Atlantic Bridge?

Hey..

I applied through the atlantic bridge and got into a school in ireland.
THere is no gimmick and it's the real deal!!!

anyway... i can only answer your first question since i haven't even been in ireland yet!
goodluck

 

Atlantic bridge is just a way for the Irish schools to streamline and sort applications to Irish medical schools. You apply to them for all the schools (except one small one).

As they don't actually work for any of the schools I found them really, really helpful and friendly to deal with. Imagine your grand parents were applying to med school for you - that's kind of what it was like.

The only problem I'd have with them is their boasting "a 100% match rate for students wanting to return to the US". I don't believe that for a second and they don't really have anyway of tracking it. Still, the return rate from the graduating years is at least over 50%. But yeah, if you're a poor student and/or an idiot, you'll never really be able to come back.

 

Sage 880....

So there is at least a 50% return rate uh? So you really have to work your butt off to come back uh?

 

I don't see why a 100% return rate is so difficult to believe, nor would it be hard to determine. Just because 100% match, doesn't mean they matched in their 1st choices, or most competitive programs. I'm new to Irish med schools, but scepticism on this matter is a bit unfounded.

 

P.S. It's true though, your odds suck if you do, but isn't that the same with anything? Who goes to medschool to coast and chillout anyways? If you want it, you'll get it.

 

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Thanks for posting Mick. I think this sentance should be the official slogan for this board and everyone should read this post.

It's seemed to work out the same for UCC the last couple years. The very good students in the class got great residency spots. The middle of the pack were scrambling to find something they liked and sadly, a small few ended up not matching at all and were left with some decisions about their future. One took a research position for a school in the states but isn't doing any clinical work right now.

People who seem to work hard and have a good attitude seem to succeed. People can read about statistics and personal success/horror stories here all they want but there really isn't any magic to it.

 

People forget that some (I find for some reason an increasing number of people) choose not to go back to the US/Canada and stay in Ireland. I'm not sure why, the ones I know of stay because of long-term relationships with Irish partners. I know some good students who weren't able to do well on their USMLEs either, but to be honest, they didn't put in the time necessary or were approaching it in the wrong way. Unfortunately, I have met those that didn't pass the boards, while simultaneously doing well in their class - again, their attempts were somewhat half-hearted. You just need the right attitude and right work ethic, and be prepared to not achieve what you want all the time.

 

Right on brother, couldn't agree more...got a feeling we have met before.

UCD grad 2002