i need some advice please

[indianboyz2000]

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edit: going to ross university... if there is a will, there is a way : )

PM if you have any specific questions about GPA, MCAT #s, etc...

Thank you!

 

[mrjbb]

First of all, I want to thank everyone for replying to this thread and I appreciate all the feedback.

I graduated in May 2007 with a BS in Health Science. My cum GPA is 2.75 (for the science gpa, is it just the "pre-med" courses?) and my MCAT score was 20N (PS 6, VR/BS 7). I have a lot of volunteer experience (Emergency Room, Cardiac Post-Op Floor) and did a health career shadowing program my senior year of high school. I also worked as a Physical Therapy aide for 1.5 years. I know that with these stats, the top 4 schools are out of reach but I feel that I should still apply to a few (Ross, AUC). What do you think? Also, is it too late to apply for January or should I apply for next May (or Fall)?

I just moved to Dallas, TX from NYC and found a list that showed the following:

Schools Whose Graduates Do Not Have To Prove Substantial Equivalence Of Their Education

From this list, I found out that Texas does not include schools from Antigua (AUA?), St. Lucia, the West Indies and the Netherlands Antilles (SABA?)


I am very confused about what I should do with my life. I took the MCAT twice and was very surprised to see a 20N the 2nd time (I was getting 26-29 on AAMC practice tests). Should I take the MCAT a third time? Should I apply to a less known Carribean school? Which ones are recommended? Should I do a MPH (Master's of Public Health) through my university and then apply?

😕

You don't HAVE to go to the top 4... Nobodies putting a gun to your head... Have you ever thought about Dominican Republic? There are a few schools there that have 50 state approval and have a pretty decent curriculum. Most of these schools only require you have a 2.5 GPA.. The best PUCMM, UCE, and UNPHN, and UASD... All graduates are eligible for US residency and can practice in ALL 50 states... Something that if I were you I would consider.

Here's a link to all of them: Dominican Republic Medical Schools

OR.... You could wait and start a masters while picking up your GPA... But that'll take some time..... However, it wouldn't hurt applying to the "big 4"... you simply never know....

 

[oldpro]

You don't HAVE to go to the top 4... Nobodies putting a gun to your head... Have you ever thought about Dominican Republic? There are a few schools there that have 50 state approval and have a pretty decent curriculum. Most of these schools only require you have a 2.5 GPA.. The best PUCMM, UCE, and UNPHN, and UASD... All graduates are eligible for US residency and can practice in ALL 50 states... Something that if I were you I would consider.

Here's a link to all of them: Dominican Republic Medical Schools

OR.... You could wait and start a masters while picking up your GPA... But that'll take some time..... However, it wouldn't hurt applying to the "big 4"... you simply never know....

Unless times have changed you have to speak spanish right?

 

[mrjbb]

Unless times have changed you have to speak spanish right?

NO! I've done extensive research on these schools and only a handful require you to speak Spanish... This school Universidad Central del Este (Central East University/UCE) has an Spanish program that "accommodates" US students by intensively teaching them Spanish, is approved in ALL 50 states, has federal student loans, can do some clinicals in the states, and has thousands of practicing doctors already in the US....

They also have a strict rule: If after basic sciences you DON'T pass the USMLE step I you CAN'T go on to the clinical years.... Just to show you that they do cater to US grads.... It was actually my second choice, but since I don't have family there, I'm going to go to another medical school in DR thats about 2 hours away.. PUCMM...


Another one is Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU) This school also has 50 state approval, fed loans, and does HAVE an ALL English program as well.

DR's medical schools aren't that far behind from the Big 4...

Basically what I'm trying to say is DON'T just limit yourself to the "Big 4" when thinking about the Carib... With most of these schools you pay a fraction of the tuition you would pay at the Big 4.... In UCE alone you pay 2,600 a semester thats 7,800 a year... Maybe the teaching and administration isn't as "prestigious" as the Big 4, but if your dedicated, determined, and willing to follow through with your dreams, then the top 3 medical schools in DR can definitely meet your needs..100%.....

But it all depends on your mindset, and if your gonna go to the Island with a Bi%chy, whiny attitude.... But I definitely don't need to tell you that old pro, because you already know....

 

[oldpro]

OK but I know of few who went to this particular school and said they are having a hard time since english is not the first language there.

NO! I've done extensive research on these schools and only a handful require you to speak Spanish... This school Universidad Central del Este (Central East University/UCE) has an ALL English program,

I agree that these schools are a good choice and you can get federal loans since they are not private schools like the Caribbean ones.

Of course I think anyone can succeed anywhere as long as they work hard and keep the eye on the prize. Times are changing and schools like these in Dominica may be some of the best choices.

 

[mrjbb]

OK but I know of few who went to this particular school and said they are having a hard time since english is not the first language there.



I agree that these schools are a good choice and you can get federal loans since they are not private schools like the Caribbean ones.

Of course I think anyone can succeed anywhere as long as they work hard and keep the eye on the prize. Times are changing and schools like these in Dominica may be some of the best choices.

Yeah I agree....

With over 50% of the US pre-medical community getting rejected from US med school's each year.. I suspect that this number will rise, and an increase in demand means what...? why.. yes...an increase in Supply!

IMO this means that there will be several new medical schools opening up in the Caribbean. So many new schools, that there could possibly an open spot for just about Every pre-med that gets rejected every year! And soon the uncommon, will become the common..Meaning that there will be several pre-meds that won't even consider US schools anymore, but will jump at the Caribbean, without thinking twice about it... It can be sad at times....

US medical schools will never have to compete with the Carib, simply because they're to many students who wouldn't consider the Carib even if rejected several times! But the Carib will become hunting grounds for pre-meds and High School kids... Students will start to actually compare Caribbean schools with US schools!!...😱... As hard as it may be to believe....

 

[oldpro]

Yeah I agree....

With over 50% of the US pre-medical community getting rejected from US med school's each year.. I suspect that this number will rise, and an increase in demand means what...? why.. yes...an increase in Supply!

IMO this means that there will be several new medical schools opening up in the Caribbean. So many new schools, that there could possibly an open spot for just about Every pre-med that gets rejected every year! And soon the uncommon, will become the common..Meaning that there will be several pre-meds that won't even consider US schools anymore, but will jump at the Caribbean, without thinking twice about it... It can be sad at times....

US medical schools will never have to compete with the Carib, simply because they're to many students who wouldn't consider the Carib even if rejected several times! But the Carib will become hunting grounds for pre-meds and High School kids... Students will start to actually compare Caribbean schools with US schools!!...😱... As hard as it may be to believe....

True but these schools need to be able to get loans and now it seems less and less loans are available and congress in their special interest misguidedness refuses to allow Americans to get loans for these schools unless the school enjoys 60% of native students. So a Caribbean school in a traditional country like Dominica has a shot, one on a small island where the natives cannot attend has 0 chance. Big 3 were grandfathered in and if some in congress get their (Evil) way that will end. ( Gotta support tobacco and alcohol forget Medical Students, US citizens)

 

[mrjbb]

True but these schools need to be able to get loans and now it seems less and less loans are available and congress in their special interest misguidedness refuses to allow Americans to get loans for these schools unless the school enjoys 60% of native students. So a Caribbean school in a traditional country like Dominica has a shot, one on a small island where the natives cannot attend has 0 chance. Big 3 were grandfathered in and if some in congress get their (Evil) way that will end. ( Gotta support tobacco and alcohol forget Medical Students, US citizens)

Hahaha! Yeah they'll support the tobacco and alcohol..till the end!

Ahhh... See I missed that.. Your right... There are (that I've seen) a couple med schools in the Caribbean that have lost and are loosing their federal aid support as we speak!..😱 So I guess that the US can "somewhat" keep a leash on the abroad medical education.... But for how long?

What if Ross or St. Georges decide to expand and start other medical schools on other Islands with completely different names? But Islands that they can be assured of that more than 60% of the schools enrolled pupils are natives of course... (Trust me money, can do this... they could simply offer "free" tuition to natives.. or have them pay a small fee to matriculate... because even with less than 40% of the student body being Foreign, a school of that caliber can survive) Seems like a long shot but, eventually spots at schools like the Big 4 will almost get as competitive as some US med schools!

Its already starting! Thats why some of the Big 4 actually reject applicants they find aren't "fit" for their schools! The other Carib schools... Well lets just say you can treat them as if you were enrolling in a Community College!....

 

[oldpro]

Yea as cheap as SJSM is I could not afford it without loans but some can and have, I agree but schools like SJSM have a place I believe but as always it should be considered last or only if you understand that this is a "Shot" not a sure thing for those with poor study and GPA's, when accepted to these schools (Not the traditional or the Big 4) you have to understand many will not be successful and that is the student pool at these schools very mixed.

 

[mrjbb]

Yea as cheap as SJSM is I could not afford it without loans but some can and have, I agree but schools like SJSM have a place I believe but as always it should be considered last or only if you understand that this is a "Shot" not a sure thing for those with poor study and GPA's, when accepted to these schools (Not the traditional or the Big 4) you have to understand many will not be successful and that is the student pool at these schools very mixed.

Yeah understood... If you go study abroad, its a shot, a second chance if you will... And thats exactly!! What many seem to forget... Its not meant to be taken for granted, and like all other second chances, you're going to have to work harder the second time around... Self study, self study, self study! Oh did I forget to mention self study again?

Things here in the US are so much easier, everything's spoon fed even in college! Till this day I'm still amazed on how much you can treat college like a "game"... It might not be the case in some schools, but compared to the Caribbean... I think everyone in the US has it easy.... Some may not agree.. but go study in the Islands after studying in the US, and then come back to prove me wrong...

 

[indianboyz2000]

thanks for the feedback. i'm not sure about schools in DR since I don't speak any Spanish. I'm guessing that would make it very difficult to live in the country and try to get stuff like groceries, etc. i have a few questions i was hoping some one could answer and give me a little insight on which direction i should go.

1. To calculate the science gpa, is it only including the "pre-med" courses or does it also include math (calc?)

2. Is it too late to apply for January or should I apply for next May (or Fall)?

3. With a 2.75 GPA and a 20N MCAT score, what are my chances at ROSS or SGU?

4. Would it be wiser to take a MCAT a third time or try my luck at a less prestigious Caribbean school?

Thanks for your time

 

[mrjbb]

"QUOTE=indianboyz2000;5798584 thanks for the feedback. i'm not sure about schools in DR since I don't speak any Spanish. I'm guessing that would make it very difficult to live in the country and try to get stuff like groceries, etc. i have a few questions i was hoping some one could answer and give me a little insight on which direction i should go.

Common mis-conception... Your medical school in DR will give you intense Spanish classes,by time you graduate you will be fluent....

1. To calculate the science gpa, is it only including the "pre-med" courses or does it also include math (calc?) You calculate math as well... Since math "technically" is part of science...

2. Is it too late to apply for January or should I apply for next May (or Fall)?
Depends, some schools yes... Many..NO... You still have time.... Research the schools you're thinking about and list all of their deadlines for the January semester..

3. With a 2.75 GPA and a 20N MCAT score, what are my chances at ROSS or SGU? Not that big...sorry... these are more competitive Carib med schools and there are a lot of students with a GPA over a 3.0 but a wasteful Mcat.... But there are many other med shools in the Carib, that there GPA cut off is around a 2.5...

4. Would it be wiser to take a MCAT a third time or try my luck at a less prestigious Caribbean school? Press your luck, and press it HARD... Then if all else fails... Start planning to take the MCAT... Reason being, if you retake the Mcat and submit it to schools that don't require your score... Your GPA remains the same... And unless you retake and get above a 26... To be honest.. it won't help much... So apply, but apply WIDELY... Trust me, there's bound to be an MD school in the Carib that'll pick you up...

Thanks for your time"

 

[indianboyz2000]

Thanks for the quick reply. Another one of my problems is that I live in Texas, which is very limited with the Caribbean schools that they accept... I believe SABA, AUA, AUC, St. James, IAU are all schools that the Texas Board gives a hard time with. Can you recommend any other schools?

Also, I got this off of the UCE website: "Each semester will start the first week of the month. All classes in the University are taught in Spanish, although we offer a special program called "Spanish as a second Language" for those candidates who wish to reinforce theirs Spanish speaking and writing skills."

 

[mrjbb]

Thanks for the quick reply. Another one of my problems is that I live in Texas, which is very limited with the Caribbean schools that they accept... I believe SABA, AUA, AUC, St. James, IAU are all schools that the Texas Board gives a hard time with. Can you recommend any other schools?

Also, I got this off of the UCE website: "Each semester will start the first week of the month. All classes in the University are taught in Spanish, although we offer a special program called “Spanish as a second Language” for those candidates who wish to reinforce theirs Spanish speaking and writing skills."

You can try MUA, St. Eustatius, SMU, and Xavier (XUSM).... Yeah, from what I've heard, Texas does give the Carib grads a hard time...

Yeah.. Please accept my apologies... Seems like UCE doesn't have an English program. I researched it and received news that it was going to open an English program, however it seems as though it hasn't been implemented... Don't know when then... However, whatever else I've stated previously, still counts... This is a great school, I've talked to many alumni, as well as have personally researched it...

As this statement clearly states, if you don't know Spanish... Well... YOU WILL BE TAUGHT SPANISH... The Spanish classes are no joke... Trust me you will learn... It might be a little bumpy at first, however you'll eventually get the hang of it, and Spanish will come naturally to you...😉

I will update my previous posts....

 

[BuMasters]

thanks for the feedback. i'm not sure about schools in DR since I don't speak any Spanish. I'm guessing that would make it very difficult to live in the country and try to get stuff like groceries, etc. i have a few questions i was hoping some one could answer and give me a little insight on which direction i should go.

1. To calculate the science gpa, is it only including the "pre-med" courses or does it also include math (calc?)

2. Is it too late to apply for January or should I apply for next May (or Fall)?

3. With a 2.75 GPA and a 20N MCAT score, what are my chances at ROSS or SGU?

4. Would it be wiser to take a MCAT a third time or try my luck at a less prestigious Caribbean school?

Thanks for your time

1. yes math is included
2. it is not too late to apply to jan for ross. auc and sgu are almost full--unless you have high stats--which you do not.
3. you won't get into st. george even if you apply for the may 08 or sept 08. average for sgu is 3.4 gpa and 26 mcat. if you are weak in one area, you need to be high in another. (i.e. 3.0, 28 mcat). you have a chance at ross. they accept an array of people. the thing about ross is that it is "easier" to get into, but it is a "struggle" to stay in--many fail.
4. Take your mcat over.

 

[indianboyz2000]

1. yes math is included
2. it is not too late to apply to jan for ross. auc and sgu are almost full--unless you have high stats--which you do not.
3. you won't get into st. george even if you apply for the may 08 or sept 08. average for sgu is 3.4 gpa and 26 mcat. if you are weak in one area, you need to be high in another. (i.e. 3.0, 28 mcat). you have a chance at ross. they accept an array of people. the thing about ross is that it is "easier" to get into, but it is a "struggle" to stay in--many fail.
4. Take your mcat over.

Thanks. I applied to Ross and AUC (texas accepts it) for January... If i don't get in Jan or for May, I'm planning to take the Kaplan MCAT course and take the exam again in the end of March.

 

[Dr Who]

NO! I've done extensive research on these schools and only a handful require you to speak Spanish... This school Universidad Central del Este (Central East University/UCE) has an Spanish program that "accommodates" US students by intensively teaching them Spanish, is approved in ALL 50 states, has federal student loans, can do some clinicals in the states, and has thousands of practicing doctors already in the US....

They also have a strict rule: If after basic sciences you DON'T pass the USMLE step I you CAN'T go on to the clinical years.... Just to show you that they do cater to US grads.... It was actually my second choice, but since I don't have family there, I'm going to go to another medical school in DR thats about 2 hours away.. PUCMM...


Another one is Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU) This school also has 50 state approval, fed loans, and does HAVE an ALL English program as well.

DR's medical schools aren't that far behind from the Big 4...

Basically what I'm trying to say is DON'T just limit yourself to the "Big 4" when thinking about the Carib... With most of these schools you pay a fraction of the tuition you would pay at the Big 4.... In UCE alone you pay 2,600 a semester thats 7,800 a year... Maybe the teaching and administration isn't as "prestigious" as the Big 4, but if your dedicated, determined, and willing to follow through with your dreams, then the top 3 medical schools in DR can definitely meet your needs..100%.....

But it all depends on your mindset, and if your gonna go to the Island with a Bi%chy, whiny attitude.... But I definitely don't need to tell you that old pro, because you already know....

Actually UCC does not "cater" to US grads as it is a fully accredited US medical school. Graduates from that school are considered US medical school graduates not IMG's. I personally dont know much about schools in DR, the quality of education there or residency matches, but the fact is that PR med schools are fully accredited US schools and that to me is VERY important.

 

[drjds]

Thanks. I applied to Ross and AUC (texas accepts it) for January... If i don't get in Jan or for May, I'm planning to take the Kaplan MCAT course and take the exam again in the end of March.

So...did you worry about applying to the other Carib. schools (e.g. Statia, AUA)?

 

[indianboyz2000]

edit: i got into AUA and SMU... too bad texas doesn't have them on the list...

i got merped for ross so i'm going to do it and hopefully start ross in september... good luck everybody...

 

[NYjf12]

Hi Indianboiy, thanks for sharing your stats and outcomes. I have a 2.3 undergrad gpa in psychobiology and a 3.56 post-bacc gpa in health studies (includes all the pre-reqs) two 24s on MCAT and 5.5 years conducting NCI clinical trials in Hematology Oncology at a hospital. I was rejected from AUC and had an interview for SGU. I also applied to Ross, SABA, SMU and AUA and are waiting for interviews. Maybe I will get MERPed for Ross as well. I feel a little more confident now that you shared your stats. I am hoping for atleast an offer for something at one of those schools!!! I am planning to be out of here come August so someone somewhere better give me my chance at being a doctor!

 

[indianboyz2000]

Hi Indianboiy, thanks for sharing your stats and outcomes. I have a 2.3 undergrad gpa in psychobiology and a 3.56 post-bacc gpa in health studies (includes all the pre-reqs) two 24s on MCAT and 5.5 years conducting NCI clinical trials in Hematology Oncology at a hospital. I was rejected from AUC and had an interview for SGU. I also applied to Ross, SABA, SMU and AUA and are waiting for interviews. Maybe I will get MERPed for Ross as well. I feel a little more confident now that you shared your stats. I am hoping for atleast an offer for something at one of those schools!!! I am planning to be out of here come August so someone somewhere better give me my chance at being a doctor!

the ross interviewer told me that the new averages there are 3.4 gpa, 24 MCAT for incoming students... i think my EC helped out a lot and that i had a great interview 🙂... best of luck to you, if its what you want, i'm sure it will work out for you...