Go to Ross versus US School?

[anothercaliapp]

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I am looking for advice. I am in the thick of applying to US MD schools and already have one interview. My stats are average for matriculated students at US MD schools: 3.7+ GPA (science and cumulative) and 30+ MCAT. I am a career changer and in my mid/upper 30s.

My primary interest currently is emergency medicine. The reason I am considering Ross is because of the possibility of starting in January and graduating with the Class of 2014. If I don't get an acceptance or more interviews by January, I am thinking about setting sail for Ross in January. I am intrigued by this option because I would be able to finish medical school and residency one year earlier. I am aiming to do very well on my classes and studying hard for Step 1.

Some questions:

1. Assuming I do well on the Step 1 and my classes, how difficult would it be for me to obtain residency in the US in emergency medicine?

2. Assuming I do obtain residency, would graduating from a Carribbean school limit me professionally? Would it hurt my job prospects or potential promotions? I think that it wouldn't but want some feedback.

3. Is this generally a good idea? At the end of the day, I just want to practice medicine. For me, it doesn't really matter if I graduate from Ross or from US School. It would matter if graduating from Ross would limit me professionally, ie, question 1 and 2 above.

Any thoughts? Reapplying if I don't get into US school is really not an option due to time and financial concerns.

 

[RussianJoo]

if you can get into a US school you should go there. any foriegn med school will make things 100 times harder for you once the time comes for you to apply for residencies, any residencies, no matter your grades and steps scores. Foriegn med schools should be your last resort.

 

[dragonfly99]

If you're from California and a career changer, you should really consider applying to Western U. I know of at least 1 EM resident @my academic medical center from there who is in EM residency. EM residency is fairly competitive and will be hard to get from Ross, although a few people do. You should strongly consider sticking it out for a US school, even if it takes 1 year more. Yes, it will potentially limit your career if you go to Ross. If you make it into a decent residency, not so much...but that's a big IF no matter how determined you are or how hard you work.

How is your MCAT score? It must be OK or you wouldn't be getting interviews.

You can bail for Ross ANY semester, probably including next summer. I think it's worth it to wait 6 months to make your decision.

I also think you should apply to some DO schools ASAP. I would think it's not too late in the year to do so, and if you're determined to go to med school next year, I think it would maximize your chances of getting in within 1 year.

 

[RATM2010]

I understand the age thing, but.....there is no way someone with a 3.7 GPA & >30MCAT score should be even considering Ross or any other foreign school. I have a idea friend, apply to a DO school if you fear you may not get in this year to US md. A DEc-jan applicantion to DO with those stats will get you in somewhere. US DO is a better option than caribbean unless you are so affected by the initials d.O vs m.D.

 

[anothercaliapp]

Thank you. I received similar feedback from others.

 

[holycow]

Do NOT go to Ross. They are a terrible school that only looks at students like a business. You would much better off at a US school who will help you if you ever have difficulties!