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As a longer time observer (and insider knowledge of Saba) of the Caribbean Medical School scene, I find it interesting to still see SABA still linked in the second tier of schools people are looking at.
Observations:
While St. George's is the top school in the Carribbean IMO, who can afford it??? However, if you can, their $$$ (yours essentially) has bought alot of good will in the US that can pay off posssibly come residency time.
Ross is fine, with a long track record. However, the island is HORRIBLE (only 16 months though) and the admin. is not very student friendly in many ways. But the education is solid and they will weed out the slackers.
AUC has a beautiful campus on a nice island. Thats about it, but ultimately you can get what you want out of it if you work hard. More on working hard later...
For some reason, AUC seems to take credit for receiving Stafford Loans (as does Ross & SG) as if they are appoved because of the quality of their programs. Not true. These schools were simply grandfathered in because they were around before the US DOE clampted down on new schools receiving Title IV funds in the early '90's. Students pay heavily for the privilege of receiving Stafford Loans by paying enormous tuition rates.
St. Matthews has been a mess for years with its island move and administration malfeasance, but apparently is digging out a little and should be fine.
That leads to Saba, which, in my cynical opinion gives the most bang for the buck. Sleepy, picturesque island with the typical ****** locals (harsh, but true) that is safe and a great place to study. Tuition is kept at reasonable levels, but doesn't offer Stafford loans (this is actually a good thing, but seems to turn off prospective students who see this as a sign of disapproval from the US or something)
The problem with all the schools is the turnover in faculty, which makes it hard to give solid recommendations on academic quality. However, the schools with sound management are more dedicated to bring in good faculty--which is a relative term anyway in the Caribbean Medical School scene. Let's face it, its not the desired destination for most professionals that have many choices in the manner.
Bottom line is, the schools above can be a wonderful 2nd chance opportunity for good students to realize their dream of becoming Dr.'s but dont add up well by traditional standards that US schools look to for admittance--a poor grade here or there, age, etc...
This is nothing you haven't heard a zillion times on this board and others like it, but if you are disciplined in your study habits, you will pass the boards (many from Saba, at least, excell) and get your residency in anything but the most competiitve specialties as a general rule.
Observations:
While St. George's is the top school in the Carribbean IMO, who can afford it??? However, if you can, their $$$ (yours essentially) has bought alot of good will in the US that can pay off posssibly come residency time.
Ross is fine, with a long track record. However, the island is HORRIBLE (only 16 months though) and the admin. is not very student friendly in many ways. But the education is solid and they will weed out the slackers.
AUC has a beautiful campus on a nice island. Thats about it, but ultimately you can get what you want out of it if you work hard. More on working hard later...
For some reason, AUC seems to take credit for receiving Stafford Loans (as does Ross & SG) as if they are appoved because of the quality of their programs. Not true. These schools were simply grandfathered in because they were around before the US DOE clampted down on new schools receiving Title IV funds in the early '90's. Students pay heavily for the privilege of receiving Stafford Loans by paying enormous tuition rates.
St. Matthews has been a mess for years with its island move and administration malfeasance, but apparently is digging out a little and should be fine.
That leads to Saba, which, in my cynical opinion gives the most bang for the buck. Sleepy, picturesque island with the typical ****** locals (harsh, but true) that is safe and a great place to study. Tuition is kept at reasonable levels, but doesn't offer Stafford loans (this is actually a good thing, but seems to turn off prospective students who see this as a sign of disapproval from the US or something)
The problem with all the schools is the turnover in faculty, which makes it hard to give solid recommendations on academic quality. However, the schools with sound management are more dedicated to bring in good faculty--which is a relative term anyway in the Caribbean Medical School scene. Let's face it, its not the desired destination for most professionals that have many choices in the manner.
Bottom line is, the schools above can be a wonderful 2nd chance opportunity for good students to realize their dream of becoming Dr.'s but dont add up well by traditional standards that US schools look to for admittance--a poor grade here or there, age, etc...
This is nothing you haven't heard a zillion times on this board and others like it, but if you are disciplined in your study habits, you will pass the boards (many from Saba, at least, excell) and get your residency in anything but the most competiitve specialties as a general rule.
