Atlantic Bridge 2021

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Did anyone else receive this email from RCSI? I’m kind of nervous because my application was officially complete in January and I still haven’t heard anything back from them. Called AB and they said to ignore it because multiple students got an email like this and it’s just an error on RCSI’s part...?? Has anyone else heard the same from them?
 

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Has anyone been put on the RCSI waitlist for the 6 year program? Also does anyone know if it is likely that you get in from the waitlist or not? Thanks!!
 
Did anyone else receive this email from RCSI? I’m kind of nervous because my application was officially complete in January and I still haven’t heard anything back from them. Called AB and they said to ignore it because multiple students got an email like this and it’s just an error on RCSI’s part...?? Has anyone else heard the same from them?
I got that email too, it’s just a general email. It doesn’t have to do with your current application. No worries!
 
Has anyone been put on the RCSI waitlist for the 6 year program? Also does anyone know if it is likely that you get in from the waitlist or not? Thanks!!
I’d imagine your odds are pretty good if you’re waitlisted right now as it’s still pretty early on and acceptances go out until august 👍
 
Emailed AB out of curiosity; this information may have been posted previously. They said we should be hearing back within the next two weeks for the 5 year program (NUIG/TCD), however, applications sent in after January are considered second round applications and will hear back end of April/ early May.
 
Does anyone know how the waitlists work exactly considering that there's also different rounds of interviews and acceptance offers? If we get wait-listed, do we have to wait until all the rounds are done by May or June for admissions to start accepting people off the waitlist? Or can you be accepted at any point in the cycle if someone drops from the program?
 
Does anyone know how the waitlists work exactly considering that there's also different rounds of interviews and acceptance offers? If we get wait-listed, do we have to wait until all the rounds are done by May or June for admissions to start accepting people off the waitlist? Or can you be accepted at any point in the cycle if someone drops from the program?
Hello-

That probably would be a great question for AB to get the most accurate info. They are super friendly and helpful!
 
hey all, I received an acceptance to RCSI Gem and I am very excited! its obviously a pretty big decision to move abroad, but one of my biggest concerns are graduating as an IMG and trying to match back into the US especially because I am pretty interested in more competitive specialities (surgery). Anyone have any advice? I know they have a great match rate, but not so great for the more competitive specialties. Will american residency programs look down on you as an IMG from Ireland?

I am an American with Irish residency who didn't get to apply to the US cycle this year because mcat was pushed back so much. So I really don't know if I am competitive for apply to US schools (3.4 gpa, 3.4 sgpa, 508 MCAT, lots of ECs). But applied to AB because I thought it would be a cool option.
 
hey all, I received an acceptance to RCSI Gem and I am very excited! its obviously a pretty big decision to move abroad, but one of my biggest concerns are graduating as an IMG and trying to match back into the US especially because I am pretty interested in more competitive specialities (surgery). Anyone have any advice? I know they have a great match rate, but not so great for the more competitive specialties. Will american residency programs look down on you as an IMG from Ireland?

I am an American with Irish residency who didn't get to apply to the US cycle this year because mcat was pushed back so much. So I really don't know if I am competitive for apply to US schools (3.4 gpa, 3.4 sgpa, 508 MCAT, lots of ECs). But applied to AB because I thought it would be a cool option.
There’s really no telling who will get into US schools. This is my fourth cycle and I’ve yet to even get an II. I don’t understand why as my GPA and MCAT are average, and I have tons of research & clinical experience.
 
There’s really no telling who will get into US schools. This is my fourth cycle and I’ve yet to even get an II. I don’t understand why as my GPA and MCAT are average, and I have tons of research & clinical experience.
I am sorry to hear that 🙁 feels like its all just a numbers game and sometimes luck
 
hey all, I received an acceptance to RCSI Gem and I am very excited! its obviously a pretty big decision to move abroad, but one of my biggest concerns are graduating as an IMG and trying to match back into the US especially because I am pretty interested in more competitive specialities (surgery). Anyone have any advice? I know they have a great match rate, but not so great for the more competitive specialties. Will american residency programs look down on you as an IMG from Ireland?

I am an American with Irish residency who didn't get to apply to the US cycle this year because mcat was pushed back so much. So I really don't know if I am competitive for apply to US schools (3.4 gpa, 3.4 sgpa, 508 MCAT, lots of ECs). But applied to AB because I thought it would be a cool option.
That's a great question. Being an IMG, there definitely is a component of you having to work pretty hard to get back & the specialities you're likely to match back into are on average, less competitive. That being said, I have heard of IMG students who do not match into their desired, competitive specialty their first go-around so after graduating med school, they do a year of research, reapply, and match into what they wanted (thus they were not included in the match statistics).

I have a friend trying to apply to US med school currently and they've been waitlisted like 7 times; their stats for US Med schools are frankly phenomenal. There is certainly some ambiguity going abroad, however, the Atlantic Bridge is definitely a solid option and the door to becoming a physician is open. It might take a lot of hard work -- but that's medical school.

It all is a lot to consider, I'd reference any available match info and maybe speak with some advisors about some students who got into competitive specialties as well as what that took. Best of luck! 🙂

Also, Congratulations on your acceptance!!!!
 
That's a great question. Being an IMG, there definitely is a component of you having to work pretty hard to get back & the specialities you're likely to match back into are on average, less competitive. That being said, I have heard of IMG students who do not match into their desired, competitive specialty their first go-around so after graduating med school, they do a year of research, reapply, and match into what they wanted (thus they were not included in the match statistics).

I have a friend trying to apply to US med school currently and they've been waitlisted like 7 times; their stats for US Med schools are frankly phenomenal. There is certainly some ambiguity going abroad, however, the Atlantic Bridge is definitely a solid option and the door to becoming a physician is open. It might take a lot of hard work -- but that's medical school.

It all is a lot to consider, I'd reference any available match info and maybe speak with some advisors about some students who got into competitive specialties as well as what that took. Best of luck! 🙂
thank you so much! this was super helpful!!
 
Hi,

I recently got accepted into an Irish program and I am also considering the big 3 Caribbean programs such as SGU.

I am confident that everyone in this thread did some research about Caribbean vs Irish re: US. matching chances. I would love it if you can share some thoughts or direct me to a thread that talks about the pros vs cons.

In my opinion, and leaving being IMG, tuition, the reputation of Irish med schools, and other factors out, rather focusing on completing multiple clinical rotation opportunities, preparation for USMLE and ability to do US electives, in your opinion do you think Irish Med School is worth it?

With SGU you end up doing two years of clinical electives in the US. I am very not sure if I should accept my offer (also team but I am sorry but I can't disclose the school name that accepted me).

Thank you in advance.
 
Hi,

I recently got accepted into an Irish program and I am also considering the big 3 Caribbean programs such as SGU.

I am confident that everyone in this thread did some research about Caribbean vs Irish re: US. matching chances. I would love it if you can share some thoughts or direct me to a thread that talks about the pros vs cons.

In my opinion, and leaving being IMG, tuition, the reputation of Irish med schools, and other factors out, rather focusing on completing multiple clinical rotation opportunities, preparation for USMLE and ability to do US electives, in your opinion do you think Irish Med School is worth it?

With SGU you end up doing two years of clinical electives in the US. I am very not sure if I should accept my offer (also team but I am sorry but I can't disclose the school name that accepted me).

Thank you in advance.
I would definitely think Irish medical schools are worth it based off of attrition rates within medical school, as well at match rates afterwards, compared to Caribbean schools.

Both are great options being that your end-goal is to practice medicine. Both are going to certainly prepare you, but the Irish schools have historically very low attrition rates while in the program. I’d have to look at more recent match stats from Caribbean schools. I know the majority of Irish programs are 90%+ match rates and often those who do not immediately match, match later on.

I was considering Caribbean too for some time, I preliminarily applied to SGU. The only thing which majorly stuck out to me was, again, the attrition rates, but there are definitely pros, being that you’re at least in the same hemisphere.

I’ve also heard that Caribbean is a lot more work. I’ll add a video to share from MedSchool Insider which is pretty helpful with Caribbean medicine. Link:

If you’re willing to put in the work, it’s definitely worth it both ways, but both are going to be a lot of work. I believe Irish schools require you to do at least one sub-internship back in the States. The Irish clinical electives are of course in Ireland. I believe SGU has locations in New York and Florida, definitely a pro. Hope this can point you in the right direction! Best of luck!

Edit: here are some more helpful links to Caribbean info, on SDN or sources which use Caribbean med school info.
(the first one is from a current student, very helpful)


 
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Congratulations!!! If you don't mind, I was wondering what are your stats?
Thank you! I recently committed to RCIS too!

My GPA is like a 3.8 at UT-Austin. I come from a liberal arts degree and I’ve got a bunch of extra curriculars. Additionally, I worked in a research wing of a hospital, so both medical research & clinical experience.
 
Thank you! I recently committed to RCIS too!

My GPA is like a 3.8 at UT-Austin. I come from a liberal arts degree and I’ve got a bunch of extra curriculars. Additionally, I worked in a research wing of a hospital, so both medical research & clinical experience.
Out of curiosity does RCSI have a 5 year program in Dublin, or is it the Bahrain campus only that does 5 year?
 
Out of curiosity does RCSI have a 5 year program in Dublin, or is it the Bahrain campus only that does 5 year?
The 5-year program I’m doing w RCSI is in Dublin. I think you have to apply to Bahrain directly (not through Atlantic bridge)
 
Does anyone know the match rate stats for Limerick? They were not in the earlier post someone had with other school's stats
 
Hey everyone!

I was accepted for the GEM program at RCSI (514 MCAT, 3.8 GPA, good EC’s - just for stat purposes). I have already accepted my offer and have even booked student accommodation with Scape. I have received a promotion code that you could use if you book with Scape as well (code: T098761). This will get a €100 Amazon voucher that I would be more than happy to share! Please DM me if you use the code or would like to so that I can get in touch once the voucher comes in!

Looking forward to meeting everyone that is also attending RCSI!! Thanks! 🙂
 
Out of curiosity, does anyone know if deferrals are ever allow? I am pretty financially unstable right now working an entry level job with barely any savings and can't even put down the deposit at this point. I know I can apply for US Federal loans, but I am curious if they would let me defer so I could have a bit more of financial comfort before attending....

At this point I don't even have enough for the deposit so not sure what to do, The program is so expensive, 🙁
 
Out of curiosity, does anyone know if deferrals are ever allow? I am pretty financially unstable right now working an entry level job with barely any savings and can't even put down the deposit at this point. I know I can apply for US Federal loans, but I am curious if they would let me defer so I could have a bit more of financial comfort before attending....

At this point I don't even have enough for the deposit so not sure what to do, The program is so expensive, 🙁
I’ve seen people on this thread say they deferred from last year
 
Funny enough im in the same boat but was accepted and deferred my application to RCSI. I would love to get in contact with incoming RCSI students once they start hearing back.
hey!! just wondering if I could PM you to talk about how you were able to defer?
 
Just got my interview invite for UL! stats: cGPA: 3.05 (terrible first year and a half, but upward trend and 3.8,3.9 in last 2 years) MCAT: 498 first try, 505 second (both were done while taking Summer courses and with only 2-3 months prep, wish I would've prepped for longer..) anyone got any advice for UL interviews, or does anyone have experience with how they'll be conducted? In the email, all it said is that it'll be a 30 min zoom interview.
 
Hi there guys,

I got an email this morning from Trinity saying my portal has been updated, but they never gave me a username or password to log in haha. Does that mean I got accepted haha?

Did anybody else get this email?
 
Hi there guys,

I got an email this morning from Trinity saying my portal has been updated, but they never gave me a username or password to log in haha. Does that mean I got accepted haha?

Did anybody else get this email?
Oh wow! This might mean some good news. Just wait for Atlantic bridge to email you with the offer letter. My offer letter had the login details to the portal with additional information.
 
Oh sweet that makes sense! Yup I forwarded it to my AB advisor (who takes forever to reply back to anything...), hopefully it's good news haha!

If it's okay to ask, what were your stats?
 
Oh sweet that makes sense! Yup I forwarded it to my AB advisor (who takes forever to reply back to anything...), hopefully it's good news haha!

If it's okay to ask, what were your stats?
GPA: 3.53, MCAT: 512. With a strong extracurricular background( Research, volunteering, internships)
 
Hi there guys,

I got an email this morning from Trinity saying my portal has been updated, but they never gave me a username or password to log in haha. Does that mean I got accepted haha?

Did anybody else get this email?
Do you mind sharing your stats? 🙂
 
My fiancee and I also got interviews at RCSI Bahrain yesterday! Which is amazing because we'd like to go somewhere together, obviously.

But I'm literally finding it impossible to find any information on the school and how people were able/not able to match back to Canada. It would be an amazing adventure, but if hospitals aren't willing to consider it at the same caliber of education as Irish schools then it's just not worth it... right?
 
My fiancee and I also got interviews at RCSI Bahrain yesterday! Which is amazing because we'd like to go somewhere together, obviously.

But I'm literally finding it impossible to find any information on the school and how people were able/not able to match back to Canada. It would be an amazing adventure, but if hospitals aren't willing to consider it at the same caliber of education as Irish schools then it's just not worth it... right?

Congrats! I also got an interview invite for RCSI Bahrain. Did your interview invites specify which program it was for?
 
Congrats! I also got an interview invite for RCSI Bahrain. Did your interview invites specify which program it was for?
Thank you! Hmm no didn't specify that, but I thought there was only the one medical program? They said "The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-- Medical University of Bahrain for fall entry 2021"
 
Thank you! Hmm no didn't specify that, but I thought there was only the one medical program? They said "The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-- Medical University of Bahrain for fall entry 2021"
Sorry I meant the duration. As in, did it specify if it was the 5 or 6 year program? When are your interviews?
 
Good news !
did you get the invite from the university direct or Atlantic bridge
And when is the interview date ?
I got the email from Atlantic Bridge from an advisor. It said that I got an interview invite and my interview date is on April 19th at 1 pm 🙂 did you apply to RCIS-Bahrain as well?
 
Hi there guys,

I got an email this morning from Trinity saying my portal has been updated, but they never gave me a username or password to log in haha. Does that mean I got accepted haha?

Did anybody else get this email?
Hey there,

I got the same email and didn't have any login credentials so I clicked on "reset/forgotten password" and was able to get in that way! You can try that out in the meantime if you'd like.

Best of luck!
 
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