I feel like procrastinating so here’s a bunch of info nobody asked for.
Common myths/misconceptions about the school:
- “People only come here because they got rejected everywhere else.” Although the school isn’t many people’s first choice, I do have classmates that chose this school over state schools (including CSU) and people who only applied here.
- “The coursework is easier than that of a state school.” Nope. It’s just as challenging. We’re AVMA accredited for a reason.
- “Ross accepts three times as many students as a state school.” Not exactly true. The average class size is around 150, but my class is the biggest size by far at 200. It’s one of the things I strongly dislike about the program.
- “The island is dangerous.” I’ve never felt unsafe while living here. The only crimes that have been reported since I’ve lived here are theft.
- “Ross over accepts because they expect people to fail out.” We have PLENTY of resources to help students to succeed. There are weekly TA sessions, cheap tutoring, and a student success center that will help you find the best way to study and stay motivated.
- “You may not be placed for clinics.” Everyone will get placed somewhere. Most state schools have spots, as well as many international schools. Where you get placed will depend on your GPA. For example, schools like CSU take students with an average of a 3.8. Others will take as low as a 2.0. Schools only have a certain number of spots per year (not per semester), so don’t have your heart set on one school because it may not even be an option once clinical year comes around.
- “Cost of living is expensive.” This depends on where you’re coming from. Rent can be anywhere from $400-$1000. There are some grocery items that are more expensive here, but for the most part, prices are the about the same as in the US.
Things I wish I would have known when applying:
- Money
The currency here is Eastern Caribbean Dollars (ECD). Most places will accept USD, but it’s better to have EC. You can set up a bank account on the island. An island account makes it easier to pay rent. Bank of America is the “sister” bank to the island one, so you won’t get charged an ATM fee on campus. They also have a travel rewards credit card that doesn’t charge an international transaction fee, plus you can get travel points for cheaper flights to and from home.
- Phone
The school will give you an SIM card that will allow you to have an island phone number to make local calls. Some people will put the SIM card in their phone, others have a separate island phone. The phone must be unlocked for the SIM card to work. The island phone isn’t a necessity, but it is convenient.
- Transportation
Without a car, there are three ways to get around: School shuttle, taxis, and buses. The school shuttle will do weekend grocery runs and will pick up and drop of students who live off campus. School approved taxis are 20EC (~$8 USD) for a round trip. Taxis will pick you up on campus and take you directly where you need to go. Buses are 2.50EC (~$1 USD) each way but stay on a route and have to be flagged down. Both taxis and buses are large vans that seat around 15 people. Most people buy a car before second semester (when we have to move off campus), but it’s possible to get around without one. Cars here are usually very old and run down but still have an expensive price tag ($3500-$8000).
- Laptop
Bringing your laptop isn’t completely necessary. You are given an iPad that you will download all your lectures and books onto. I haven’t touched my laptop since I’ve been here.
- What to pack
You can find pretty much anything you need on the island, but it may be more expensive. Pack any specific items you like to use. Seventh semester students also sell most of their things, so you can get a lot of things for cheap. They have clothes, school supplies, books, household items, etc. I would still pack scrubs, coveralls, boots, and a stethoscope. Dissection kits, notebooks, notecards, pens and pencils can all be bought from uppers.
- Pets
We have one dorm that allows cats and dogs under 35lb. They have to undergo a 30-day quarantine. Dogs are only allowed to use a small outdoor area during this time, so if you plan on bringing a dog, bring lots of enrichment items.
- Vet prep
It’s a great program, but since you’re not technically a vet student, you have to use private loans to pay for it. I personally wouldn’t spend the extra $20,000, but if you have the money, go for it. People from vet prep are well prepared for first semester and get lots of hands on experience.
