International?

[polarbear]

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Hey Folks,

I've been following the board for months, but this is my first post. First of all, thanks to everyone for interesting and insightful comments.

So here's my question: Do any of you know if there are particular schools that are more receptive when it comes to international applicants? Harvard and other top tier private schools immediately come to mind, but are there others that you know of?

Thanks =)

 

[kimberlicox]

When you refer to international candidates, may I assume you are speaking of non-US citizens who have completed their pre-med requirements outside of the US?

If so, by and large, the vast majority of medical schools which would consider such an applicant would be the private schools. State schools, being largely funded by state taxpayers, are loathe to offer spots to a non-tax paying candidate over little Janey Q. Citizen with tax paying parents. You may find a student here and there at such schools but they are not numerous by any stretch of the imagination. Thus, schools like Harvard, as well as any of the other private schools would be more likely to admit international candidates. I do know that Hopkins and Georgetown have a relatively good record of doing so and am sure that there are many other schools which do as well. Many schools list their students and their undergrad universities on web sites so you might start there.

Bear in mind that many schools may require that your pre-med reqs be done in this country and that they may also require that the candidate have the full 4 years of tuition and living expenses squirreled away in a bank account since they are not eligible for loans or most scholarship programs.

[This message has been edited by kimberlicox (edited 01-14-2001).]

 

[gower]

Minor addendum to the accurate, well-written reply above.

The category of "foreign" does NOT include non-citizens holding a green card. Green card holders, while not yet citizens, are eligible for financial aid along with citizens. The medical schools will not make a distinction, especially if your education was done in a US college or university.

 

[Stephen Ewen]

This is generally good and accurate info.

 

[polarbear]

Thanks for the replies, folks.

I guess I should maybe flesh out my situation for you a bit more to see if there is anything else that anyone can add.

I'm a Canadian citizen and I don't have permanent resident status, but I completed my undergrad degree (and all my premed reqs)at a U.S. college.

GPA is about 3.4, I think (I actually haven't calculated them since junior year--so much for anal premeds

and MCAT is VR:13-15, PS:13, WR:S, BS:12.

I think that the numbers will put me in the running at a bunch of schools, but I'm concerned that the citizenship status will not be looked upon so favorably at a lot of schools. And the fact that I don't have a state school doesn't help.

I've considered the Canadian med schools, but I think they're a lot more strict about GPA cutoffs, and the numbers seem to indicate that you can't be too competitive in their pools once you fall below about 3.6 or so.

Any thoughts or comments about schools that I should consider/avoid given this situation would be appreciated!

 

[kimberlicox]

Hi Polarbear,

Thanks for clarifying your situation. Since you are a non-green card holder, my earlier words are still appropriate. I can't think of any schools you should "avoid" but in general, the private schools of medical education are going to be more receptive to your application, especially given your excellent MCAT scores.

The issue of financing your education at the notoriously expensive private schools bears some repeating. This from American Assoc. of Medical College's web site (http://www.aamc.org):

"Any U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident is eligible to participate in the MEDLOANS Program if enrolled or accepted by an AAMC member institution as a full-time student.

Non-U.S. citizens and students attending foreign or unaccredited U. S. Medical schools should be aware that they will be ineligible for almost all financial aid and loans. Students in these categories should give careful thought to financial planning before enrollment."

I understand the Canadian government is pretty stingy in the amounts it will loan students. Scholarships are always a possibility as is your family, should they be willing to foot the bill for your education.

Since you have studied in the US, a reasonable first step would be to talk with the pre-med advisors there. If you should be so lucky to have attended an undergrad university with a medical school, DEFINITELY make an appointment with one of the AdCom members to inquire as to their "policy" on international students. You may have better chances there.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that information on the number of international students/out-of-state students admitted to each US medical school may be had in:

the AAMC Med School Admission Requirements (MSAR)

September issue of JAMA each year posts information on a variety of medical student demographics. Look at last year's copy for some information by school.

Finally, many of the medical schools have information for international students on their web sites. You should be able to find application information, financing, etc. there. And although I know little to nothing about the CAS, I would encourage you to apply to some of the Canadian schools - you never know unless you try.

Hope this helps.