Information about tranfering to another Med School

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IsraDoc

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I am currently a first year med student in the technion American Medical School program located in Haifa, Israel. I was born in the US and I spent my entire life there. Although I do find the Medical School here to be interesting and challenging, I do want to try to come back home. I am fully aware of how hard and rare it is for a school to accept transfer students, let alone ones from foreign med schools, but I wanted to know if y'all knew anything about how I should conduct my studies while I wait for the middle of second year, when I could begin to apply. Should I aim for the high GPA along with High Board Scores, or is the Board Score alone going to be enough.
Also, I was wondering if you had advise in terms of which medicals schools may not turn me away just because I am coming from a foreign Medical School.
Thank you guys!!!
 
First and foremost, you need a good reason to transfer. Just saying you want to come to the US is not good enough. People who successfully transfer usually have a pressing need to be in another area, such as moving to be with a spouse, taking care of a sick family member with no other means of support, etc.

Then you need to find a school that has open slots to fill. That depends on who in the class has dropped out or failed, which are relatively rare events in the US system.

It's nice if your grades are good, but as long as you're leaving in good standing and can get a positive letter from your Dean it's probably all the same. The decision to allow a transfer would probably come before you got your board scores back, as 3rd year usually starts a few weeks after you take the exam. Also, you may or may not need to have taken the MCAT, I think it depends on the school.
 
It isn't likely that any medical school in this country that will accept you as a transfer student. You may be able to get in as a reapplication student (start from year 1) but transfer from a non LCME school is unlikely.
 
As far as foreign medical schools go, Technion isn't bad and depending on your specialty interest probably won't matter too much. You may not get some top tier program, but mid-levels are perfectly doable if you play your cards right.
 
why did you go in the first place?
 
Check out my blog-it answers all of your questions:
caribbeantransfer.blogspot.com

Please comment if you like it.
 
Thank you very much for all the responses.
In regards to the why I decided to go the a foreign med school...well my MCAT score was average. I got interviews at 4 places (robert wood johnson, NJMS, Drexel, and Einsten) and waitlisted at 3 of them (NJMS, Drexel, and Einstein) and never came off the waitlist. I knew that this was a possibility due to my average MCAT score so I applied in advance to this school, and I got in early.
I was very upset about having to leave the US. However, my desire to become a physician is overwelming. I knew that I would be scorned by some for having to go elsewhere for a medical degree, but I did it anyway.
In terms of my reason for wanting to transfer, I recently found out that my Dad was diagnosed with Hep B. I am not saying that he is any kind of immediate danger, but he is my dad and I would like to be around to help in case his condition gets worse. I know how cheezy that may sound, but that is the truth.
I hope this sheds more light onto my situation, and I would love to hear what you guys think.
Thanks.
 
You won't be able to transfer because that will require that you change you SDN name
 
Presumably the same reason most people go to a foreign medical school.

Sorry OP, but I really doubt it's likely.

Even the Israeli med schools for foreign students have higher averages than carib. I recall that one of them actually had like a 28 or 29 MCAT average. I knew one girl that went over there over a school here, but she was also a conservative Jew and wanted that part of the experience.
 
Even the Israeli med schools for foreign students have higher averages than carib. I recall that one of them actually had like a 28 or 29 MCAT average. I knew one girl that went over there over a school here, but she was also a conservative Jew and wanted that part of the experience.

They are a bit more competitive than Caribbean schools, but I think cases like that are very rare.
 
I am currently a first year med student in the technion American Medical School program located in Haifa, Israel. I was born in the US and I spent my entire life there. Although I do find the Medical School here to be interesting and challenging, I do want to try to come back home. I am fully aware of how hard and rare it is for a school to accept transfer students, let alone ones from foreign med schools, but I wanted to know if y'all knew anything about how I should conduct my studies while I wait for the middle of second year, when I could begin to apply. Should I aim for the high GPA along with High Board Scores, or is the Board Score alone going to be enough.
Also, I was wondering if you had advise in terms of which medicals schools may not turn me away just because I am coming from a foreign Medical School.
Thank you guys!!!

Honestly, most public schools have a adopted a no transfer policy no matter what the situation calls for... you may (slight chance) be able to get into a private school... but that is extremely rare...
 
So after reading all of the responses I am wondering whether or not you guys think its actually worth it for me to go through with this.
I am really desperate to get closer to my dad and the rest of my family but if you guys think I have zero chance then I wont spend the money.
 
So after reading all of the responses I am wondering whether or not you guys think its actually worth it for me to go through with this.
I am really desperate to get closer to my dad and the rest of my family but if you guys think I have zero chance then I wont spend the money.

You should find some schools that are near where you want to be and contact their admissions office. They will tell you straight up what your chances are, including whether they have any spaces to fill and whether they have ever taken any foreign medical students on transfer. That shouldn't cost you anything.
 
You should find some schools that are near where you want to be and contact their admissions office. They will tell you straight up what your chances are, including whether they have any spaces to fill and whether they have ever taken any foreign medical students on transfer. That shouldn't cost you anything.
.
 
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Thank you very much for all the responses.
In regards to the why I decided to go the a foreign med school...well my MCAT score was average. I got interviews at 4 places (robert wood johnson, NJMS, Drexel, and Einsten) and waitlisted at 3 of them (NJMS, Drexel, and Einstein) and never came off the waitlist. I knew that this was a possibility due to my average MCAT score so I applied in advance to this school, and I got in early.
I was very upset about having to leave the US. However, my desire to become a physician is overwelming. I knew that I would be scorned by some for having to go elsewhere for a medical degree, but I did it anyway.
In terms of my reason for wanting to transfer, I recently found out that my Dad was diagnosed with Hep B. I am not saying that he is any kind of immediate danger, but he is my dad and I would like to be around to help in case his condition gets worse. I know how cheezy that may sound, but that is the truth.
I hope this sheds more light onto my situation, and I would love to hear what you guys think.
Thanks.



That is a very good medical school- i anticipate you will do very well on boards.

In terms of distance from your dad...its only a 13 hour plane ride to new york. And when you compare its 22,000 tuition to 44,000 for a private med school like georgetown...it comes out to $88,000 over 4 years. For that much money you can fly back and forth to the US 110 times @ 800 round trip. That's more than once every other weekend.
 
So I wanted to keep everyone posted. I am traveling back to the States in February for a visit with the family. During that time I will try to contact some medical schools to see what my options are.
I understand that I am paying half of what most people are paying for medical school in the States, and I understand that I am only a plane ride away. However, I really do want to be closer to home. Plus, as much as I do like the school and the area, you cant beat the States, at least in my opinion. Even though I want to be optimistic I know that my chances are slim to none, but I will try to impress upon the admissions committees that I am hard worker and that I will do whatever they want or need to catch up if need be...unless you guys dont think that that would be a good idea...I was always told that implying that you are desperate is never a good idea...
Thank guys!!!!
 
So I wanted to keep everyone posted. I am traveling back to the States in February for a visit with the family. During that time I will try to contact some medical schools to see what my options are.
I understand that I am paying half of what most people are paying for medical school in the States, and I understand that I am only a plane ride away. However, I really do want to be closer to home. Plus, as much as I do like the school and the area, you cant beat the States, at least in my opinion. Even though I want to be optimistic I know that my chances are slim to none, but I will try to impress upon the admissions committees that I am hard worker and that I will do whatever they want or need to catch up if need be...unless you guys dont think that that would be a good idea...I was always told that implying that you are desperate is never a good idea...
Thank guys!!!!
 
So I wanted to keep everyone posted. I am traveling back to the States in February for a visit with the family. During that time I will try to contact some medical schools to see what my options are.
I understand that I am paying half of what most people are paying for medical school in the States, and I understand that I am only a plane ride away. However, I really do want to be closer to home. Plus, as much as I do like the school and the area, you cant beat the States, at least in my opinion. Even though I want to be optimistic I know that my chances are slim to none, but I will try to impress upon the admissions committees that I am hard worker and that I will do whatever they want or need to catch up if need be...unless you guys dont think that that would be a good idea...I was always told that implying that you are desperate is never a good idea...
Thank guys!!!!

It certainly doesn't hurt to do an investigation and find out if a transfer is possible. I know that the two medical schools that I am affiliated with do not accept non-LCME transfer students. In addition, we are not going to have any openings for transfers this year unless a current student has something catastrophic happen.

I would also encourage you to look at the AAMC site where you can do a site search for schools that accept transfers from overseas. At least you can get an idea of what's possible with keeping in mind that probability may not be there.
 
So I wanted to keep everyone posted. I am traveling back to the States in February for a visit with the family. During that time I will try to contact some medical schools to see what my options are.
I understand that I am paying half of what most people are paying for medical school in the States, and I understand that I am only a plane ride away. However, I really do want to be closer to home. Plus, as much as I do like the school and the area, you cant beat the States, at least in my opinion. Even though I want to be optimistic I know that my chances are slim to none, but I will try to impress upon the admissions committees that I am hard worker and that I will do whatever they want or need to catch up if need be...unless you guys dont think that that would be a good idea...I was always told that implying that you are desperate is never a good idea...
Thank guys!!!!
.
 
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With regards to transferring from a top caribbean school to a U.S medical school, would having obtained a Bachelors degree from that caribbean med school not be of any value and therefore prevent the transfer to a U.S medical school? (Seeing as how Undergrad GPA is one of the requirements for transfer)

Any comments are appreciated, thanks!
 
With regards to transferring from a top caribbean school to a U.S medical school, would having obtained a Bachelors degree from that caribbean med school not be of any value and therefore prevent the transfer to a U.S medical school? (Seeing as how Undergrad GPA is one of the requirements for transfer)

Any comments are appreciated, thanks!

I'm not sure what would be considered a top Caribbean medical school but if it's not a US accredited institution or if the coursework is not in English then you would probably have to repeat your pre-requisites at a US accredited institution. I know that most state medical schools do not accept non-US bachelor's degree. There are a few private medical schools that do accept foreign bachelor's degree so it may be best if you get a copy of the MSAR, look through each school's requirements, and then contact those schools that you are interested in applying to.
 
Hope the search is going well. I transferred from the caribbean a little over a year ago. Here is where you should start:

http://services.aamc.org/tsp_reports/
There are several approaches for the aamc website; the best advice I have is to spend some time going through this website. It is very valuable as a starting point.


For me, the following schools were accepting applications (some information for the 2009 cycle is provided):


1 SUNY Upstate
http://www.upstate.edu/com/admissions/transfer.php
http://www.upstate.edu/currentstudent/document/com_transfer_app.pdf
The deadline to complete an application is April 1
Applications are accepted to the third year class from LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education).


2 Drexel (they did not have any seats for 2008)
http://www.drexelmed.edu/Home/Admissions/MDProgram/TransferApplicants.aspx
We begin accepting applications for potential transfer positions after February 1. We'll know more about possible open positions in the spring. If we have open positions, we'll begin to review complete applications in early/mid May. If there are no positions available, we'll return materials sent to us by applicants.
http://www.drexelmed.edu/Portals/0/Transfer_Application.pdf


3 NEOUCOM
http://www.neoucom.edu/audience/applicants/succeed/admi/currentMedTransfer
Effective December 1, 2008: The Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine is accepting applications for advanced standing admission to the M3 year for the 2009-10.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Application Materials and Deadline: If and when the College accepts Advanced Standing applications, the following materials constitute a completed application for Advanced Standing Admissions to NEOUCOM and must be postmarked by April 1, 2009.
1) Advanced Standing Admissions Application
2) Payment of a $150 application fee (nonrefundable)
3) Official transcripts from all current and previous post-secondary enrollment
4) Two recommendation forms
5) Official NBME transcript of USMLE Step 1 Score Report or date scheduled to take USMLE Step 1
6) If you have other information that would be helpful to the committee, such as clinical skills evaluations, please send these materials as well.



4 MSSM (they did not have any seats for 2008). They ask you to email a CV and if any seats are available, they will email you.
According to the 2009 website: Applications for transfer into the second, third, and fourth year classes are no longer accepted.
http://www.mountsinai.org/Education/School of Medicine/Degrees and Programs/MD Program/How to Apply



5 Tulane (was not accepting applications in 2008)
http://tulane.edu/som/admissions/admissions-process.cfm




6 SUNY Buffalo (they did not have any seats for 2008)
http://wings.buffalo.edu/smbs/ome/admission/admission_tranfers.htm
From U.S./Canadian/Foreign Medical or U.S. Osteopathic Schools
Transfer applications are usually considered only into our Third-Year Class. Other special circumstances requiring transfer are also considered. The number of third-year transfers is determined by class attrition. If space is available, applications are considered only if documented evidence of hardship exists for the student to continue at the school in which he or she is currently enrolled. Transfer information and application instructions can be obtained by contacting the Medical Admissions Office.

7 GWU Seems like they are no longer accepting carib applications. You can call to make sure; please comment if you find out if they will accept carib students.
http://www.gwumc.edu/edu/admis/html/admissions/transfer.html
2009-The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences will only accept transfer applicants from U.S. or Canadian schools of medicine and osteopathic medicine programs. Applicants must be either US or Canadian Citizens or US Permanent Residents. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours, including the required pre-medical coursework, at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university prior to matriculation. The vast majority have an undergraduate degree. Eight semester hours (six lecture and two lab) must be completed in each of the following fields: biology, physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Six semester hours of English (literature and/or composition) are also required. Applicants must be in good academic standing and eligible to reenter at their current medical school.

Students eligible to apply to our second or third-year classes are those from U.S. or Canadian schools of medicine, and those enrolled in Osteopathic Medicine Program. Students are eligible to apply if they meet our specific curriculum requirements. All students are required to submit MCAT scores. All Students from osteopathic schools must provide a passing USMLE Step 1 score (we cannot review students from these schools with only one-year of medical school coursework).

Depending on your state, your results may vary.

Note: You can call each school individually and ask them if they would accept your application, but I personally think this is low yield and annoying for the schools. I went to websites and looked up transfer policies. If you are unsure, feel free to call the school. The aamc website above gives you the name of the person to contact.


Addendum:
According to data published by one of the big 4, the following schools have accepted transfer students in the past few years:
Drexel University College of Medicine* Most students from here
Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
East Carolina University Colle of Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
University of Calgary
University of Vermont College of Medicine
Jefferson Medical College
Louisiana State University School of Medicine
New York Medical College

According to data provided from one of the big 4, from 2003-2005, ~30 students transferred. The mean medical school GPA was 3.46 (sd 0.46), mean USMLE 1 was 231 (sd 13.65), mean MCAT 25.28 (sd 3.17), UG GPA 3.25 (sd 0.32), Science GPA 3.18 (sd 0.38)


I have a lot more information on my blog: caribbeantransfer.blogspot.com. Good luck
 
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