Does anyone know someone who was rejected from the Carribbean?

[ocean11]

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Hi I'm just wondering if anyone knows someone who was rejected from the carribbean? I'm wondering if they reject applicants?

 

[doctim]

i've never heard of anyone getting rejected. basically, if you've got the desire and means, you can find a school to attend - somewhere. you better be willing to work hard though. i've met too many american students in US clinicals that can't pass step 1. WHY? b/c they haven't changed their ways that got them to a foreign med school to begin with. you really have to want it to go overseas.

 

[TexasGuy41]

I know several people that were rejected without an interview from SGU, and others that were rejected after an interview with SGU. Being the most competitive of the Carib schools, this isn't suprising. I can't speak for any other schools besides SGU. In my interview with them, they mentioned that they receive about 7 applications for every 1 spot. You have to keep in mind that most people probably don't broadcast the fact that they were rejected by a Carib school, but it defintely happens.

 

[Skip Intro]

I generally agree with TexasGuy41's statements about people not "broadcasting" their lack of acceptance. There are standards to the reputable Carib schools, albeit not as competitive as U.S. schools (despite the fact that the education is ultimately equivalent).

As far as Ross goes, I could only speculate. I know that a lot of students who apply for the Fall starting class do not get in. I actually got wait-listed, believe it or not, but ultimately got a spot. Ross starts three classes per year, and they have to make their numbers. Many students who don't get an acceptance in the Fall are offered roll-over spots for the January or May starting classes. So, chances are that if you meet the minimum requirements, have taken all the appropriate pre-med courses and have passed them, you'll get your chance. This does not mean that everyone gets an acceptance. You will not automatically get in simply because you apply if you have not demonstrated the capability to do the work in undergrad.

However, the more important component of this question (at least as far as Ross goes) is what happens AFTER you get an acceptance and decide to attend. In my class, a substantial number of people dropped afterwards. The attrition rate is much higher than those of U.S. schools. And, those who ultimately survive have done so through work, effort, and putting up with a lot of crap that U.S. students don't have to.

I would worry less about admission rates. In the grand scheme of things, this is less of an issue as you move farther into your training. This seems to be more of a hot topic for undergrad students who are perhaps a bit insecure about how they will be perceived if they choose to go Caribbean.

Do your homework, be prepared to go all the way if you decide to go, and make sure that you really want this. Those are more important things to consider over admission rates. (But, if you're concerned that you won't get in, don't worry too much. If you get an interview, chances are you'll get a spot. Be careful what you wish for, though.) 😉

-Skip
MSII Ross University
Currently Studying in "La Villa Loca" (a.k.a. Miami)

 

[Reality check]

Hi Skip Intro,
Your statement that those who survive do so through work, effort and putting up with alot of crap that US students don't. Just out of curiosity, what do you actually mean by the last part? Are you referring to politics of the school ?

 

[Bevo]

I think he means in terms of adjusting and having to live in a foriegn country. One that is not as developed as the United States where certain goods and services are not readily available. Its adjusting to living a different lifestyle without as many luxuries.

 

[Skip Intro]

Yes... all of that and a lot of potential "sideways stares" from your colleagues who won't understand what you went through and the fact that your education is legitimate (i.e., same boards, same residency requirements, same licensure, etc.).

Asking a question such as "Is anyone rejected from Caribbean schools?" is a loaded one to me. IMHO, a person asking such a question could either be (1) genuninely curious or (2) making a not-so-veiled indictment on the selection process of many Caribbean schools. In my book, rejection doesn't necessarily mean not getting an acceptance. It can also mean not having the chutzpah and motivation to do the work and stay in after going. Not everyone does.

Good luck whatever path life leads you down. Now, I've got a comprehensive physical exam final in the morning... gotta run!

-Skip

 

[Reality check]

Skip Intro and Imbebo,
Thanks for your clarification. Best wishes on your road to becoming a physician.

Sincerely,
RC

 

[doctim]

great response skip & imb...

RC...we (US IMG's) also have to take the CSA and the frickin' TOEFL!!! I am a caucasian male, born and raised in MI to a good ole' American family, and i had to take a test that assesses my english skills!!!😡 (mad at the system, not you)... I think the CSA is a great test though and i'm glad to see that students in US schools will have to take it as well.
oh, i just can't wait until after residency when everyone's first question will be "Where did you do your residency?" instead of "Where do you go to med school?"

happier days ahead

peace

 

[ocean11]

To answer Skip Intro's question... I am genuinly interested in rejection stats, since I'm currently applying to St. George Univ.
I think its an amazing med school. The only problem I have (and no its not financial) is that your colleagues and future patients might ask 'were did you go to med school?' and look down on you when you say St. George's it just really sucks, people are so biased against Caribbean schools... but thats not what medicine is about right? its about helping others... who cares about reputation as long as you get an awsome education!!

 

[Bevo]

ocean11 : it wont matter past residency so much. My father is a graduate of UAG and no one ever asks or mentions anything to him about where he went to school. He gets the same amount of respect if not more than his partner who came out of stanford medical school.

to further prove the point my father had no idea certain people where osteopathic doctors until recently had he had been working and refering to patients to them for years now.