Dilemma

[skiracr456]

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I have been accepted to Ross University in the caribbean and the deposit is due next week of $500. I have an interview with Nova coming up, and still have yet to hear from 3 other DO schools and am on hold for fall grades with 2 schools. I really want to go to a DO school because I am really interested in learning OMM and for various other reasons. I am having a really hard time giving Ross the money because I am not sure if I didn't get in anywhere else that I would even go there. I guess I am thinking that I would be ok with waiting another year and reapplying. I am all around just having a difficult time with it and I was hoping for some advice.

Is there anybody that knows what doctors today think of people that went to schools in the caribbean?

I think I am doing well this semester so my chances of raising my GPA which has been what is holding me back from being accepted to any DO schools is good.

Do I give them the money to hold my spot? or do I wait it out and try my luck for a DO school which is what I really want?

 

[engineeredout]

If you really have 0 desire to go to the carribean then don't send them money. If you'd really rather wait a year than go to carribean then don't do it. If you're still willing to go there as a last resort but would rather go American DO, then send in your deposit, hold your place, and just go to American DO if you get accepted. You'll lose the money, but have peace of mind knowing you're going SOMEWHERE.

Btw you say you had a bad interview at WVSOM. Care to elaborate? I have an interview there in about three weeks.

 

[momgracea]

Well, according to the data that I compiled, the acceptance rate for out of state applicants who get an interview at Nova is nearly 80%. But the other consideration is that you are only talking about $500 in order to secure a spot at Ross.

So, I think the question is whether you'd go to Ross this next year if you didn't get in any place else. If the answer is yes, pay the money. If no, save it and reapply DO next year if you don't get in this time around.

 

[stonewall22]

I have been accepted to Ross University in the caribbean and the deposit is due next week of $500. I have an interview with Nova coming up, and still have yet to hear from 3 other DO schools and am on hold for fall grades with 2 schools. I really want to go to a DO school because I am really interested in learning OMM and for various other reasons. I am having a really hard time giving Ross the money because I am not sure if I didn't get in anywhere else that I would even go there. I guess I am thinking that I would be ok with waiting another year and reapplying. I am all around just having a difficult time with it and I was hoping for some advice.

Is there anybody that knows what doctors today think of people that went to schools in the caribbean?

I think I am doing well this semester so my chances of raising my GPA which has been what is holding me back from being accepted to any DO schools is good.

Do I give them the money to hold my spot? or do I wait it out and try my luck for a DO school which is what I really want?

My uncle went to med school in the Caribbean and today is a well respected, attending OB/Gyn. He says you'll find a mixed bag. If I were you, just my opinion, I would wait. Ross enrolls a couple times a year (right?), so worse case scenario, you just wait one more semester to start. Good luck.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Hold off on Ross and go to your interviews. If you really want to feel secure, just blow $500. However, I really don't think you'll need to do that.

 

[beachblonde]

Well, according to the data that I compiled, the acceptance rate for out of state applicants who get an interview at Nova is nearly 80%. But the other consideration is that you are only talking about $500 in order to secure a spot at Ross.

Dude, when did you get this info? Because I'm waiting to hear back after my interview as an OOS applicant and that stat is very encouraging.

OP, if you don't want to go to Ross, don't send them the money. Really. If your heart isn't in it, things will not go well for you. I think that going to a Carib school is what you make of it; you can be successful there and get a decent residency in the US, or you could screw it up royally and then be in debt and very much stuck. There is some discrimination in the field against Carib grads, just take a look at the outcry over Ross students doing rotations in NYC. But, you can of course become a great doctor going to school there, I think there's just more of an uphill battle for their graduates versus American graduates.

 

[zia220]

I would suggest that you visit valuemd.com to get more insights on Ross. I received an acceptance from them but after doing more research I decided to wait another year and got accepted.

Keep in mind that Ross has 3 semesters, I think it's cheaper to reapply than to put $500 down if you are not absolutely sure you want to go there for 09.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Keep in mind that Ross has 3 semesters, I think it's cheaper to reapply than to put $500 down if you are not absolutely sure you want to go there for 09.

That's a good point! 👍

I know on-shore schools don't like re-applicants who previously declined that schools' acceptance, but perhaps Caribbean schools are different. I'm not sure.

 

[koojo]

I don't know how you are as far as cash goes, but $500 isn't too much money in the scheme of it all. So I would put my money there to hold a set, and then see what happens with the other schools.

 

[psy]

You must also look at the upcoming competition for residency slots. While the number of residency spots did not increase, the number of students enrolled did with new schools opening and more seats at established schools. When you apply, they will give state side students more preference than you. I wish you the best of luck with what ever you choose, you will need it with the increased competition. :/

 

[p30doc]

OP I'd wouldn't give Ross their deposit, it sounds like you rather not go that route. I have heard a lot of Caribbean horror stories that concern me.

Dude, when did you get this info? Because I'm waiting to hear back after my interview as an OOS applicant and that stat is very encouraging.

USNEWS says OOS admission rate post interview is ~74% for NOVA, here is their data:

Total admissions data 2102 applied, 481 interviewed, 366 were accepted, 228 enrolled
In-state admissions data 516 applied, 203 interviewed, 160 were accepted, 138 enrolled
Out-state admissions data 1586 applied, 278 interviewed, 206 were accepted, 90 enrolled

 

[beachblonde]

USNEWS says OOS admission rate post interview is ~74% for NOVA, here is their data:

Total admissions data 2102 applied, 481 interviewed, 366 were accepted, 228 enrolled
In-state admissions data 516 applied, 203 interviewed, 160 were accepted, 138 enrolled
Out-state admissions data 1586 applied, 278 interviewed, 206 were accepted, 90 enrolled

Sweet. Thanks!

But with my luck, I'll probably be in the 25% not accepted....this process is not fun for the pessimists of the world.

 

[engineeredout]

Sweet. Thanks!

But with my luck, I'll probably be in the 25% not accepted....this process is not fun for the pessimists of the world.

Come on blondie, show some optimism!

 

[beachblonde]

Come on blondie, show some optimism!

Ah, yes, I had some....but it died when I didn't get in anywhere last year.

 

[skiracr456]

I just wanted to thank you all for all of your help and suggestions. I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond, I have had the most hectic two weeks.

I decided not to pay my deposit at Ross and if I do not get in anywhere this year I will just reapply to the DO schools next year. I do not think Ross is the correct place for me.

Thank you all again sooo much I truly appreciate all your advice!

 

[medfool24]

Ah, yes, I had some....but it died when I didn't get in anywhere last year.

Agreed. 🙁