HELP please, SGU vs Ross ?

[FutureOncologist]

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studies show that in the future more than half of physicians in the US will be foreign trained

I'm sorry, what? That made me laugh really hard. Please post the study.

 

[AdaJesusMD]

This is true. And I've also talked to residents and other attendings who know other PDs as well.



I hoped to grow wings one day since the age of 6. I still have hope, but it's highly improbable. Statistics actually do matter.



Non-sequitur. Yes, I do hope I am in the hands of a skilled physician when I'm facing impending doom. But that's not what this thread is about. But God bless you, too.

I've probably fallen for troll bait, but whatever. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Skilled physicians of course (as do everyone), but will you ask them what school they attended? I highly doubt you will have time. 🙂 I am not saying that statistics don't matter either, that is why if you actually want you can look up the percentages of residency matches of Ross university medical schools in 2014 and compare them to american schools. That is if you have the time and want to feed your deep desire of putting medical schools down due to your deep feelings of their incompetence's. 🙂

 

[hoihaie]

Skilled physicians of course (as do everyone), but will you ask them what school they attended? I highly doubt you will have time. 🙂 I am not saying that statistics don't matter either, that is why if you actually want you can look up the percentages of residency matches of Ross university medical schools in 2014 and compare them to american schools. That is if you have the time and want to feed your deep desire of putting medical schools down due to your deep feelings of their incompetence's. 🙂

are you the social media coordinator for Ross

 

[GomersGoToGround]

are you the social media coordinator for Ross

"That depends...did I do a good job, and at least make you want to register for our monthly newsletter?"

 

[AlteredScale]

When you are rushed to the ER for a possible MI (myocardial infarction) and feel as though you are dying (impending doom) i am pretty sure you will not mind who touches you, rather how you can get healed FAST! 🙂 God bless you

Thank you for explaining what MI stands for.

 

[hoihaie]

"That depends...did I do a good job, and at least make you want to register for our monthly newsletter?"

Better. I'm look at the prices I need to pay to get an interview there now

 

[EParker37]

Thank you for explaining what MI stands for.

He must have thought we would assume the patient was having a massive michigan.

 

[heartsink]

I am trying to decide which Caribbean medical school is the better option and why? All the other threads are so old and things have changed. Please don't comment if you are just going to tell me not to attend any of them, any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. I am aware of the risks associated with Caribbean schools. I have been accepted to SGU, Ross, AUC, UMHS. The difference in tuition isn't a deciding factor.

Whenever I hear someone justify their determination to go Caribbean over US by stating it'll be easier to get accepted, I always wonder if they're aware becoming a physician requires more than being accepted into medical school.

Its like saying "yeah, if I can beat this grizzly bear at a math test, and then an arm wrestling competition, i can be a doctor. not even gonna study for that math test!"

 

[FutureOncologist]

medical students as a whole go through (whether they are american or internationally trained) since when it comes to residency you may get out matched by a student who went to a Caribbean school

 

[IlDestriero]

I think it's more likely that a Ross flunk out would be your pool service guy than take a residency spot from you. It could happen though, as could peace in the Middle East, nuclear war with Korea, and a powerball win.

 

[IlDestriero]

There are also a handful of US grads that do poorly on the steps, take them more than once to pass, repeat years, are squarely in the bottom 5-10% of the class. Maybe those folks should live in fear of the army of Caribbean grads willing to take their spots at undesirable programs.

 

[vanillacheesecake]

My flaw is my MCAT score which I did study of course but think I could have done better probably. The MCAT is changing so that is my problem so my 22 can't be changed cause its a new scoring system. I feel that after puting effort into this mcat and scoring like this who knows what I would get on the new version. I saw the new version as part of my trial section on my mcat and that was some crazy stuff. I got a 50% on the trial section cause I was guessing and have no idea if that is any good.

What effort? You said you barely studied for the MCAT. I'm also under the impression that you think, in the past, retaking the MCAT would "change" (your words) or hide your old MCAT score. It cannot. The adcoms can see all your previous scores, but showing them improvement can be done, be it the old *or* new MCAT. Retaking the MCAT multiple times can only harm you if you've gotten a reasonably high score the first time around and may not do as well second time around (since the scores plateau, etc), but you've got plenty of room to improve, OP. Your GPA is competitive for US schools, which is lucky for you, because a lower GPA takes a lot more time and effort to fix than a lousy MCAT score. Take the new MCAT and see how you do. Take comfort also in knowing that trial sections are probably more difficult than the real exam. Don't let a poor trial section turn you away from making your application much more competitive.

 

[SkipJunior]

@Royaldoctor I recommend you listen to everyone when they say don't go. The residency opportunities for Carb students is very thin. You're basically going into a gun fight with a Pee shooter. Retake the mcat. If you don't want to listen to anyone SGU is probably your best chance.

You're one of the smartest people I know Dr. Jekyll, but don't you realize that the OP made his decision before he even started this thread?

OP, go to SGU.

 

[itsthat1guy]

You're one of the smartest people I know Dr. Jekyll, but don't you realize that the OP made his decision before he even started this thread?

OP, go to SGU.

didn't you go to a carib school and fail to match? why would you recommend going to sgu (sorry if I'm mistaken)

 

[gyngyn]

didn't you go to a carib school and fail to match? why would you recommend going to sgu (sorry if I'm mistaken)

He's being sarcastic.

 

[Dr.Jekyll75]

You're one of the smartest people I know Dr. Jekyll, but don't you realize that the OP made his decision before he even started this thread?

OP, go to SGU.

Eh I guess your right it took me a month to talk my brother out of it . Thought this guy would listen too

 

[gyngyn]

Eh I guess your right it took me a month to talk my brother out of it . Thought this guy would listen too

We have all suffered from the inability to talk someone out of the Caribbean.
We have to learn to forgive ourselves.
They are a vulnerable population and as such are ripe for the picking by misleading advertising. There is often little that can be done to dissuade them.
In the larger scheme of things it's still not as bad as an unfortunate contraceptive choice.

 

[Shams al Deen]

There's so much negativity to Carribean schools on this forum, and this maybe deserved. However, I would like to see someone make a thread officially dismantling them with statistics including step 1/step2, match rate, attrition rate, etc to back it up. Because while you all maybe right about the Caribs, that doesn't change the fact that on SGU's website they have match lists placing students at JHU, Duke, MGH, etc. And while there is a higher percentage of preliminary spots that SGU grads get, the vast majority of the match list contains categorical spots in university programs.

I'm NOT saying that Carribean is a good choice, but I am saying that i have not seen enough proof to tell me it's career suicide. I maybe getting fooled by their marketing and by people I know that were successful there, but the available stats that I've seen do not point to career suicide. It is very possible to make it out alive from the carribs. Premeds are just generally risk-averse, which is a big reason we are choosing such a stable career.

 

[gyngyn]

There's so much negativity to Carribean schools on this forum, and this maybe deserved. However, I would like to see someone make a thread officially dismantling them with statistics including step 1/step2, match rate, attrition rate, etc to back it up. Because while you all maybe right about the Caribs, that doesn't change the fact that on SGU's website they have match lists placing students at JHU, Duke, MGH, etc. And while there is a higher percentage of preliminary spots that SGU grads get, the vast majority of the match list contains categorical spots in university programs.

I'm NOT saying that Carribean is a good choice, but I am saying that i have not seen enough proof to tell me it's career suicide. I maybe getting fooled by their marketing and by people I know that were successful there, but the available stats that I've seen do not point to career suicide. It is very possible to make it out alive from the carribs. Premeds are just generally risk-averse, which is a big reason we are choosing such a stable career.

http://www.ecfmg.org/resources/NRMP...atch-International-Medical-Graduates-2014.pdf

These stats only include those few who were eventually allowed to sit for Step 1. It does not include those whose "tuition" was deposited for years who never had the opportunity to try to pass the USMLE.. The picture becomes bleaker every year for these unfortunates whose often enormous debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy..

 

[Dr.Jekyll75]

We have all suffered from the inability to talk someone out of the Caribbean.
We have to learn to forgive ourselves.
They are a vulnerable population and as such are ripe for the picking. There is often little that can be done to dissuade them.
In the larger scheme of things it's still not as bad as an unfortunate contraceptive choice.

It worked for now, he's just gonna study for the new Mcat and hopefully do well enough to get into a do school

 

[senzen]

I understand there is a lot of negative stigma about the Carribean medical schools but the truth is that many do get to ultimately practice in the US, right?

I don't think it's right of them to take on so many people who are clearly not capable of handling the academic work. Because those kids end up screwed over at the end being that they would not be allowed to sit for the USMLEs and whatnot.

But sometimes one does have the academic credentials and still is unable to obtain admission into a US MD/DO school.

I will have around an AMCAS 3.6 cGPA/3.5 sGPA and AACOMAS 3.8 cGPA/3.7 sGPA and I'm studying now for the MCATs and hope to score in the 95% percentile (yes I'm aware it's easier said than done but I'm dedicating a lot of time to it and won't stop practicing till I get a respect worthy score).

I have all right ECs (I think) and still have a lot of time to build my application and I will apply broadly and early, but if for whatever reason I don't get in, I think I will opt for one of the Carribean schools. I'm putting my all into this one application and only want to do this once. If that can't get me in, I don't think a re-application would necessarily help my case. My parents wouldn't be particularly fond of a second gap year either.

I think I can handle the academic workload there, so would you really advise against it for someone like me?

There are also others who fooled around in undergrad and have extremely low GPAs but high MCAT scores (34-36) who go to the Carribean. I believe they are also plenty capable of the academics there. The main problem arises from the fact that they accept many academically unqualified people.

Again I would only consider the Carribean if I happen to not get into a US MD/DO school.

My goal at the end of the day is just to become a doctor in the US.

 

[gyngyn]

I think I can handle the academic workload there, so would you really advise against it for someone like me?
.

The DDx for a Caribbean grad is pretty off-putting: bad judgement, bad advice, ego, gullibility, overbearing parents, inability to delay gratification, IA's, legal problems,weak research skills, high risk behavior...

Bad grades and scores are the least of the deficits from a PD's standpoint.

A strong academic showing in a Caribbean medical school does not erase this stigma. It fact it increases the perception that the reason for the choice was on the above-mentioned list!

 

[NYCdude]

I've come to realize that a lot of my graduating peers from undergrad are currently enrolled in Caribbean schools.

Should I tell them to drop out? They're first years as of the moment.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

I understand there is a lot of negative stigma about the Carribean medical schools but the truth is that many do get to ultimately practice in the US, right?

I don't think it's right of them to take on so many people who are clearly not capable of handling the academic work. Because those kids end up screwed over at the end being that they would not be allowed to sit for the USMLEs and whatnot.

But sometimes one does have the academic credentials and still is unable to obtain admission into a US MD/DO school.

I will have around an AMCAS 3.6 cGPA/3.5 sGPA and AACOMAS 3.8 cGPA/3.7 sGPA and I'm studying now for the MCATs and hope to score in the 95% percentile (yes I'm aware it's easier said than done but I'm dedicating a lot of time to it and won't stop practicing till I get a respect worthy score).

I have all right ECs (I think) and still have a lot of time to build my application and I will apply broadly and early, but if for whatever reason I don't get in, I think I will opt for one of the Carribean schools. I'm putting my all into this one application and only want to do this once. If that can't get me in, I don't think a re-application would necessarily help my case. My parents wouldn't be particularly fond of a second gap year either.

I think I can handle the academic workload there, so would you really advise against it for someone like me?

There are also others who fooled around in undergrad and have extremely low GPAs but high MCAT scores (34-36) who go to the Carribean. I believe they are also plenty capable of the academics there. The main problem arises from the fact that they accept many academically unqualified people.

Again I would only consider the Carribean if I happen to not get into a US MD/DO school.

My goal at the end of the day is just to become a doctor in the US.

Many do come back to the US but a huge amount don't. When you are spending upwards of 300k you don't want to have uncertain odds. Its a huge gamble. These schools exist to pad their own pockets they aren't ethical and don't care about you. DO schools value reinvention you can always get your app to the point where a DO school will take you if you are willing to work for it. Don't think about the carribean its a dead option. A poor mans gamble that will end in flames. A DO school will match almost there whole class. DO have an entire residency system to themselves.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I'm putting my all into this one application and only want to do this once.

This sentence is far and away the biggest problem in your post.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

There's so much negativity to Carribean schools on this forum, and this maybe deserved. However, I would like to see someone make a thread officially dismantling them with statistics including step 1/step2, match rate, attrition rate, etc to back it up. Because while you all maybe right about the Caribs, that doesn't change the fact that on SGU's website they have match lists placing students at JHU, Duke, MGH, etc. And while there is a higher percentage of preliminary spots that SGU grads get, the vast majority of the match list contains categorical spots in university programs.

I'm NOT saying that Carribean is a good choice, but I am saying that i have not seen enough proof to tell me it's career suicide. I maybe getting fooled by their marketing and by people I know that were successful there, but the available stats that I've seen do not point to career suicide. It is very possible to make it out alive from the carribs. Premeds are just generally risk-averse, which is a big reason we are choosing such a stable career.

The breakdown you're asking for has been posted hundreds of times here. You have fallen for the marketing spiel.

Occasional anecdotes don't disprove the overall numbers and trends over time. And for the record, prelim surg at MGH is not impressive (and that person also did a year of research to even get that). Nor is pathology at Duke.

 

[kevinsword91]

...I'm putting my all into this one application and only want to do this once. If that can't get me in, I don't think a re-application would necessarily help my case. My parents wouldn't be particularly fond of a second gap year either. ...

I understand your fear of outright rejection from schools and your eagerness to start medical school. I also assume your parents are putting a significant amount of pressure on you which is making you have this above mentality. Parental pressure is a terrible reason to end up going to the Caribbean.

I feel sometimes SDN knocks down re-applicants too much. It certainly is never desirable, but it is not the kiss of death to your medical school aspirations. The re-applicants I know were successful because they found their weaknesses and addressed them before the next cycle. For some of them that meant taking a cycle off and taking a total of three gap years.

 

[JimmyB123]

So....why didn't OP consider DO schools? Is that not common sense if you're struggling for USMD lol?

 

[senzen]

The DDx for a Caribbean grad is pretty off-putting: bad judgement, bad advice, ego, gullibility, overbearing parents, inability to delay gratification, IA's, legal problems,weak research skills, high risk behavior...

Bad grades and scores are the least of the deficits from a PD's standpoint.

A strong academic showing in a Caribbean medical school does not erase this stigma. It fact it increases the perception that the reason for the choice was on the above-mentioned list!

Well, fortunately, I don't have any of those problems (well besides overbearing parents, I don't have any IAs or legal problems and I'd like to believe I don't have an ego or inability to delay gratification)! I simply sometimes wonder if it's such a bad idea for someone who wasn't cut out to make it to a US MD/DO school. For example, my friend's friend graduated college with a 2 something GPA (lethal for MD and DO schools) but got a 30 on the MCAT. I think he went to AUC and is doing his residency now in CA.

Many do come back to the US but a huge amount don't. When you are spending upwards of 300k you don't want to have uncertain odds. Its a huge gamble. These schools exist to pad their own pockets they aren't ethical and don't care about you. DO schools value reinvention you can always get your app to the point where a DO school will take you if you are willing to work for it. Don't think about the carribean its a dead option. A poor mans gamble that will end in flames. A DO school will match almost there whole class. DO have an entire residency system to themselves.

I think it's completely unethical of them to take kids who aren't academically or morally qualified! I'm not entirely sure how this works but if they accept someone with a felony, doesn't that felony also come up in background checks during residency selection? They surely wouldn't get into a residency with a serious felony. That's got to be the most evil thing I've ever heard!

Yeah and that's exactly what I'm doing! I had a sub-par 3.0 GPA freshman year and because of the the super generous AACOMAS grade replacement policy I believe I will have around a 3.8 cGPA/3.7 sGPA. I would hope that MD and DO schools would value reinvention! Sometimes I think I do need to be more confident about my chances.

This sentence is far and away the biggest problem in your post.

I'm not entirely certain I understand what you mean. I am a junior in undergrad and I told my parents I am not going to apply this year because I simply would not be competitive enough. I just started some activities (clinical volunteering, research, etc.) and I just feel like that will look like I'm cramming if I applied this summer. Instead, I'm going apply summer 2016 because that would mean I have a chance to get a year's worth of better grades, more time for volunteering and research experience, more time to study for the MCAT, etc. By the time the app cycle is done, I will have invested probably 200-300K into all of this (entire undergraduate career, MCAT prep, application costs, etc.). I am taking a significant amount to prepare for the best possible application in 2016 and if that's not enough I'm not sure what it is. I'm not just sending a crappy application this cycle and re-applying the next cycle. I have been working really hard to atone for my sins (bad grades) from early on in college.

I think a lot of people can agree it's smart to intend to apply once with the best possible application.

I have the same mentality with my MCAT. Before I was like, "oh yeah, if I do bad I'll take it a 2nd or 3rd time" and I'm so glad I don't have that mentality anymore! I want to take the MCAT once and put my best effort into that. Of course if I do poorly, I would have to retake but a retake is not something I'm considering as part of my preparation for the MCAT.

I understand your fear of outright rejection from schools and your eagerness to start medical school. I also assume your parents are putting a significant amount of pressure on you which is making you have this above mentality. Parental pressure is a terrible reason to end up going to the Caribbean.

I feel sometimes SDN knocks down re-applicants too much. It certainly is never desirable, but it is not the kiss of death to your medical school aspirations. The re-applicants I know were successful because they found their weaknesses and addressed them before the next cycle. For some of them that meant taking a cycle off and taking a total of three gap years.

I am applying after graduation so I technically will have one gap year before matriculation if accepted. I did have to convince them to let me wait a year and they eventually agreed. It's just I'm already taking time now to address what I think would be weak parts of my application. If that doesn't work or isn't enough then I believe I have no option but the Carribean.

All in all though, I do sometimes feel hopeful about my chances and think I might have a shot here in the US. I'm not a crazy terrible position. The Carribean is my last resort. I'm just trying to be realistic!

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I'm not entirely certain I understand what you mean.

Of course it makes sense to devote yourself to having the best-quality application possible the first time around.

My issue was with the "only once" part. The sense that it would be better to just go to the carib rather than reapply.

That's short-sighted and foolish.

 

[gyngyn]

Well, fortunately, I don't have any of those problems (well besides overbearing parents, I don't have any IAs or legal problems and I'd like to believe I don't have an ego or inability to delay gratification)! I simply sometimes wonder if it's such a bad idea for someone who wasn't cut out to make it to a US MD/DO school. For example, my friend's friend graduated college with a 2 something GPA (lethal for MD and DO schools) but got a 30 on the MCAT. I think he went to AUC and is doing his residency now in CA.

Just about everyone from a Caribbean school has one or more of these problems and Programs Directors know it. That's why their grads are the last choice even with a high Step 1 score.
There was a time when folks whose only flaw was being a late bloomer went Carib, but those days are gone. There are a number of spots at US schools with grade replacement for these candidates.

 

[Goro]

The odds of any Carib grad are 50% at best, and that's for those who survive the ruthless attrition rate, and on top of that, they for generally poor residency programs to begin with; the match rate overall is decreasing each year.

So, as a medical student you of all people know the pressures medical students as a whole go through (whether they are american or internationally trained) since when it comes to residency you may get out matched by a student who went to a Caribbean school.

It's one thing to be supportive, but very few people come here for hugs and kisses. People come here for realistic advice, and unfortunately, "you're not going to be a doctor" is sound advice for some.

You would also be aware that supporting others in this process is more crucial than than criticizing.

Maybe on the Planet Zool, but here on Earth, the demand for IMGs will be decreasing. Studies do show that the majority of doctors in the US will be women by mid-century, but they'll be American women.
Since, studies show that in the future more than half of physicians in the US will be foreign trained you should be aware that great residency programs are gearing towards how knowledgeable are the applicants rather than what school they attend.

 

[senzen]

Just about everyone from a Caribbean school has one or more of these problems and Programs Directors know it. That's why they are the last choice even with a high Step 1 score.
There was a time when folks whose only flaw was being a late bloomer went Carib, but those days are gone. There are a number of spots at US schools with grade replacement for these candidates.

Wow, that's really disconcerting but understandable.

Thanks for letting me know. I know my parents will want me to apply there as a back-up anyway. But I am keeping my fingers crossed for US MD/DO schools.

 

[NYCdude]

I randomly surfed through some Carribean sites and they have people matching into Derm, Ortho, and otherwise very competitive programs.

How is that possible? Do they have like 99 percentile steps or something?

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

I randomly surfed through some Carribean sites and they have people matching into Derm, Ortho, and otherwise very competitive programs.

How is that possible? Do they have like 99 percentile steps or something?

Well for one these are extremely rare. I don't see any derm in the past four years on SGU's website - ortho usually like one per class (although 4 last year, all to bottom feeder programs). I also don't trust SGU's or Ross's lists as far as I can throw them - they are riddled with inaccuracy and frequently misstate a prelim spot as a categorical.

No one has said that people can't be successful going to the caribbean. But the question is what is the most likely outcome, what are the odds?

If you get accepted to a US medical school, your odds of becoming a doctor are >95%. Your odds of matching into a categorical residency >95%. Your odds of matching into your field of choice and one of your top 3 choices >80%

If you get accepted to SGU (allegedly the best caribbean option), your odds of becoming a doctor are <50%. Your odds of matching into a categorical residency <50%* (*accounting for attrition). Your odds of matching into your field of choice and one of your top 3 choices - so low and hidden I can't even give you a real number. You also are less likely to finish medical school in 4 years.

You have to be honest with yourself about why you're not getting accepted into US schools. @gyngyn listed the differential. Most of those do not lend themselves to rapid correction in medical school. The student who says "Gosh I just know I can succeed it's those mean US schools fault for not believing in me" with no evidence to support that they can succeed is at particularly high risk of failing out.

You also can look at some of these outlier matches and when you learn the individual stories behind them (often available through a google search) - the level of perseverance and effort that they displayed to get that to be clear very low tier match in a competitive subspecialty is incredible. Good for them for making it work, but most people just don't have the drive to push themselves that hard. I'm not sure I do to be honest. Some of them put themselves through multiple years of under or unpaid research positions, to try and secure a prelim year, then use that recommendation as a springboard into a categorical slot. It's again a question of being honest with yourself - what are the odds that you are going to be in the top 1% of students attending these schools?

 

[gyngyn]

I randomly surfed through some Carribean sites and they have people matching into Derm, Ortho, and otherwise very competitive programs.

How is that possible? Do they have like 99 percentile steps or something?

Because there was an insufficient number of IMG's in either of these specialties, the NRMP declined to categorize independent applicants into their respective school type. Thus, it is perfectly possible that some did match. It is more likely that factors other than merit were at play, though.

 

[WillburCobb]

I randomly surfed through some Carribean sites and they have people matching into Derm, Ortho, and otherwise very competitive programs.

How is that possible? Do they have like 99 percentile steps or something?

Connections + solid scores + research + quality of the residency programs (i.e., they could be/likely are "lower tier"/less desirable residency within their respective specialties). These are also statistical outliers.

 

[NYCdude]

Because there was an insufficient number of IMG's in either of these specialties, the NRMP declined to categorize independent applicants into their respective school type. Thus, it is perfectly possible that some did match. It is more likely that factors other than merit were at play, though.

I don't really get what you mean. The NRMP wants an IMG quota to be met?

 

[gyngyn]

I don't really get what you mean. The NRMP wants an IMG quota to be met?

No. In order to do a breakdown of the country of origin, a sufficient number of graduates must match. An insufficient number of independent applicants matched in either of these specialties.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Wow. That's news to me. And we STILL have angry feminists complaining about not being equal to men?

WTF

 

[Goro]

Ahh, I was out of date on my info. In the 2000's women were not only applying in record numbers, but the numbers for me actually decreased. It reached a point where if you graphed the trend out, it would look like women would be the majority of med school graduates in about 30 years or so.

BUT, starting just a few years ago, the numbers of women applying dropped. I was unaware of this trend. Mea culpa.

So if you have any smart and altruistic sisters, girlfriends, friends, daughters, cousins, classmates, etc., tell 'em that American Medicine needs them!

Wow. That's news to me. And we STILL have angry feminists complaining about not being equal to men?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Wow. That's news to me. And we STILL have angry feminists complaining about not being equal to men?

Please keep on topic and professional.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Ahh, I was out of date on my info. In the 2000's women were not only applying in record numbers, but the numbers for me actually decreased. It reached a point where if you graphed the trend out, it would look like women would be the majority of med school graduates in about 30 years or so.

BUT, starting just a few years ago, the numbers of women applying dropped. I was unaware of this trend. Mea culpa.

So if you have any smart and altruistic sisters, girlfriends, friends, daughters, cousins, classmates, etc., tell 'em that American Medicine needs them!

I heard DOs actually have been historically more friendly to women?

 

[Goro]

My school is! I'd guess yes. The very first Osteopathic Class had a woman in it in the 1890s or so...very novel for Medical education at that time, I think.

I heard DOs actually have been historically more friendly to women?

 

[Baller MD]

All you pre-meds thinking Caribbean medical schools is a good route, should just pursue it. You'll won't waste valuable seats in the US that way.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

All you pre-meds thinking Caribbean medical schools is a good route, should just pursue it. You'll won't waste valuable seats in the US that way.

Your cold

 

[peanutsss]

GPA: 3.6 science GPA: 3.45 MCAT: 22 didnt study much. I feel like I wont have distractions on the island and be able to do great.

I think you have a good shot at US schools if you retake MCAT, assuming you dont have a record...

Either way, to answer your question I'd suggest SGU. Ive met a few students in residencies recently from SGU. The other not so much.

 

[DokterMom]

He must have thought we would assume the patient was having a massive Michigan.

🤣

 

[futuredoc2389]

Ok, heres my take on this. I am a current Ross student and I must say the school has actually prepared me well! I have taken NCBME style tests and performed well. Why? Because the curriculum is centered around performing well on the steps! The fact is, you can not obtain a residency as a caribbean medical graduate if you "just-pass." You have to both literally and physically, blow that S#$t out of the water! Friends are rotating at top hospitals with 240 Step 1 scores... it isn't always about where you came from that matters most... It's about how well you perform given your situation. If you do opt for the caribbean, remember that noone is going to support you but YOU! If you do not take a proactive approach to your education and utilize resources given to you, then Im sorry your prospects of residency are gloomy at that point. So, here are my caribbean medical student keys to success:

(1) begin to be the best... aim for a high GPA! DO NOT JUST PASS!!!
(2) prepare adequately and concisely for the Step... Lots of resources are given to you by Ross... They have an outstanding affiliation with Becker that gives your a class on effective preparedness. Do not take those resources lightly. Also, the comp helps to assess where you stand.
(3) begin rotations with the overall assumption that your are the underdog and you KNOW that you ARE in fact disadvantaged. The first step to success is knowing where you stand. With that in mind, kiss ass... stay late... know your s@#t so you can secure good LOR's
(4) apply broadly for residency... If you apply to your homestate and there alone, you might have a problem. Apply as if you had no other choice but family medicine. You can apply across multiple disciplines and whatever you get, you get. Lets face it, beggars can't always be choosers.

So bottom line, ITS DOABLE! DO NOT TAKE ADVICE FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT GONE THROUGH THIS PATH!!! Lets face it, a path of least resistance exists, and if you have the option to take that path then by all means do it! But if your back is to the wall and there aren't very many options for you, do NOT give up on your dream because some trolls on student doctor decided to deter you... Do you and only you...

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Ok, heres my take on this. I am a current Ross student and I must say the school has actually prepared me well! I have taken NCBME style tests and performed well. Why? Because the curriculum is centered around performing well on the steps! The fact is, you can not obtain a residency as a caribbean medical graduate if you "just-pass." You have to both literally and physically, blow that S#$t out of the water! Friends are rotating at top hospitals with 240 Step 1 scores... it isn't always about where you came from that matters most... It's about how well you perform given your situation. If you do opt for the caribbean, remember that noone is going to support you but YOU! If you do not take a proactive approach to your education and utilize resources given to you, then Im sorry your prospects of residency are gloomy at that point. So, here are my caribbean medical student keys to success:

(1) begin to be the best... aim for a high GPA! DO NOT JUST PASS!!!
(2) prepare adequately and concisely for the Step... Lots of resources are given to you by Ross... They have an outstanding affiliation with Becker that gives your a class on effective preparedness. Do not take those resources lightly. Also, the comp helps to assess where you stand.
(3) begin rotations with the overall assumption that your are the underdog and you KNOW that you ARE in fact disadvantaged. The first step to success is knowing where you stand. With that in mind, kiss ass... stay late... know your s@#t so you can secure good LOR's
(4) apply broadly for residency... If you apply to your homestate and there alone, you might have a problem. Apply as if you had no other choice but family medicine. You can apply across multiple disciplines and whatever you get, you get. Lets face it, beggars can't always be choosers.

So bottom line, ITS DOABLE! DO NOT TAKE ADVICE FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT GONE THROUGH THIS PATH!!! Lets face it, a path of least resistance exists, and if you have the option to take that path then by all means do it! But if your back is to the wall and there aren't very many options for you, do NOT give up on your dream because some trolls on student doctor decided to deter you... Do you and only you...

You previously said you took the MCAT in 8/2014. Which means you at best started last fall but more likely started off-cycle in January. Glad you've got it all figured out after less than two months of medical school.