canada or US MD schools, so applied kind of late in cycle - close to February 16th. What are my chances?

We’re all there together. I read in the 2017 ABP thread that a few people with similar or worse stats than you got in. Best of luck !

 

[canadianmedhopeful07]

We’re all there together. I read in the 2017 ABP thread that a few people with similar or worse stats than you got in. Best of luck !

Thanks that makes feel a lil better! Hypothetically, if I were to have silence by April, can I send ABP an updated transcript? do you know how that works, cause I'm hoping to pull up my GPA a few points this semester.

 

[CleverAdvisor]

Thanks that makes feel a lil better! Hypothetically, if I were to have silence by April, can I send ABP an updated transcript? do you know how that works, cause I'm hoping to pull up my GPA a few points this semester.

no, if you get an acceptance they will require you to get/maintain a certain grade though

 

[Lucky.]

Thanks that makes feel a lil better! Hypothetically, if I were to have silence by April, can I send ABP an updated transcript? do you know how that works, cause I'm hoping to pull up my GPA a few points this semester.

They only care about “final” grades. So, if you graduate your class and have a final mark send them that.

In the mean time drown your sorrows in a bucket of this stuff:



It’s amazing and only like ~250cal per pint.

On another note, has anyone been so stressed they’ve been dropping weight ? I’m down 21lbs . I guess it’s better than gaining weight haha.

 

[ealqa]

For the canadians out there...
Are any of you worried about finding a residency after med school?
How are you planning to finance this whole thing?

 

[Lucky.]

For the canadians out there...
Are any of you worried about finding a residency after med school?
How are you planning to finance this whole thing?

Thats so funny, im starting to type up a monster of a post to help everyone out about that. Give me like 5-10 minutes.

 

[Lucky.]

I just spoke with TD Canada Trust about paying for International Medical Schools. Some of you may have already gathered enough information on the subject but this is for all of the lurkers out there who may need some guidance.

After calling TD's over-the-phone financial advisor I was discussing the nature of international medical schools. Typically to receive a Professional Student Line of Credit you need to be participating in a 4 year MD/DO/MBBS program. I informed him that NA applicants who apply internationally through ABP are subject to entering either the 6 5 or 4 year programs. Fortunately, the bank (TD) has experience with dealing with the ABP. He informed me that typically Admitted-MD students typically are allotted 50,000 CAD annually to afford the cost of living, tuition and other expenses they may encounter. I was discussing the shear cost of tuition alone with him and he said that typically the judicators will be able to adjust the allotment so that it can better fit the student doctors needs. He went on to say that he has seen people get anywhere from 55,000-65,000 CAD a year for expenses including tuition. All you need to do to keep recieving money is to keep showing that you're still enrolled with the school. He brought up that a common misconception is that student will have to take out both a PSLoC (Professional Student Line of Credit) and a Student Loan. Fortunately, this isn't the case. To make everyone's life easier the bank prefers to keep all 'outgoing money' under one section, in this case it's the PSLoC. For a student to get a line of credit this vast they need a co-signer. He said its basically mandatory because they need some degree of collateral if you weren't successful as a student or if something unforeseeable happened. Also, how much money you get per year almost solely depends on your co-signer and how much equity they have to 'dip' in to, if the need arises. So, I used the example that ABP gave for tuition costs. For the 5 year UCC program is costs around 38,000 Euro a year. 38,000 Euro x 5 year into CAD is around $300,000. Now, the bank then said they will charge "Prime" + 1% in interest on the money that is taken out of your line of credit. The prime rate right now at TD is 3.450% + the 1%. This will work out to be around 15-20k CAD in interest over the 5 year long period. Also, you will only be charged on how much you take out of your line of credit. Additionally, with TD (im unsure about other banks), they said that they will only start looking to get their money back one year after you finish residency. This is pretty good in my opinion. If you complete a residency you can start pumping money into your line of credit while you still have the 4.45% interest rate. If you're unsuccessful with obtaining a residency the bank will come after you and/or your co-signer for money. So, get a residency wherever you can!! The "Prime" interest rate is subject to change, so, if it goes up then you pay more in interest and vice versa if it goes down. Unfortunately there's no options for fixed interest rates. You will also need to have medical liability coverage to get your line of credit as well. Typically schools will provide you with 1,000,000 in liability when you're enrolled with them and TD said that the liability amount offered by the schools is sufficient.

*Also with the line of credit, you have to continuously pay off the interest each month to continue to get more money. So, sell all your worldly possessions and dump the money into your interest, or just ask mom and dad. Whichever is easier! I personally plan on selling my (dream) car. It's going to be sad seeing her go!

** Regarding USMD Ivy League schools (just for monetary comparison) , the banks are accustomed in dealing with big tuition costs as well. They assured me that they will do whatever they can to get you the money. After all, they're making a fortune off of you

 

[goodvibes99]

Got accepted into RCSI's 5 year program, conditional upon maintaining at least a B average.
For future applicants, here was my general timeline of events prior to my receipt of admission:
-Applied mid-October (including references, personal statement essay, etc. Everything except my Fall marks from my first semester at uni in Canada which were set to be released at the end of January as per my university. The application itself was due mid-November, and I was told my file wouldn't be "complete" until the marks were in, which was around mid-Jan.)
-I was in contact on and off with a member of AB throughout the process just for general questions and to follow up on if they received my documents, etc. (Because there was a time they asked if I could send an unofficial screenshot of my Fall marks in early January, for example.)
-Jan 24 is when I got an email from AB saying that RCSI would like to invite me for an interview
-Early February is when I got a confirmation email from RCSI saying that my interview is confirmed for the date I requested, and that the supplemental application I filled out online was received (available approximately 2 weeks after scheduling the interview)
-The interviews they conducted in Toronto happened on the three days from Feb 27-March 1, you get to pick whichever date and time you like, provided the spots are available
-2 days ago (March 8) I received my conditional offer. So long as I achieve an average of at least a B, I should be all set to go in September!
Hope this helps! 🙂

 

[Lucky.]

Got accepted into RCSI's 5 year program, conditional upon maintaining at least a B average.
For future applicants, here was my general timeline of events prior to my receipt of admission:
-Applied mid-October (including references, personal statement essay, etc. Everything except my Fall marks from my first semester at uni in Canada which were set to be released at the end of January as per my university. The application itself was due mid-November, and I was told my file wouldn't be "complete" until the marks were in, which was around mid-Jan.)
-I was in contact on and off with a member of AB throughout the process just for general questions and to follow up on if they received my documents, etc. (Because there was a time they asked if I could send an unofficial screenshot of my Fall marks in early January, for example.)
-Early February is when I got an email from RCSI saying that they have received my application in full and that, if applicable, they'll contact me for an interview
-Jan 24 is when I got an email from AB saying that RCSI would like to invite me for an interview
-The interviews they conducted in Toronto happened on the three days from Feb 27-March 1, you get to pick whichever date and time you like, provided the spots are available
-2 days ago (March 8) I received my conditional offer. So long as I achieve an average of at least a B, I should be all set to go in September!
Hope this helps! 🙂

EZPZ you got this !

 

[CleverAdvisor]

Got accepted into RCSI's 5 year program, conditional upon maintaining at least a B average.
For future applicants, here was my general timeline of events prior to my receipt of admission:
-Applied mid-October (including references, personal statement essay, etc. Everything except my Fall marks from my first semester at uni in Canada which were set to be released at the end of January as per my university. The application itself was due mid-November, and I was told my file wouldn't be "complete" until the marks were in, which was around mid-Jan.)
-I was in contact on and off with a member of AB throughout the process just for general questions and to follow up on if they received my documents, etc. (Because there was a time they asked if I could send an unofficial screenshot of my Fall marks in early January, for example.)
-Early February is when I got an email from RCSI saying that they have received my application in full and that, if applicable, they'll contact me for an interview
-Jan 24 is when I got an email from AB saying that RCSI would like to invite me for an interview
-The interviews they conducted in Toronto happened on the three days from Feb 27-March 1, you get to pick whichever date and time you like, provided the spots are available
-2 days ago (March 8) I received my conditional offer. So long as I achieve an average of at least a B, I should be all set to go in September!
Hope this helps! 🙂

So ABP let you know you have an interview at RCSI before RCSI told you they have received your application and would contact you if you're offered an interview?

 

[goodvibes99]

So ABP let you know you have an interview at RCSI before RCSI told you they have received your application and would contact you if you're offered an interview?

Sorry! What I meant by my application being complete was about the supplemental application with all my information! Two weeks after scheduling the interview they sent me a link to an application that was required to be completed before the interview itself. So that's what that email was about. 🙂 sorry for any confusion

 

[Nonsibisedomnibus]

Rejected to RCSI on Wednesday
Stats: 509
GPA: 3.4
Applied: Mid-October
Interviewed: Yes (Feb 24th)

 

[Lucky.]

Well.. We’re about to enter another 5 days of anticipation! Best of luck to everyone these coming weekdays! I hope we all get what we’re looking for in this cycle! Don’t forget to keep the rest of us updated!

 

[penguin1234]

Well.. We’re about to enter another 5 days of anticipation! Best of luck to everyone these coming weekdays! I hope we all get what we’re looking for in this cycle! Don’t forget to keep the rest of us updated!

Hey does this mean that we are going to be hearing back from all of the other schools this week other than RCSI?

 

[Lucky.]

Hey does this mean that we are going to be hearing back from all of the other schools this week other than RCSI?

Just comparing our cycle to previous ones, maybe. I wish I could tell indefinitely though. I just think that they (all schools) do all of their offers on week days.

 

[HL94]

When you’re waitlisted at a school you’re still elligable for acceptance. Typically what it means is that you haven’t made the first round cuts but will be offered a spot; given that a first round spot is available. A lot of people will use these Irish schools as a “back up” incase their domestic options fall through. There are second round offers at RCSI that are still yet to be released as well, you will be considered for these also. It’s all just a waiting game now. Typically people will send in letters of intent/interest after they’re waitlisted. With the letter of intent/interest I’ve only seen this in schools you directly apply to, not a program like ABP. Although, I’ve been known to be wrong in the past. Nonetheless you’ve made it this far and not many people get on a waitlist. Congratulations and best of luck !

Do you know if waitlisting happens after an interview, before, or it could be either?

 

[Lucky.]

Do you know if waitlisting happens after an interview, before, or it could be either?

You go on a waitlist when all of the seats for that particular school are filled. You essentially “passed” their requirements but they just found subjectively better applicants. You still have a shot though, people will forfeit their seats due to getting accepted elsewhere, financial issues, or social issues ( homesick, lack of family/friend support in Ireland vs home, less comforts ( ex. No Tim Hortons for us Canadians ))

 

[Lucky.]

I wish that Atlantic Bridge could give us some sort of timeline -- considering that they've been doing this for over a decade!

I asked them about that before and they said that the schools decide when to send letters of acceptance and IIs out. They essentially don’t want anxious applicants calling them constantly because the schools didn’t release their letters on time as promised. I totally agree with you though.

 

[A future MD named JD]

what are the chances of someone from canada getting in with a 3.1 undergraduate cgpa and a 3.7 grad school cgpa? didn't write the mcat, not really planning on it, have some decent ECs though. applied to 5 and 6 year programs at trinity and ucd. haven't heard anything yet. be honest, all insight is appreciated

 

[ealqa]

what are the chances of someone from canada getting in with a 3.1 undergraduate cgpa and a 3.7 grad school cgpa? didn't write the mcat, not really planning on it, have some decent ECs though. applied to 5 and 6 year programs at trinity and ucd. haven't heard anything yet. be honest, all insight is appreciated

From my understanding, they will look at your highschool marks for the six year program, not sure about the 5 yr one.

 

[CleverAdvisor]

what are the chances of someone from canada getting in with a 3.1 undergraduate cgpa and a 3.7 grad school cgpa? didn't write the mcat, not really planning on it, have some decent ECs though. applied to 5 and 6 year programs at trinity and ucd. haven't heard anything yet. be honest, all insight is appreciated

Why don't you write the MCAT? Even if it doesn't affect your application it will give you a good idea whether you will be successful with the heavy load of medical school

 

[goodvibes99]

For the canadians out there...
Are any of you worried about finding a residency after med school?
How are you planning to finance this whole thing?

When I went in for my interview for RCSI, I asked about how difficult it is to get residency after the 5 years and the guy said that they had a 100% success rate for all International students (in terms of them successfully getting a residency position).

 

[AT3]

When I went in for my interview for RCSI, I asked about how difficult it is to get residency after the 5 years and the guy said that they had a 100% success rate for all International students (in terms of them successfully getting a residency position).

Surely this can't be correct.

To be honest I'm having trouble finding matching statistics for the Irish schools back to Canada.

 

[DrLeenient]

Hey everyone! Does anyone know if offers will be initially sent through email or regular mail?

 

[ealqa]

Hey everyone! Does anyone know if offers will be initially sent through email or regular mail?

Email

 

[registerednurse1992]

Hey everyone! Does anyone know if offers will be initially sent through email or regular mail?

The woman I spoke to said as soon as a decision is made, you’ll be notified via e-mail.

 

[bshepard]

Update from the ABP office: only RCSI and 5y UCC have announced first-round decisions. This may or may not be new to a few of you, so I thought I'd share just in case. Also - if you're like me and find yourself thinking about UL, it's not too late to add UL to your application.

Time to go back to biting my nails and compulsively checking my email every 5 minutes...

 

[Lucky.]

Update from the ABP office: only RCSI and 5y UCC have announced first-round decisions. This may or may not be new to a few of you, so I thought I'd share just in case. Also - if you're like me and find yourself thinking about UL, it's not too late to add UL to your application.

Time to go back to biting my nails and compulsively checking my email every 5 minutes...

Has UCC completed their first round decisions ?

I'm honestly hoping that there's a lot of crossed information at ABP. Every time I contacted them they said first rounds were to be going on until late march-early april.

 

[bshepard]

Has UCC completed their first round decisions ?

I'm honestly hoping that there's a lot of crossed information at ABP. Every time I contacted them they said first rounds were to be going on until late march-early april.

I can't say if they have "completed" their first round decisions, but I was told that they have announced for their 5-year program (not 4-year, grad entry).

 

[Armadillo1234]

Has anyone heard back from UCC yet? If not, when should we expect to hear back from them?

 

[Mat0000]

I have received acceptances for 5 ys Program at UCC, I am schools leaver( just finished grade 12 IB)

 

[Mat0000]

Any one going to UCC please share info on accomodation etc

 

[thatiswhat]

When I went in for my interview for RCSI, I asked about how difficult it is to get residency after the 5 years and the guy said that they had a 100% success rate for all International students (in terms of them successfully getting a residency position).

That is definitely an over-exaggeration. I do not think any Irish school has ever had a match rate of 100%. On average, most of the schools have a match rate of around 80% back to North America but this fluctuates every year. For CaRMS specifically, the match rate for the 1st Iteration is probably between 50 to 60% (still much higher than the IMG average of 20%). Also this doesn't account for all the people who choose not to apply each year for a variety of reasons.

 

[JD_01]

Any UL interviews? I got one in Toronto. Didn't hear anything from other GEMs. I like that it is the cheapest out of the 4 GEM schools.

 

[MD_T]

Any UL interviews? I got one in Toronto. Didn't hear anything from other GEMs. I like that it is the cheapest out of the 4 GEM schools.

Congrats on your interview 😀
I'm still waiting to hear back from any GEM Schools. How long ago did you hear from UL? Thanks!

 

[JD_01]

Congrats on your interview 😀
I'm still waiting to hear back from any GEM Schools. How long ago did you hear from UL? Thanks!

Yesterday. They gave us until Friday to book an interview for April.

 

[Lucky.]

So far I've gathered that people have been hearing back from UCC for acceptances, RCSI for acceptances and Interviews and UL for interviews. Has anybody heard back from NUI-G or UCD ?

 

[rzilla]

Any UL interviews? I got one in Toronto. Didn't hear anything from other GEMs. I like that it is the cheapest out of the 4 GEM schools.

Hey, do you mind sharing the interview dates in Toronto? Thanks

 

[CleverAdvisor]

I just got an interview offer for UL and I'm really excited. My application was only sent in about 3 weeks ago so I'm thrilled to be getting an answer so soon.
Interview days are April 12, 13, and 14 in Toronto. Not sure which day I will pick yet.

 

[MD_T]

I just got an interview offer for UL and I'm really excited. My application was only sent in about 3 weeks ago so I'm thrilled to be getting an answer so soon.
Interview days are April 12, 13, and 14 in Toronto. Not sure which day I will pick yet.

Congrats! Did you receive the email today? I hope they are still sending out interview invites :/

 

[CleverAdvisor]

Congrats! Did you receive the email today? I hope they are still sending out interview invites :/

Thanks! Timestamp was 3:30pm today
I believe they will be sending invites all through this week
Deadline to confirm an interview date is March 18

 

[Israa96]

Hello,

Can someone tell me if I have a chance ... I applied late March 1st.

GPA- 3.70 (pharmacology degree)
MCAT - 1st one (506) second one (499)

Currently doing a masters degree - current GPA is 3.3

A Lot of research experience - 300 hours volunteering at hospital, 200 shadowing, 300 community service - alot of leadership positions (2 president positions and 1 vice president)

 

[nuclearbabe93]

just got an interview invite for Limerick as well. As mentioned previously, interviews are indeed conducted in mid-April.

 

[KRT10]

Has anyone heard back yet from UCC for the 4 year GEM program?

 

[bwbyers]

My application was finalized on Monday (2 days ago). Got a UL interview invite today! Booked for April 14.
I had a 3.2 UG gpa (because of first 2 years) and a 4.0 MSc gpa. 512 mcat (128/126/128/130). 5 years research experience, multiple pubs, currently working as a kinesiologist in long term disability. Heard nothing from any other schools yet but don't expect to after 2 days. Which is why this email was so shocking.

 

[Mat0000]

What r the chances of securing internship in Ireland after we finish medical school?

 

[penguin1234]

i got accepted to the 6 year program even though I've done 2 years of undergraduate is anyone else in the same position? or is everyone out of high school there? also, do you know if after the first year we mix with the 5 year programs?