Let's make a Pact

[aestivalis]

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Thanks McDuck, that is a really cool shot 👍 , did you use a special filter?

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Nope. The light from the sun refracting (reflecting?) through the atmosphere makes it naturally red.

 

[senioritaelena]

So, another weekend down without any news. Hopefully, with UCD sending things out as early as next week, we'll hear some good stuff.

Arre you serious?? You didn't take that shot!

Here's a shot I took tonight of the lunar eclipse to raise your spirits.

Arre you serious?? You didn't take that shot!

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Actually, it's two shots that I took. I used my telescope to get the moon and the camera to get the whole landscape, and mixed them.

I used a Nikon D70 attached to a Celestron 4 SE to take the moon and the D70 with a 28-80mm lense to take the landscape.

I wanted to get all the details of the lunar surface, so I used the telescope instead of a long lense. I intentionally left the moon a bit oversized. I think it has a cool sci-fi effect on the whole thing.

 

[docolive]

🙂 nice picture! I truly hope for good news...when it was mentioned that it may be another 4-6 weeks, I cringed.
I REALLY wish for good news and hope everyone else is hanging in there. again.

 

[leorl]

that is fantastic!

 

[EricaGrl]

Hi!

I recently submitted my CAO application to study medicine in Ireland, with TCD, UCD, RCSI, UCC and NUI Galway as my course choices. As I am a mature EU student (23) currently doing GCE A-levels in England, my 'school leaver' qualifications are sufficient for entry and most of the med schools only look at my grades. If I get four As this year (600 CAO points), I should have enough points to secure a place. The annoying part is that I won't know about my final grades and hence med school place until the results come out in August (final exams are in June). So the pressure is on 😀

The only med school that might interview me is TCD. According to the website the interviews are help sometime in April/May. It might be that the process is different for ABP and CAO applicants, with the interviews being slightly different as well. However, my understanding is that TCD med school interviews are similar to what you would get in the UK, with a mix of questions about your motivation for medicine etc. as well as questions pertaining to science.

Do you happen to know if this is the case? Also, is there a chance to meet up with some current TCD students before or after the interview just to have a chat about what the university/med school is like? Unlike many of you, I'm not North American myself (Finnish, in fact) but I do have family - cousins, aunts and uncles - in the States. I lived in AL for two years as a volunteer in a Christian work program and would like to go back one day, maybe to do my residency. So if I do end up getting an interview, it would be nice to meet up with NA/international medical students, just to hear their take on life in Dublin

(... just realised that RCSI is the only med school to normally interview ABP applicants -so TCD interviews are probably not relevant to you guys. Sorry! If I get an interview though, I'll let you know how it goes and my impressions on TCD. Hope your RCSI interviews go well!)

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Thanks for the compliments guys. 🙂 I fancy myself an amateur photographer.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

 

[docolive]

Hi!

I recently submitted my CAO application to study medicine in Ireland, with TCD, UCD, RCSI, UCC and NUI Galway as my course choices. As I am a mature EU student (23) currently doing GCE A-levels in England, my 'school leaver' qualifications are sufficient for entry and most of the med schools only look at my grades. If I get four As this year (600 CAO points), I should have enough points to secure a place.

Wishing you well. Let us know when you get an interview, and tell us how it went

 

[senioritaelena]

Thanks for the compliments guys. 🙂 I fancy myself an amateur photographer.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

I hope you don't mind, but I just set that as my background on my computer. Do you have any others like this?

 

[NewVintage]

I wonder if the Irish school admission committees (from each respective school) comes down to the ABP office in CA to make the selections.

Or does the ABP just send our applications to Ireland and they make them there?

For those of you who received admission letters or interview letters, did they come from ABP or from RCSI?

Thanks

 

[co06]

Decisions will come straight from Ireland. We were provided the option to have our decisions FedEx-ed to us so that International mail does not lose the letters.

The interviews however, are notified through Atlantic Bridge. RCSI is the only one that interviews so I would assume that RCSI would send ABP the list and then they notify you via email and ask that you call to schedule.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

I hope you don't mind, but I just set that as my background on my computer. Do you have any others like this?

Haha, that's fine. I have a few other background-worthy pics. If you want, you can pm me your email address, and I'll send them to you, or I can just put them on here if anyone else wants to see them.

I have a really nice shot of PICO Mountain that I took a few months ago; one of Rutland, VT; and a few other cool ones from Pennsylvania.

 

[ATLAromatic]

Hey all,

I had to call NUIG this morning to confirm that they are not part of the ABP and they confirmed that they are actually part of the program and have been for years.

Also, I asked when they are sending out decisions, and they said the medical faculty are in the process and will announce to ABP about their decisions in days.

I had to call to make sure they are part of the ABP since I couldn't get any solid answer here, even though ABP had confirmed but I still couldn't accept that since this forum couldn't confirm.

Good Luck All!!!!😉

 

[leorl]

This forum could not confirm. Unless something has changed recently, NUIG has not made itself known to accept ABP applicants. When I was applying, they were not even listed on the ABP application. However, if you called both NUIG and ABP, and they confirmed then it's true. They definitely have not publicized it, though. And I actually do not know any north americans studying at NUIG.

 

[docolive]

No Irish mail or email today. I was nauseously looking at an MA in Medical Sciences that came in the mail. Can anyone tell me why this would not be a waste of time and money??! Seriously, how many times do you want to take the same courses over and over--ie, bchm, anatomy/physiol......for close to $40,000.
Anyhow, best of Interesting info on NUIG; I was going to apply there, but somehow since it was not listed with the ABP, I did not.

btw, I was shadowing this morning...and an anesthesiologist told me about a friend who applied 4 times to medical school and finally got into a state DO school. Now that is perserverence.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Damn right. If I don't get in this year, I'm going to reapply next year, but that'd probably be it. I'll just go to Fiji and be a medicine man.

I haven't been home yet, but I haven't gotten any emails (though, I'm not waiting for any, since the second round of interviews for RCSI isn't going to be for a while). I've been in the OR all day with a thoracotomy. I can't get enough of those things. 😀

Also, I almost applied to NUIG--in fact, I was intent on it, but I just never got around to it. It wasn't listed on the ABP app, so that somehow prevented it from happening. 🙄

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Okay, I didn't get any PMs, so here are those two pics. Anyone can feel free to save them, etc. I know it's mucho OT, but someone wanted them, so deal with it. 😛

 

[docolive]

les photos sont tres belles monsieur mcduck. Anyhow, I hope this waiting will not run into the summer....I know that my updates are repetitive, but I just want one positive response from one of the schools.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

I'm assuming that's a compliment. 😀

It's okay, my updates are repetitive too.

Yesterday, I get home, and there's a giant white envelope in the mail. I open it up, and it's a recruiting brochure for the navy. I'm like, wtf.

So today, my mom calls me and leaves a message on my phone telling me to call her cell phone as soon as I get the message--she never does this. So I call her, and she informs me that she got the mail....and there was nothing for me. Thanks, mom.

 

[senioritaelena]

I'm assuming that's a compliment. 😀

It's okay, my updates are repetitive too.

Yesterday, I get home, and there's a giant white envelope in the mail. I open it up, and it's a recruiting brochure for the navy. I'm like, wtf.

So today, my mom calls me and leaves a message on my phone telling me to call her cell phone as soon as I get the message--she never does this. So I call her, and she informs me that she got the mail....and there was nothing for me. Thanks, mom.

Mr Duck,
Your mom is hilarious. You must give her a hug for me

Also, the photos are beautiful, thanks. I already saved them.

 

[jujube]

^ Wow, my mother has been checking the mail for me too, she feels so sorry I am nervous these days and she called me on her cell phone yesterday to tell me I had mail...a credit card offer and an early birthday card(which I greatly appreciated🙂 ) Hang in there everyone!

 

[docolive]

I'm assuming that's a compliment. 😀

It's okay, my updates are repetitive too.

Yesterday, I get home, and there's a giant white envelope in the mail. I open it up, and it's a recruiting brochure for the navy. I'm like, wtf.

So today, my mom calls me and leaves a message on my phone telling me to call her cell phone as soon as I get the message--she never does this. So I call her, and she informs me that she got the mail....and there was nothing for me. Thanks, mom.

Parents can give heart attacks.
Sounds familiar. My mom talks to her friends weekly, and tells them that I am applying to the Royal College in Dublin (ahaha, first of all, I was rejected!), and how wonderful it is, but how far away it is as well.

I don't know if she remembers the names of the schools to which I applied. Yes, the white envelope I received yesterday was from LUC--for the master's in medical sciences program.
OH! One more thing. We have a wine club in the neighborhood, and today in the mail, there was a little folded white sheet with green ribbons with an Irish theme---something to the effect of 'luck of the Irish' written on it.
I freaked out and thought that it might be a "R" letter.
Whoa, thank goodness it was not. I suppose that anything worthwhile would come via FedEx. so I guess I will camp out by the front door.

 

[docolive]

^ Wow, my mother has been checking the mail for me too, she feels so sorry I am nervous these days and she called me on her cell phone yesterday to tell me I had mail...a credit card offer and an early birthday card(which I greatly appreciated🙂 ) Hang in there everyone!

I guess everyone has gotten the familia involved

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Mine became involved against my will. She basically said she is okay with me going, but she wants nothing to do with it; now, she's checking my mail and calling me.

Oh, well, at least she's being more supportive now. She's always asking me what will happen when I get sick or get a panic attack in Ireland. 🙄 She's just looking out for me.

 

[cbest]

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to let you know that I called down to ABP today and the gentleman I spoke to told me that letters wouldn't be sent out until a little later on this month. I'm really hoping he was mistaken, though, because I'm starting to go crazy!

 

[docolive]

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to let you know that I called down to ABP today and the gentleman I spoke to told me that letters wouldn't be sent out until a little later on this month. I'm really hoping he was mistaken, though, because I'm starting to go crazy!

Oh dear. I sure hope that these are the acceptances 😕 😱 😀

 

[docolive]

So maybe next week???!😕

 

[Mr. McDuck]

I'm hoping today or next week, but it may not matter as I think I may have decided to stay here.

 

[docolive]

I'm hoping today or next week, but it may not matter as I think I may have decided to stay here.

Really??? Why???? Family--or other???

 

[docolive]

sorry for being intrusive. 🙂

 

[Mr. McDuck]

I'll PM you.

 

[docolive]

McDuck,
What I wanted to say was that you should keep both doors open. First of all, what is meant for you will show in the future--you will feel it in your gut. Wait until you hear from RCSI and UCC (or was it UCD?). You can pay the deposit, potentially defer, or just go with it (easier said than done, but you get my drift 🙂.
As I wrote in my PM, an acceptance to medical school is a feat in and of itself. It is a risky business (the premedical path); there are no guarantees.
A 41 MCAT or 21 MCAT could get you accepted or rejected---totally luck of the draw in many respects.
On the other hand, because you are a resident of state X, you may have some perks--in the sense that most state schools have a more reasonable MCAT average for in-state residents, and grant interviews based on some cut-off for GPA and MCAT.

For example, at Texas schools, the average MCAT score for in-state residents (that have been accepted) is around a 28. There are students both below and above this avg. Anyhow, so considering you will work hard and do well at your school, do well on the MCAT, you will have a good chance at your state school.

On the other hand, Ireland is more than just medical school. It is the experience that will shape who you are, being both intellectually stimulating and culturally rich. I agree with you that NA's bypassing the old school way of diagnosing is not error-proof, and it would be good to be a strong diagnostician (a + to the Irish system).
So, that's that for the cultural experience/time of your life.

Also, consider the idea that maybe your significant other could apply to the schools---semester abroad (as Leori did), visit you during off-time, as well as see you when you return for the summers. I realize that this is no easy task (to say the least), but everything is possible. The notion of going abroad to study medicine seems like the unthinkable sometimes. However, it is not, especially when you are not the sole North American or other at an Irish medical school who wants to do his or her residency in North America.
So, if your ties are strong to your loved ones, this will not be an issue. And, besides, you will be so busy that day-to-day life will pass by rather quickly. As I mentioned earlier (a/b school breaks), the fall semester is rather short, and the summer offers more time than the December break.

Time-wise, it does work out--granted you gain entry into a US school (on time).

Don't stress too much. What is most important is to hear back from these schools and go from there. I think planning for both options is a good idea (as much as possible, even if some money must be lost--in registration fees, etc.), and then evaluating the situation again when it comes to fruition (hopefully by May, wrt RCSI). At this branch point---US vs. Ireland schools, either path seems desirable in its own way. It's a leap of faith as I say, and I trust that whatever is meant for you and others is written in stone and something within you will tell you what to do when the time comes. BEST!!!!

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to wait and see what happens when I get the letter. If it's a rejection, my decision is made for me, lol. But, if I get accepted, I guess I'll know how I really feel about it.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to stay here though--I have a nice little plan all set up. Maybe if I get accepted, I can sell it to someone on ebay. 🙄

 

[Trauma Junkie]

The waiting is killing me. Has anyone anything? From ABP, perhaps? Has anyone an idea of when the second round of RCSI interviews might occur?

 

[Mr. McDuck]

They won't be until May/June, so you can relax for a bit.

 

[Trauma Junkie]

Ahhh, good to know. Thanks.

 

[docolive]

You may hear something from the schools--UCD,UCC, and Trinity by the end of the month.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Nothing, AGAIN. I better here something soon. I'm starting to get impatient. 😉

 

[docolive]

I think that we can expect something toward the latter part of the month--let's say toward the end of this week/next week and so on.........

 

[JediBookworm]

Lol, every time we post we delay our expectations...hopefully next week at the latest

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Arg. Please God, let us hear something soon!

 

[docolive]

Lol, every time we post we delay our expectations...hopefully next week at the latest

and this feeling of uncertainty isn't exactly fun. This has turned into a "vent your feelings" thread rather than a "report what you've heard from the schools" thread. Where is everyone?? Guess they're not as worried or obsessed with SDN??? 😕

 

[Mr. McDuck]

Haha, I know. No one really understands what I'm going through besides you guys. I started a blog 🙂cough:linkinmysignature:cough: 😉 ), but there isn't much to report, so I'm just filling it with what's happened so far.

On a completely unrelated note, I'm watching Futurama and Prof. Farnsworth is the funniest character ever.

 

[Beeper]

Hello all. I somehow feel immensely relieved that there are others in the same boat that I have stumbled into...the waiting game sucks, but seems as though no news is good news for now. I applied to UCD & RCSI and haven't heard from either yet. (On a side note, I have received a nice collection of US/Canada rejection letters.)

Good luck to you all!! I feel like I'm starting to make a career out of this application thing, but if I'm not giving up, neither should any of you. 😉

 

[Trauma Junkie]

Well, at least we have a place where we can vent and know that other people are freaking out too. My family are starting to get annoyed...

The newest info from ABP is that it could be April before we start to hear anything.

 

[docolive]

Well, at least we have a place where we can vent and know that other people are freaking out too. My family are starting to get annoyed...

The newest info from ABP is that it could be April before we start to hear anything.

😱 That sounds about right if the decisions are to be out by the end of March.

 

[Mr. McDuck]

You just gotta wait. Two weeks ago they told me it could be this week. I don't think ABP really knows; I think they're just making educated guesses based on the number of applicants.

 

[FireMed]

I could say 'hey don't worry about it, you'll know when you know and worrying about it before hand won't change anything', but alas, I too am in the curious lot who can't wait to hear either way.

I almost wish the other two would just hurry up and say no so that I can get on with my life.

Wouldn't it be interesting if a school would implement a program whereby some of the seats in the med prog were reserved for healthcare professionals with a certain amount of experience as well as university degrees.

And in this magical land, unicorns would walk the earth, pigs could fly, and politicians never lied and always kept their promises.

Whatever. I'm not bitter.😡

 

[Mr. McDuck]

...or with a certain amount of experience and without a degree if they're applying for the 6-year programs. 😉 Being as I've been assisting in surgery for the last three years, I don't think a degree in history would make much of a difference.