Atlantic Bridge 2019 - Chances, Acceptance, Waitlist.

[deleted977531]

Hi Guys, just reading this forum and thought I could update. TCD started sending offers out yesterday, Got mine (YAY!!). Only first round so lots of time though! Good luck!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Texas rebel]

Hi Guys, just reading this forum and thought I could update. TCD started sending offers out yesterday, Got mine (YAY!!). Only first round so lots of time though! Good luck!

Congratulations

 

[Freshmogul]

Hi Guys, just reading this forum and thought I could update. TCD started sending offers out yesterday, Got mine (YAY!!). Only first round so lots of time though! Good luck!

Just got my Trinity offer too, but I have an interview for Limerick on the 12th hoping I'd get in there instead

 

[Paaps]

Hi Guys, just reading this forum and thought I could update. TCD started sending offers out yesterday, Got mine (YAY!!). Only first round so lots of time though! Good luck!

Congratulations. I got too. Have you anything else?

 

[Paaps]

Given a choice between UCD and NUIG which better and why? Any insights appreciated. Someone who is studying in either of them ur tips will be of immense value. Thanks

 

[medhope18]

Just got my Trinity offer too, but I have an interview for Limerick on the 12th hoping I'd get in there instead

I’m in the same boat! I was trying to find out how long UL usually takes to make admission decisions, have you been able to find anything out?

 

[RNtoMed92]

Hi Guys, just reading this forum and thought I could update. TCD started sending offers out yesterday, Got mine (YAY!!). Only first round so lots of time though! Good luck!

Congrats!

 

[deleted977531]

Congratulations. I got too. Have you anything else?

I also got RCSI awhile back, paid the deposit but leaning toward trinity! Congrats to you!

 

[deleted977531]

Does anyone know anything about Trinitys “intern year” is this the same as residency? Just confused why trinity has it but not other schools!

 

[bwbyers]

I’m in the same boat! I was trying to find out how long UL usually takes to make admission decisions, have you been able to find anything out?

Last year I interviewed for UL on the Saturday. On Tuesday I got my rejection email. So they're really fast.

 

[RNtoMed92]

For those of you that just joined having got an acceptance, do you mind sharing your stats?

 

[medhope18]

Last year I interviewed for UL on the Saturday. On Tuesday I got my rejection email. So they're really fast.

Would you be able to give any advice on the interview structure? Is it MMI or more like a pannel interview?

 

[CANTOMURICA]

For those invited to an interview at Limerick, do you mind posting your stats either here or in the Limerick 2019 thread? Congratulations for everyone who's gotten an offer/interview so far!

 

[medhope18]

For those invited to an interview at Limerick, do you mind posting your stats either here or in the Limerick 2019 thread? Congratulations for everyone who's gotten an offer/interview so far!

Undergrad GPA: 3.81(Honours BSc)
MCAT: 504
I have just over 2 years of research experience and I did an honours thesis during my last year if undergrad. I also was able to have volunteer/shadow experience as well as working in a scribe for almost a year now! Hope that helps!

 

[deleted977531]

Just got my Trinity offer too, but I have an interview for Limerick on the 12th hoping I'd get in there instead

May I ask why you want Limerick over Trinity? ( I don't know vry much about Limerick)

 

[bwbyers]

Undergrad GPA: 3.81(Honours BSc)
MCAT: 504
I have just over 2 years of research experience and I did an honours thesis during my last year if undergrad. I also was able to have volunteer/shadow experience as well as working in a scribe for almost a year now! Hope that helps!

The interview is open panel. Just a conversation. Then there is the group portion which is mostly an ice breaker.

As for stats I had a 3.3gpa (rough undergrad starting with a 2.1 in first year, ramped up every year and finished my MSc with a 4.0). Have 5 years research experience in clinical med (pulmonary), with about 8 coauthors and 1 first author/3 coauthors currently in review.
MCAT was 512 (128/126/128/130).
Worked as a health care provider for the last 2 years (kinesiology). Also taught anatomy at the university for 3 years and did tutoring in undergrad.
Limerick is my top choice because of a rural family med interest.

 

[Freshmogul]

I’m in the same boat! I was trying to find out how long UL usually takes to make admission decisions, have you been able to find anything out?

I got an interview last year too on the same day (12th), and they replied with my rejection on the 17th. My trinity offer expires on the 18th, so it's a close call

 

[Freshmogul]

May I ask why you want Limerick over Trinity? ( I don't know vry much about Limerick)

It's less years and it's cheaper!

 

[Arsenalfam]

Any tips for UCD Skype interview. What type of questions and type of prep needed. Thanks

Good luck! It was just an open conversation and the questions weren’t that difficult for me. Just know your resume/CV well and how each of your experiences will be beneficial to you as a doctor. I just had a peek at the UCD medicine website but didn’t do much else to prepare for it. Might be a good idea to have some questions ready for the end too. The interviewer was super nice and cracked jokes every once in a while.

 

[bp1992]

NUIG is still on the table though. It’s not over yet!

Absolutely lots of time yet.

Yup there is still time as I have my interview with Limerick on the 11th and then NUIG as well as a few other schools. Thank you all for the encouragement though!

 

[maudac]

So, has anyone else on this forum received an offer (5 year) from NUIG? Surely, there are others!

 

[rjodonnell]

Hello

I just sent in my materials today (everything from online app, CV, Personal statement, letters of rec, transcript)

3.86 cumulative gpa
3.88 science gpa
512 MCAT (127, 129, 126, 130)
solid research experience, shadowing, volunteering etc.

I spent last year studying abroad at UCC and decided to apply there and RCSI becuase I am eager to start this year and would like to stay in the flow of school.

I waited to apply until I got my MCAT score.

It is very late in the cycle. Do I stand any chance?

 

[Texas rebel]

Hi

Hello

I just sent in my materials today (everything from online app, CV, Personal statement, letters of rec, transcript)

3.86 cumulative gpa
3.88 science gpa
512 MCAT (127, 129, 126, 130)
solid research experience, shadowing, volunteering etc.

I spent last year studying abroad at UCC and decided to apply there and RCSI becuase I am eager to start this year and would like to stay in the flow of school.

I waited to apply until I got my MCAT score.

It is very late in the cycle. Do I stand any chance?

 

[bp1992]

So, has anyone else on this forum received an offer (5 year) from NUIG? Surely, there are others!

Still haven't heard anything yet, even emailed Atlantic bridge earlier today and no response as of now.

 

[F18]

what do you guys think my chances are when applying to UCC and NUIG with
GPA: 3.74/4.0
SGPA: 3.6/4.0
High school Average: About 89%
Non-medical: ~100 hours in a Junior Youth program + ~50 hours in an Islamic community centre / Mosque
Medical/Clinical: ~500 hours being a front desk at a Family doctor clinic + ~100 hours of Doctor shadowing at the same Clinic with a family doctor

 

[Andrew M]

Hey guys, I emailed Atlantic Bridge today and they said that the 5 year first round offers for NUIG and UCC are now complete. If you haven't heard anything yet it means you will be reconsidered again for the second round in a month or so!

 

[h.a.s]

what do you guys think my chances are when applying to UCC and NUIG with
GPA: 3.74/4.0
SGPA: 3.6/4.0
High school Average: About 89%
Non-medical: ~100 hours in a Junior Youth program + ~50 hours in an Islamic community centre / Mosque
Medical/Clinical: ~500 hours being a front desk at a Family doctor clinic + ~100 hours of Doctor shadowing at the same Clinic with a family doctor

Your stats are pretty good, good volunteering, good average. You've a good chance of getting in. Good luck!

 

[F18]

Your stats are pretty good, good volunteering, good average. You've a good chance of getting in. Good luck!

I just hope im not late, because I just decided to start my application. Hopefully, I get a chance in the second rounds of UCC or NUIG.

Thanks again1

 

[bp1992]

Hi there, I was just wondering is UCD starting the 2nd round of offers or is that done?

I just heard back from Atlantic Bridge and they said that second round offers for UCD will be near the end of April.

 

[chickpea27]

Deciding between Trinity and UCD GEM for this year entry. Any advice from anyone??

 

[bp1992]

Deciding between Trinity and UCD GEM for this year entry. Any advice from anyone??

It depends on if you are Canadian or an US student. UCD has 11 rotations in the US for electives while only have 2 in Canada. Trinity mainly has electives placed in the US so if you wanted a Canadian elective you would have to find it yourself. Also UCD is 4 years while trinity is 5 so there is an extra cost with trinity. Trinity does have an amazing program and world known recognition so a lot will depend what exactly you are looking for in a med school and where you want to practice after med school. Also to consider US student can only use government loans at UCD while Canadian students can use government loans at either school.

 

[medDReaming]

Got accepted to UCC (GEM) yesterday!

Has anyone started looking into housing & loans/lines of credit?

Congrats! I'm also accepted to UCC GEM! I'm looking into the best housing and credit options right now. Still lots to figure out, but would be happy to share thoughts and ideas with any one at the same stage

 

[Texas rebel]

It depends on if you are Canadian or an US student. UCD has 11 rotations in the US for electives while only have 2 in Canada. Trinity mainly has electives placed in the US so if you wanted a Canadian elective you would have to find it yourself. Also UCD is 4 years while trinity is 5 so there is an extra cost with trinity. Trinity does have an amazing program and world known recognition so a lot will depend what exactly you are looking for in a med school and where you want to practice after med school. Also to consider US student can only use government loans at UCD while Canadian students can use government loans at either school.

Hello,
Thank you ,
Do you have any knowledge on how many rotations RCSI have for electives for US students?

 

[rjodonnell]

Deciding between Trinity and UCD GEM for this year entry. Any advice from anyone??

Trinity doesn’t seem to have a 4 year course on Antlantic Bridge. Does Trinity have a different application?

 

[bp1992]

Hello,
Thank you ,
Do you have any knowledge on how many rotations RCSI have for electives for US students?

From the pdf brochure that RCSI provides on the Atlantic bridge site it doesn't list exactly how many rotations it has available but it does look like that they follow the clinical elective model where they seem to help you set you rotations to be done during the summer (not entirely sure). Apparently they have an entire career development team dedicated to building relationships with NA clinical sites for students to be able to go to. They do list some sites they have links to such as Johns Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic in MN, and a few others but do not provide a definitive list.

 

[Texas rebel]

From the pdf brochure that RCSI provides on the Atlantic bridge site it doesn't list exactly how many rotations it has available but it does look like that they follow the clinical elective model where they seem to help you set you rotations to be done during the summer (not entirely sure). Apparently they have an entire career development team dedicated to building relationships with NA clinical sites for students to be able to go to. They do list some sites they have links to such as Johns Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic in MN, and a few others but do not provide a definitive list.

Thank you and good luck with your interview.

 

[goldeneyes]

Congrats! I'm also accepted to UCC GEM! I'm looking into the best housing and credit options right now. Still lots to figure out, but would be happy to share thoughts and ideas with any one at the same stage

Is there a UCC 2019 thread?

Also for any of the Canadians - what is the best line of credit you’ve seen? Currently considering BMO just because they offer the largest loan.

 

[chickpea27]

Trinity doesn’t seem to have a 4 year course on Antlantic Bridge. Does Trinity have a different application?

Hey no Trinity doesn't have a 4 year course. I got into the 5 year course and am considering between that and UCD now :/

 

[chickpea27]

It depends on if you are Canadian or an US student. UCD has 11 rotations in the US for electives while only have 2 in Canada. Trinity mainly has electives placed in the US so if you wanted a Canadian elective you would have to find it yourself. Also UCD is 4 years while trinity is 5 so there is an extra cost with trinity. Trinity does have an amazing program and world known recognition so a lot will depend what exactly you are looking for in a med school and where you want to practice after med school. Also to consider US student can only use government loans at UCD while Canadian students can use government loans at either school.

Thank you for this! I'm actually neither US nor Canada...haha. I do see the benefit of being in a shorter program (UCD): costs and time wise + being amongst similar graduate students. However, Trinity does have a good reputation so I was wondering if any graduate entry students in Trinity can share their experience??

 

[F18]

Is there a UCC 2019 thread?

Also for any of the Canadians - what is the best line of credit you’ve seen? Currently considering BMO just because they offer the largest loan.

Hey, i checked CIBC, RBC, BMO and TD. I think I will stick with RBC cuz i have an account open with them, along with my parents. I would suggest keeping yourself with what you have, unless you have a good chance of getting the loan. When i went to BMO, they said it is not impossible but we don't guarantee it

 

[dani.cardio]

Congrats! I'm also accepted to UCC GEM! I'm looking into the best housing and credit options right now. Still lots to figure out, but would be happy to share thoughts and ideas with any one at the same stage

Congrats to you as well! I've spoken to a few Canadian UCC grads and they've all suggested living in Sheares Gate for first year and then finding a different place in second year. Yeah, definitely a lot to figure out especially bank loans/line of credit.

I'm happy to chat about this process too!

 

[F18]

How long does it take for Atlantic bridge to send you application Acknowledgement email? They said from 1-3 business days but didn't get anything so far. Also, do they let you know when they have received your documents?

 

[bp1992]

How long does it take for Atlantic bridge to send you application Acknowledgement email? They said from 1-3 business days but didn't get anything so far. Also, do they let you know when they have received your documents?

I got mine within 1-2 business days, it depends on when you sent it in. If you sent it in over the weekend the business days do not start until the following Monday.

 

[markygtm]

Hey there, we're working out LOCs with the banks now. I personally talked to CIBC, RBC, BMO, and Scotiabank. Scotia offered the best to me by a long shot (better rates, better cards/benefits, better payment schedule)! If you DM me I can send you more details about the terms.

For some reason, it isn't letting me send you a DM. I also got accepted to a GEM program in Ireland for next year as a Canadian and I am looking into the different bank LOC. Can you please DM me what Scotiabank offered? Also, did you go to any branch or found a specialist?

I contacted RBC and they seemed to think that their LOC can only go up to 150000$ with a co-signer, TD said that they might be able to go up to $300000 with a strong co-signer but they honestly didn't seem eager with the process.

 

[F18]

So far CIBC, BMO, and Scotiabank are willing go to +$300K. You're right that RBC capped international schools at $150K. The local Scotia reps I talked to at my neighbourhood branch were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, each city/region also has a dedicated med student rep that you can go through as well I heard. Will PM you more details!

I agree with the banks that give you 300K, but there are some benefits of RBC, and they can also go up to 200k to 250k if you ask. I am currently in the process of this and I will update you if they will give me 250k or at least 200k. BMO seemed to be so complicated and they had restrictions on the payments. They also didn't give me the guarantee of giving me the loan, so i didnt feel comfortable to continue with them. Still though, BMO gives the most :/

 

[h.a.s]

Hey there, we're working out LOCs with the banks now. I personally talked to CIBC, RBC, BMO, and Scotiabank. Scotia offered the best to me by a long shot (better rates, better cards/benefits, better payment schedule)! If you DM me I can send you more details about the terms.

I went to Scotiabank but they told me they no longer offer loans for students studying outside of NA. That's strange...maybe every location is different?

 

[goldeneyes]

For some reason, it isn't letting me send you a DM. I also got accepted to a GEM program in Ireland for next year as a Canadian and I am looking into the different bank LOC. Can you please DM me what Scotiabank offered? Also, did you go to any branch or found a specialist?

I contacted RBC and they seemed to think that their LOC can only go up to 150000$ with a co-signer, TD said that they might be able to go up to $300000 with a strong co-signer but they honestly didn't seem eager with the process.

This was also my experience with RBC and TD.

I agree with the banks that give you 300K, but there are some benefits of RBC, and they can also go up to 200k to 250k if you ask. I am currently in the process of this and I will update you if they will give me 250k or at least 200k. BMO seemed to be so complicated and they had restrictions on the payments. They also didn't give me the guarantee of giving me the loan, so i didnt feel comfortable to continue with them. Still though, BMO gives the most :/

What are the complicated aspects at BMO??? they never mentioned this to me..

Hey there, we're working out LOCs with the banks now. I personally talked to CIBC, RBC, BMO, and Scotiabank. Scotia offered the best to me by a long shot (better rates, better cards/benefits, better payment schedule)! If you DM me I can send you more details about the terms.

Can you DM me your Scotia bank info? this is the one bank I havent really looked into!

 

[F18]

This was also my experience with RBC and TD.



What are the complicated aspects at BMO??? they never mentioned this to me..


Can you DM me your Scotia bank info? this is the one bank I haven't really looked into!

First of all, when I went to BMO, they told me the interest is 5.95% which is very high comparing to other banks like RBC which offered me 3.75%.

Secondly, with BMO, give you only what your tuition is every year. With RBC, you can take 200k all at once, 50k or whatever you want and that amount is going to be applied for interest.

Thirdly, BMO wants people who they trust and they need people who got a co-signer who has an income that pays bills and loans and whatever is left has to be 42% or less. Anything above 42%, they won't bother looking at your application (This rule actually applies to most banks and as far as I know it applies to RBC too BUT, RBC can be negotiated with because I have an account with them that has a saving account and money in it that can gain their trust)

With BMO, you have to open an account and put some good load of money in it, to gain their trust. Basically, go with the bank that your co-signer has an account with. I found RBC gives the lowest (around 150k for RBC, but BMO, Scotia, TD, and CIBC give around 200k to 325k), but since I have an account with RBC, they can give me an exception and actually raise that amount to 250k or 300k if I'm lucky.

From what I have seen, get you a banking advisor who writes your application well, because from what I heard, if the advisor can actually convince the line of credit department that you will become a doctor and pay the money, and you have good amounts of money in their bank (saving account) they can actually give you up to 300k even when you are studying abroad. That's almost double what they say on the website.

I have a friend who got 500k for dentistry..... idk how but i just know he was able to get it :/

 

[goldeneyes]

First of all, when I went to BMO, they told me the interest is 5.95% which is very high comparing to other banks like RBC which offered me 3.75%.

Secondly, with BMO, give you only what your tuition is every year. With RBC, you can take 200k all at once, 50k or whatever you want and that amount is going to be applied for interest.

Thirdly, BMO wants people who they trust and they need people who got a co-signer who has an income that pays bills and loans and whatever is left has to be 42% or less. Anything above 42%, they won't bother looking at your application (This rule actually applies to most banks and as far as I know it applies to RBC too BUT, RBC can be negotiated with because I have an account with them that has a saving account and money in it that can gain their trust)

With BMO, you have to open an account and put some good load of money in it, to gain their trust. Basically, go with the bank that your co-signer has an account with. I found RBC gives the lowest (around 150k for RBC, but BMO, Scotia, TD, and CIBC give around 200k to 325k), but since I have an account with RBC, they can give me an exception and actually raise that amount to 250k or 300k if I'm lucky.

From what I have seen, get you a banking advisor who writes your application well, because from what I heard, if the advisor can actually convince the line of credit department that you will become a doctor and pay the money, and you have good amounts of money in their bank (saving account) they can actually give you up to 300k even when you are studying abroad. That's almost double what they say on the website.

I have a friend who got 500k for dentistry..... idk how but i just know he was able to get it :/

So i met with BMO and they said prime minus 0.25% ... all of the different info being given to different people is extremely confusing..

also, BMO lets you access 1/4 of the loan amount for each year of school. I think they're probably trying to protect from a student blowing 300K in the first year and not finishing their education. This shouldn't really be a problem because your budgeting should be spread out over four years anyways.

 

[F18]

So i met with BMO and they said prime minus 0.25% ... all of the different info being given to different people is extremely confusing..

also, BMO lets you access 1/4 of the loan amount for each year of school. I think they're probably trying to protect from a student blowing 300K in the first year and not finishing their education. This shouldn't really be a problem because your budgeting should be spread out over four years anyways.

I totally agree with you, but sometimes it can be bad. For example, you were lucky that your co-signer decided to step in and pay some tuition fees or you won something, etc. With RBC, you are free to do so because the money is in the bag for you and you can take as much as you want, whenever you want. With BMO, it's like you are forced to take it if you signed that contract with me. That's just my opinion.

PM me, and I can send you the email the banking advisor sent me a couple hours ago from BMO.