International applicants: where are you?

[Creightonite]

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After unsuccessful 2003 application cycle I am laying back in some MS program. I am an intl student. I just found some intl student statistics that may interest all international students applying to med school in US. This statistics has been a big suriprize for me as an intl applicant. It opened my eyes on the application process. If I had this data last summer, I would not have applied this year at and went straight to grad school. Therefore I would saved tons of money (I completed applications at 10 different schools). I overestimated my chances. Here is interesting data to look at. If you are an intl student accepted to med school, it would be really interesting to hear from you. I do give you a lot of respect because you are one of ~80 intl people accepted to med school. Here is the website:

http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/famg6d2002a.htm

 

[vixenell]

I'm not an international student, but there are certain schools that specifically have funds set aside for international students (one or more of the UT schools, thanks to ross perot), so schools like that are the ones that you might want to apply to in the future. If anything, make sure that you call schools ahead of time and ask them directly whether they accept international students, or if they just pocket the app fee; many can't accept any or more than a few because they are supported by federal funds, that can only benefit citizens & permanent residents. So, (and this is a direct quote from a member of NYU's adcom) "Unless you come from a rich family, and can sign a contract with the med school that you will pay for all costs associated with your education," which far exceeds the tuition & fees, most schools feel that they can't accept you.

But yeah, definately look into the UT school if you're still interested in med school (I believe its UT-Southwestern), or research into the private schools, or top 10 institutions, that have much more money.

 

[IntlMD07]

I am sorry that things turned out badly for you Creightonite. I am one of the lucky 80, actually lucky 49 (non Canadian), and will be attending Columbia. I applied to 17 schools and only got 3 interviews, though. I wonder where you applied and if you sent out enough apps to top 20 schools, coincidentally more private institutions and thus more international friendly. The stats you presented are incredible - I would not have applied if I had seen them before... One thing that is does confirm is that Canadian applicants have an advantage over other internationals, I wonder if that is due to the applicant pool being heavily Canadian or because of the greater facility in visa issuing (especially after med school) and loan obtaining.

 

[autumnleaves]

Hey Creightonite and IntlMD, I am on student visa right now but I have been to all four years of college in California. However, I am a Canadian citizen. My stats are 3.62 and 32N. If you don't mind me asking, what were your stats? And do you guys think I should apply?? Thanks!

 

[Creightonite]

Originally posted by vixenell
I'm not an international student, but there are certain schools that specifically have funds set aside for international students (one or more of the UT schools, thanks to ross perot), so schools like that are the ones that you might want to apply to in the future. If anything, make sure that you call schools ahead of time and ask them directly whether they accept international students, or if they just pocket the app fee; many can't accept any or more than a few because they are supported by federal funds, that can only benefit citizens & permanent residents. So, (and this is a direct quote from a member of NYU's adcom) "Unless you come from a rich family, and can sign a contract with the med school that you will pay for all costs associated with your education," which far exceeds the tuition & fees, most schools feel that they can't accept you.

But yeah, definately look into the UT school if you're still interested in med school (I believe its UT-Southwestern), or research into the private schools, or top 10 institutions, that have much more money.

Lol. I am not rich. I researcherd all the schools for the number of intl students accepted compared to the number of intl applicants. I did my undergrad in US. UTs do not have any funds available for intl students. In addition they have a separate applications system where they do not have intermediate grades (like B+). In my school B+ corresponds to GPA of 3.5 In UT app, I have to put a 3 for B+ since they do not have a 3.5 ... With that in mind i did not even apply since my GPA was even less competetive. In adition as far as I remeber they either did not accept any intl students or pursentage was too small so I decided not to apply.

 

[Creightonite]

IntlMD07: check your PM

 

[Buminie]

Hello Creightonite

I am one of the international students that got in (non Canadian). I was also very discouraged at first about applying because just like you I was aware of the stats.

At some point I realized that I needed to follow my dreams regardless of the stats. (I am religious). I had the odds against me, my stats were not too great for the schools that accept international students.
So I did my homework, I tried to better my portfolio before I applied. It is important you research before applying.I applied to 15 schools, got interviews at 2 and got in at both.

I think if you really want to be a doctor, go for it, you never know what you will find.
The financial aspect, there are a lot of loans out there for international students with a citizen or greencard holder co-signer. I am not even sure how accurate these stats are. I know a handful of international students that got in.

 

[Creightonite]

Buminie: check your pm.

 

[piotr13]

Do any of you guys know which institutions OTHER than the ivy's are Canadian-friendly (especially for a Canadian applicant from an ivy [Cornell])??? Any response would help me out a lot!

 

[canadian]

Hi,

Piotr13, I'm also Canadian from an Ivy. As far as I know, Einstein, Penn State and Finch are friendly to Canadians (interviewed there). However, unless your grades are superb (eg. gpa > 3.7) I think it is kind of difficult to get interviews let alone getting in, even at places which you might consider "safeties." I did not have such grades and therefore had a difficult time, although I did managed to get into couple places. I just wish I knew before hand that only about 80 international students will matriculate out of 16500. That would have decreased the amount of disappointment I felt after each rejection letter.

 

[IntlMD07]

Buminie, just curious, where are you from and where are you going? I am from Brazil and I chose Columbia.

 

[sl_jl]

Originally posted by IntlMD07
Buminie, just curious, where are you from and where are you going? I am from Brazil and I chose Columbia.

IntlMD07,

Did you have to open an escrow account? My brother-in law is Canadian and is applying to US med schools and was told that he needed to deposit about 180,000 US in an escrow account before enrolling.......

 

[IntlMD07]

Columbia asks for the first year tuition and living expenses for the FIRST year on your name in a bank in NY. However, they have institution based loans and grants for internationals, so the money doesn't need to come from you exclusively.

 

[Buminie]

hi IntlMD07

I am from Nigeria going to Boston University

 

[amy73]

Hi There guys,

Nice thread..

Anyone out there with non US premeds? I am non candian and will take the MCAT next year.. I have a bachelor degree from another country and have met all the premed requirements .. but the problem is they are not done here in US..I was wondering if there is anyone out there in similar situation or knows people who may be/have been..

Immigration wise i seem to be doing OK .. since my permanent residency is in process and i will probably have GC soon....

I dont know if anyone has looked into this.. but Finch accepts international transcripts and also people who are here on visas..

Thank you.

 

[Creightonite]

If you are getting permanent residency, it should help you a lot. I think that it would be really hard for you to apply to med school with a non-US college degree unless you have very exceptional grades and you have done something extraordinary. Would it be possible for you to complete all requirements in the US? Or you can just try to transfer some of the credits at a US college and just do a BS degree in just like 2-3 years?
If I were you, I would seek for a few consultations from the med schools you are looking to apply to.