Ross has recently begun implementing some major changes. Among these, they have increased the size of the incoming class. I am currently a 4th semester student (my last on the island). Our class, starting a year ago, was very large at about 255-260 students. We are currently down to about 205, with drop-outs and transfers (both in and out). The class that just started has 315 students!!! There wasn't room for some of them to sit on the first day of class.
Also, Ross has instituted an exit exam for students failing to maintain a 2.90 (or better) GPA by the end of the fourth semester starting with the students this semester. This exit exam is actually the NBME "Comprehensive Shelf" exam. You must get a 64 or better to continue to the fifth semester. If you do not pass this test, whether you are required to take it or choose to take it on your own, you will have to remain in Dominica to take the Basic Medical Sciences Integration (BMSI) course, a ten-week course costing $7000 plus living expenses. You then have to take and pass the "Comprehensive Shelf" again at the end of the BMSI. You are solely responsible for all costs associated with this program. End result is increased loan-burden at the end of your education and longer time spent in the Caribbean (countering one of Ross' previous advantages, namely less time spent abroad).
If you fail a class at Ross, you only have to repeat that course. But, you fall a semester behind. There are electives that are required in order to fulfill the full-time status. Some of these electives require that you give presentations during the Dean's case study and other special circumstances (i.e., you can't "blow them off").
They are in the middle of building a new classroom to accomodate the larger incoming classes. Rumor has it (and there are many rumors at this place, some true... some completely bogus...) is that they will be bringing the "Fifth Semester" back to Dominica. Currently, the fifth semester (a.k.a., Advanced Introduction to Clinical Medicine) is held in clinics in Miami and is the last "pre-clinical" bridging course before students sit for Step I.
Living conditions have been marginal, at best. With the current number of students now flooded onto the campus, they are getting even worse. The school has about an additional 300 students on campus, with the expanded numbers that brings it to about 1100 students now in Dominica studying at Ross, and have not planned accordingly to accomodate the increased need for support resources. Result? Long lines in the computer lab during peak hours, long lines at the "shacks" during lunchtime, and just general congestion everywhere.
Ross is a for-profit education model. That, in and of itself, is not a bad thing nor does it suggest that the education is inferior. However, it creates an inherent conflict of interest with the students. In other words... in battles with the administration, the student will likely lose - especially if money is involved.
I would not have come to Ross had these new policies been in place a year ago, and I had known about them before making my decision to attend. I will stand by my belief that Ross will deliver on their promise of making you an M.D. and the education is on par with any medical school, but you will have many more hardships - especially now - if you choose to come here. Fortunately, I only have little over three months before I leave the island. And, think about this: about 100 students just transferred to another Caribbean school after the last semester.
As I've always said, go this route if you are dedicated and know what you are getting yourself into - that holds true for ANY Caribbean school. Don't be discouraged if you want to truly become a doctor and this is perhaps your only option. But, know what you are getting into when you go. Don't be intimidated at your interview. Ask the difficult questions back to the administration. Remember, they want your money. It's better to know what you're getting into in lieu of fearing that you will offend someone during the interview.
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MS2 Ross University
Portsmouth, Dominica