Atlantic Bridge 2019 - Chances, Acceptance, Waitlist.

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Did anyone hear in the past one week for UCD 6 yr program

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is it true NUI Galway sends out their letters around 24th of April ?
 
does anyone have information about RCSI Bahrain and if its worth it or not?

I’m guessing you got the interview invite too? I got one, but then realized it’s not the Dublin location...feel kinda silly but at least I learned this now and not after I got accepted or something! I don’t think I will be attending the interview. I hear matching back to N.A is much much harder.
 
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I just received my acceptance into NUIG!!! A little shocked as when I had emailed Atlantic bridge last week during the first rounds they said I hadn't received one but just got the accpetence email and letter today so :)
Congrats! I also received my acceptance letter from NUIG a little over a week ago!
 
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I just received my acceptance into NUIG!!! A little shocked as when I had emailed Atlantic bridge last week during the first rounds they said I hadn't received one but just got the accpetence email and letter today so :)
Have you paid the deposit and are u going.
 
I have until the 24th to decide, I haven't paid the deposit yet as still have to hear back from other schools to weigh my options but still probably going to NUIG
 
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Hi everyone! I was hoping to receive some advice. I have been accepted to Trinity and also have an interview for Limerick coming up soon. Originally Limerick was my #1 choice as I feel it is the best financial option for me, especially when compared to the 5-year program at Trinity (this assuming I get an offer after the interview, which I know can be a big assumption as interviews for med school are quite hard).
I know this may be a running before I can walk situation as I have not had an offer from Limerick yet but I can't help going through all of the "what if" scenarios. I was really just hoping there are some current/past students from these schools that can give me a better insight into how the program is, how studying for the board exams are (i.e. if they feel they get adequate time to prepare), how to schedule NA electives/ when they get time to take them and overall how matching back to NA is.
After having some time to think about it and look at both programs I really love Trinity and the extra year is not really something that bothers me so much. I had to sacrifice going to an undergrad school I really loved as I wanted to be able to graduate from my undergrad debt-free. That being said, I want to be able to go the school I feel will #1 give me the best opportunity to become a physician and #2 be a second home to me. I know both schools are very pricey however, I am not bothered by the cost as I see it as an investment in what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. I would love any insight into both programs! (Again going on the big assumption that I do get an offer from Limerick after the interview)
 
I’m guessing you got the interview invite too? I got one, but then realized it’s not the Dublin location...feel kinda silly but at least I learned this now and not after I got accepted or something! I don’t think I will be attending the interview. I hear matching back to N.A is much much harder.


Yup, i made the same mistake, so don't worry were on the same boat. Yeah i was just asking to see if maybe you can transfer to RCSI dublin after a year or something :(
 
Country of Origin: Canada
Schools applied to: NUIG and TCD (5 year programs)
First choice: NUIG
GPA: cGPA 3.5 UofT, last 2 years sGPA: 3.87
EC: volunteering at hospitals, varsity hockey team captain, co-council on student-athlete boards, etc.
MCAT: didn't write it

When did you get your application in by? I got mine in mid to end of January so I’m assuming I will be in the second round. But I have VERY similar stats to you so I’m remaining hopeful!!
 
Yup, i made the same mistake, so don't worry were on the same boat. Yeah i was just asking to see if maybe you can transfer to RCSI dublin after a year or something :(

I already emailed! Robert said you are only eligible to do one semester in Dublin. I guess we wait for the others...did you apply to Galway and Dublin too? The other 5 year programs?
 
I already emailed! Robert said you are only eligible to do one semester in Dublin. I guess we wait for the others...did you apply to Galway and Dublin too? The other 5 year programs?
I did a pretty awful job applying for the schools, i applied to cork, dublin, limerick and rcsi-bahrain. unfortunately i didn't apply to the Ireland one for some odd reason.

best of luck to you!
 
When did you get your application in by? I got mine in mid to end of January so I’m assuming I will be in the second round. But I have VERY similar stats to you so I’m remaining hopeful!!
I got mine in kind of late because I was procrastinating it like crazy. I just went through my emails and saw I completed the application on Feb 19th.

Definitely remain hopeful! I'm sure it will all go well :)
 
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is it true NUI Galway sends out their letters around 24th of April ?
I applied like march 10 so very late as well as I was still holding out for a couple US schools, so there is still plenty of time and hope!
 
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I applied like march 10 so very late as well as I was still holding out for a couple US schools, so there is still plenty of time and hope!
I applied March 25th LOL
 
I just got an offer from RCSI for the 5 year program! Is there anyone here who currently goes there that would be willing to talk about their experience so far?

Did you get any other acceptances? It’s a long shot, but I’m trying to see what my RCSI-MUB interview invitation means in terms of my shot at other schools haha.
 
I believe all of the irish schools have the ECFMG accreditation and the canadian equivalent, from my understanding we would just have to individually apply for ECFMG accreditation before writing the USMLEs
I actually got confirmation - Irish schools do not have ECFMG accreditation for past 2023. They are in the finally step of receiving that approval but won't find out until October when ECFMG sends representative to evaluate how the Irish Medical Council does accreditation.
 
I actually got confirmation - Irish schools do not have ECFMG accreditation for past 2023. They are in the finally step of receiving that approval but won't find out until October when ECFMG sends representative to evaluate how the Irish Medical Council does accreditation.
Ok awesome. That is good to know, thank you!
 
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Hi everyone!

I was wondering what are the chances for a Canadian student to match back after studying at the University of Limerick. Also when checking the schools schedule it says classes begin in July. Wasn't sure if this is an accelerated med program compared to other schools that begin in August.

Furthermore, I was really unsure on whether sgu or limerick is the better option. Cost wise, sgu is more expensive but they also have a 2 year rotation period in the states unlike limerick.

Can someone please give me information on both programs and steer me in the right direction? For a Canadian wishing to return back to Canada, which program is more beneficial?

Thanks :)
 
Isnt UCD only for 4 year program?, cuz the tuition fees are actually big difference.

Yes, UCD is only 4 year at ~50K EURO/yr. Even though cost is a factor, I'm more concerned about the overall curriculum, opportunities for electives, and environment between the two. Any insight from a current UCD student would be amazing!! Please!
 
Does anyone know when UCC 5 y/r program will release their next round?
 
Not sure about 5 year programs but I spoke with AB recently and they said end of april or early may is when they (UCC and RCSI) can send out 2nd round offers for GEM applicants
 
Not sure about 5 year programs but I spoke with AB recently and they said end of april or early may is when they (UCC and RCSI) can send out 2nd round offers for GEM applicants
I thought 5 year program is not only for GEM, but also people who didn't finish their undergrad. I applied to NUIG, and UCC 5 year program because I didn't do MCAT and Im second year undergrad. I applied late, so I am trying to see when their second-round offers will be released
 
I thought 5 year program is not only for GEM, but also people who didn't finish their undergrad. I applied to NUIG, and UCC 5 year program because I didn't do MCAT and Im second year undergrad. I applied late, so I am trying to see when their second-round offers will be released
The 5 year is only for those who havent finished an undergrad degree while the GEM (4 year) program is for those who have a completed degree and taken the mcat.
 
The 5 year is only for those who havent finished an undergrad degree while the GEM (4 year) program is for those who have a completed degree and taken the mcat.
But im pretty sure 5-year program can also be for people who took 1 year or more in an undergrad program.

- On AB website:
There are two pathways of entry to the Five-Year Programs.
Second Pathway: Currently attending college/university but will not have an undergraduate degree by the September entry.
Candidates in the above categories may apply to the following schools:
  • The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
  • The National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)
  • University College Cork (UCC)
  • The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI-MUB).
 
But im pretty sure 5-year program can also be for people who took 1 year or more in an undergrad program.

- On AB website:
There are two pathways of entry to the Five-Year Programs.
Second Pathway: Currently attending college/university but will not have an undergraduate degree by the September entry.
Candidates in the above categories may apply to the following schools:
  • The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
  • The National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)
  • University College Cork (UCC)
  • The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI-MUB).
5-years are also for graduates of a UG that don’t have MCAT scores. Only 6-year programs are restricted to high school slash early UG
 
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5-years are also for graduates of a UG that don’t have MCAT scores. Only 6-year programs are restricted to high school slash early UG
so most likely if I get an offer, it will be a six-year offer eh?
 
5-years are also for graduates of a UG that don’t have MCAT scores. Only 6-year programs are restricted to high school slash early UG
You can apply to TCD and NUIG 5 year even if you have written the mcat they just dont look at them when evaluating your application.
 
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Hi everyone, :)
I applied to NUIG and TCD, and I have not heard anything back yet. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on my chances of getting accepted given my background:

Education:
Honours Bachelor in Health Sciences: 3.3/4 GPA (my first year was horrible, and it really brought down my GPA).
Bachelors in Social Sciences: 3.7/4 GPA
Masters in Sociology (to be completed in august): 3.9/4 GPA - my work focuses on surgical adverse events in orthopaedic surgery and I work directly with surgeons.

Research/teaching
I work as an RA in the faculty of medicine
2 years teaching experience as a TA
+35K in graduate research funding
5 published peer-review journal articles

Volunteer work
Have not volunteered over the past 1.5 years due to research work, but I have a lot of previous volunteer experience

I have not written the MCAT

I applied to both NUIG and TCD back before I started my masters and prior to my publications/surgical research and I did not get in. However, I was relatively confident with my application this year given that I have really vamped up my CV, so I was extremely disappointed when I did not receive a first round offer.

Do you guys think I have a chance of getting in this year?
 
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Hi everyone, :)
I applied to NUIG and TCD, and I have not heard anything back yet. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on my chances of getting accepted given my background:

Education:
Honours Bachelor in Health Sciences: 3.3/4 GPA (my first year was horrible, and it really brought down my GPA).
Bachelors in Social Sciences: 3.7/4 GPA
Masters in Sociology (to be completed in august): 3.9/4 GPA - my work focuses on surgical adverse events in orthopaedic surgery and I work directly with surgeons.

Research/teaching
I work as an RA in the faculty of medicine
2 years teaching experience as a TA
+35K in graduate research funding
5 published peer-review journal articles

Volunteer work
Have not volunteered over the past 1.5 years due to research work, but I have a lot of previous volunteer experience

I have not written the MCAT

I applied to both NUIG and TCD back before I started my masters and prior to my publications/surgical research and I did not get in. However, I was relatively confident with my application this year given that I have really vamped up my CV, so I was extremely disappointed when I did not receive a first round offer.

Do you guys think I have a chance of getting in this year?
Honestly, you seem to have a great chance of getting in with all that background. I dont know if they take into consideration your 3.3/4.0 in HS. Your research is good too. When I was talking to a family doctor who knows about NUIG, he said they usually take time evaluating their applicants, hence they take forever to reply back with offers. I believe you have a great chance. Matter fact, you should def. try your luck and apply in US or Canada. There's still hope so keep your head up!
 
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Hi everyone, :)
I applied to NUIG and TCD, and I have not heard anything back yet. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on my chances of getting accepted given my background:

Education:
Honours Bachelor in Health Sciences: 3.3/4 GPA (my first year was horrible, and it really brought down my GPA).
Bachelors in Social Sciences: 3.7/4 GPA
Masters in Sociology (to be completed in august): 3.9/4 GPA - my work focuses on surgical adverse events in orthopaedic surgery and I work directly with surgeons.

Research/teaching
I work as an RA in the faculty of medicine
2 years teaching experience as a TA
+35K in graduate research funding
5 published peer-review journal articles

Volunteer work
Have not volunteered over the past 1.5 years due to research work, but I have a lot of previous volunteer experience

I have not written the MCAT

I applied to both NUIG and TCD back before I started my masters and prior to my publications/surgical research and I did not get in. However, I was relatively confident with my application this year given that I have really vamped up my CV, so I was extremely disappointed when I did not receive a first round offer.

Do you guys think I have a chance of getting in this year?

I’m in a similar boat!! Lots of publications, decent GPA, some volunteer stuff from like a year and a bit ago, etc etc. I’m remaining hopeful! I haven’t heard back from NUIG or TCD. But one thing I did find really reassuring is someone else on this forum who has pretty much the same stats as me (and therefore, you) got into NUIG I think it was. So fingers crossed!! Hopefully we get our acceptances soon!!

Also I got offered an interview for Bahrain (probably won’t take an offer there if I get it), but at least it means these stats are competitive!
 
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Thanks for the boost of confidence, I really appreciate it. I also hope we all get our acceptance soon!!
Does anyone know on average how many 2nd round offers are made? I asked Robert last week, and he just said that it varies from year-to-year and their is no guarantee how many offers will be made.
To be honest this whole 'rolling admission' process is not clear to me. For instance, are second round offers sent out based on the number of people who rejected the first round offer. i.e. 10 people turned down NUIG, so 10 new offers are sent out in the 2nd round?
 
Thanks for the boost of confidence, I really appreciate it. I also hope we all get our acceptance soon!!
Does anyone know on average how many 2nd round offers are made? I asked Robert last week, and he just said that it varies from year-to-year and their is no guarantee how many offers will be made.
To be honest this whole 'rolling admission' process is not clear to me. For instance, are second round offers sent out based on the number of people who rejected the first round offer. i.e. 10 people turned down NUIG, so 10 new offers are sent out in the 2nd round?


Honestly I thought I understood it, but I really don’t . I thought it was based on when you got your application in by. But someone who applied 1.5 months after me was invited by the first round of offers and Robert told me I may be considered in the second round for an offer.
 
I think what they are doing this year is the following. When they gave out their first rounds for NUIG, they set a deadline on 24th of April, which is the same day second round offers were sent out last year. So as you said, they will have set of applicants already accepted, but they could increase the number of offers based on how many people declining their offers from first round. Also from AB, they said they releasing second offers end of April/ beginning of May. So I have a feeling they will use this strategy :)

Good luck to everyone!!!
 
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Hi everyone, :)
I applied to NUIG and TCD, and I have not heard anything back yet. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on my chances of getting accepted given my background:

Education:
Honours Bachelor in Health Sciences: 3.3/4 GPA (my first year was horrible, and it really brought down my GPA).
Bachelors in Social Sciences: 3.7/4 GPA
Masters in Sociology (to be completed in august): 3.9/4 GPA - my work focuses on surgical adverse events in orthopaedic surgery and I work directly with surgeons.

Research/teaching
I work as an RA in the faculty of medicine
2 years teaching experience as a TA
+35K in graduate research funding
5 published peer-review journal articles

Volunteer work
Have not volunteered over the past 1.5 years due to research work, but I have a lot of previous volunteer experience

I have not written the MCAT

I applied to both NUIG and TCD back before I started my masters and prior to my publications/surgical research and I did not get in. However, I was relatively confident with my application this year given that I have really vamped up my CV, so I was extremely disappointed when I did not receive a first round offer.

Do you guys think I have a chance of getting in this year?
Stay confident! I was accepted at NUIG with 3.25 in UG and 3.9 in MSc. Lots of ECs, research etc. etc. so you have a shot!!
 
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Stay confident! I was accepted at NUIG with 3.25 in UG and 3.9 in MSc. Lots of ECs, research etc. etc. so you have a shot!!
Congrats on getting in!
I am keeping my fingers crossed for the second round of admissions.
 
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I'm a current GEM1 student at UCD from Canada. If anyone has questions I'm happy to answer them!
 
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I'm a current GEM1 student at UCD from Canada. If anyone has questions I'm happy to answer them!
Hi
Waiting to hear from the committee at UCD for the 6 yr, I am directly from HS. I have been accepted at NUIG now not sure if this comes to decide between NUIG and UCD. I am also from ON Canada. Any feedback on electives, residency match and life at UCD, appreciated. Thanks a lot
 
Stay confident! I was accepted at NUIG with 3.25 in UG and 3.9 in MSc. Lots of ECs, research etc. etc. so you have a shot!!
How do find NUIG, in general. Electives and residency programs at NUIG. I have been accepted for a 6 yr program st from high school.
 
Hi
Waiting to hear from the committee at UCD for the 6 yr, I am directly from HS. I have been accepted at NUIG now not sure if this comes to decide between NUIG and UCD. I am also from ON Canada. Any feedback on electives, residency match and life at UCD, appreciated. Thanks a lot

Hey there,

Congratulations on your acceptance!

Re electives: I'm not entirely sure. As a GEM1 we're told to just focus on things year by year. GEM2 is focusing on the USMLE. In GEM3 its sorting out your North American electives between the summer of 3rd and 4th year. Ontario electives are a lottery system between all Ontario medical schools. I'm not sure about other provinces.

Re match: We have our match talk next week. I'm friends with 2 GEM4s, both matched back to Ontario. I'm not sure about the other North Americans.

Re life at UCD: It's great. The Irish have the work-life balance nailed in my opinion. Just yesterday was "Med Cup" where we played in a soccer tournament against all the med classes to raise money for charity. We didn't have lectures and there was a student-professor match too.

Hope that helps a bit- sorry I don't have a solid answer about electives/residency.
 
How do find NUIG, in general. Electives and residency programs at NUIG. I have been accepted for a 6 yr program st from high school.

I was only accepted this year for Fall 2019 start. There's inherent risk with going abroad and matching is only becoming more and more competitive (I'm considering not going). Within Canada, there is push to eliminate IMGs from applying to residency because of the lack of spots available - Fingers crossed this doesn't EVER happen. Have you considered doing a bach at home first and then considering abroad after trying your luck in the CA/USA admissions process?
 
I was only accepted this year for Fall 2019 start. There's inherent risk with going abroad and matching is only becoming more and more competitive (I'm considering not going). Within Canada, there is push to eliminate IMGs from applying to residency because of the lack of spots available - Fingers crossed this doesn't EVER happen. Have you considered doing a bach at home first and then considering abroad after trying your luck in the CA/USA admissions process?

Have had my own self doubts naturally, but also think you need to be positive going into the process. We all acknowledge that it's bloody tough with an IMG status, but nothing is impossible and from what I'm learning (talking to others and my own research), it is more than doable with strong LORs, focused electives, and a strong track record overall (i.e. academics, USMLEs). Definitely consider CA/USA at home first, but also be willing to stay open minded and adaptable. These AB acceptances are also not handed out blindly and Canadian medical graduates are having their own issues with the number of unmatched CMGs increasing each year. The whole field is competitive and becoming tougher each year, nothing is guaranteed. But with enough resilience and self-belief, I think these difficulties can be managed. At the end of the day, I guess it's about how much you really want it. You obviously have to be adaptable and willing to go wherever the journey takes you. Which, for many of us, seems to be the case.
 
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Have had my own self doubts naturally, but also think you need to be positive going into the process. We all acknowledge that it's bloody tough with an IMG status, but nothing is impossible and from what I'm learning (talking to others and my own research), it is more than doable with strong LORs, focused electives, and a strong track record overall (i.e. academics, USMLEs). Definitely consider CA/USA at home first, but also be willing to stay open minded and adaptable. These AB acceptances are also not handed out blindly and Canadian medical graduates are having their own issues with the number of unmatched CMGs increasing each year. The whole field is competitive and becoming tougher each year, nothing is guaranteed. But with enough resilience and self-belief, I think these difficulties can be managed. At the end of the day, I guess it's about how much you really want it. You obviously have to be adaptable and willing to go wherever the journey takes you. Which, for many of us, seems to be the case.
I honestly look at it same way. I know how hard it is to match back and apply for residency, and how much you will be in debt if u don't get a job. At the end of the day, my dream is to become a doctor, and if my destiny is to go to Ireland, then I go to Ireland :) I don't think about this stuff now because I have already set my mind to go to Ireland and prepared for it. I hope you do the same to keep your mentality up. In the end, it will be 4-6 years until you actually graduate, you never know how it will be but hopefully only positive things :)
 
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Hey there,

Congratulations on your acceptance!

Re electives: I'm not entirely sure. As a GEM1 we're told to just focus on things year by year. GEM2 is focusing on the USMLE. In GEM3 its sorting out your North American electives between the summer of 3rd and 4th year. Ontario electives are a lottery system between all Ontario medical schools. I'm not sure about other provinces.

Re match: We have our match talk next week. I'm friends with 2 GEM4s, both matched back to Ontario. I'm not sure about the other North Americans.

Re life at UCD: It's great. The Irish have the work-life balance nailed in my opinion. Just yesterday was "Med Cup" where we played in a soccer tournament against all the med classes to raise money for charity. We didn't have lectures and there was a student-professor match too.

Hope that helps a bit- sorry I don't have a solid answer about electives/residency.
Wow. Thanks a lot, this is quite informative. All the best to you.
 
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Do you guys know when UCC release their second-round offers for the 5-year program? I know NUIG is around 24-27 of April, but UCC I have no idea.
 
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