Seeking Honest Insights on Ross University School of Medicine & MERP

[AKG21]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently at a major crossroads and would appreciate honest feedback from those with experience at Ross University School of Medicine, particularly those who went through MERP.

Background​

I have a non-traditional background and a complicated path leading up to this point. I completed a post-baccalaureate program at Columbia University, where I faced significant academic challenges. My journey was further delayed by serious health issues, including a diagnosis of kidney stones, and difficult personal and family circumstances at home.

Despite these obstacles, I have continued to pursue my interest in medicine. Ross is the only medical school I’ve been able to gain admission to given my academic record, personal challenges, and non-traditional background. I was recently offered conditional acceptance through MERP, which I see as both a screening process and an opportunity to objectively assess whether I’m truly capable of succeeding in medical school.

My Concerns & Circumstances​

• At 34 years old, I’m fully aware that I need to be very strategic with my time and finances.
• My family has not been supportive of my medical aspirations, and I’ve had to navigate this process largely on my own.
• I understand that Caribbean medical schools — including Ross — carry significantly higher risks when it comes to attrition rates, stigma during residency matching, and access to competitive specialties.
• Financial stability and long-term career prospects matter greatly to me, and I want to be realistic about what’s actually possible for someone in my position.

What I’m Hoping to Learn from You​

• For those who completed MERP, did you find it to be a useful preparation tool, or is it mostly just a filter?
• What specialties have Ross graduates realistically matched into in recent years? I’m particularly interested in Anesthesiology, Radiology, and Emergency Medicine, though I know Primary Care tends to be more common for Caribbean graduates.
• How supportive is Ross in terms of clinical rotations, Step preparation, and residency advising?
• If you completed Ross and successfully matched, would you make the same decision again, or would you pursue a different route (DO, SMP, etc.) if you had the chance to start over?
• For those who didn’t pass MERP or left Ross before completing the program, was the experience still valuable in any way, or was it ultimately a setback?
• Given my circumstances — Ross being the only school that admitted me — do you think pursuing Ross and MERP is a reasonable decision, or would you strongly recommend reconsidering?

I’m trying to approach this with open eyes and a realistic understanding of both the opportunities and risks. I would greatly appreciate any candid, unfiltered advice from those who’ve been through this process or know others who have.

Thanks so much for your time and insights!

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[AJS59]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently at a major crossroads and would appreciate honest feedback from those with experience at Ross University School of Medicine, particularly those who went through MERP.

Background​

I have a non-traditional background and a complicated path leading up to this point. I completed a post-baccalaureate program at Columbia University, where I faced significant academic challenges. My journey was further delayed by serious health issues, including a diagnosis of kidney stones, and difficult personal and family circumstances at home.

Despite these obstacles, I have continued to pursue my interest in medicine. Ross is the only medical school I’ve been able to gain admission to given my academic record, personal challenges, and non-traditional background. I was recently offered conditional acceptance through MERP, which I see as both a screening process and an opportunity to objectively assess whether I’m truly capable of succeeding in medical school.

My Concerns & Circumstances​

• At 34 years old, I’m fully aware that I need to be very strategic with my time and finances.
• My family has not been supportive of my medical aspirations, and I’ve had to navigate this process largely on my own.
• I understand that Caribbean medical schools — including Ross — carry significantly higher risks when it comes to attrition rates, stigma during residency matching, and access to competitive specialties.
• Financial stability and long-term career prospects matter greatly to me, and I want to be realistic about what’s actually possible for someone in my position.

What I’m Hoping to Learn from You​

• For those who completed MERP, did you find it to be a useful preparation tool, or is it mostly just a filter?
• What specialties have Ross graduates realistically matched into in recent years? I’m particularly interested in Anesthesiology, Radiology, and Emergency Medicine, though I know Primary Care tends to be more common for Caribbean graduates.
• How supportive is Ross in terms of clinical rotations, Step preparation, and residency advising?
• If you completed Ross and successfully matched, would you make the same decision again, or would you pursue a different route (DO, SMP, etc.) if you had the chance to start over?
• For those who didn’t pass MERP or left Ross before completing the program, was the experience still valuable in any way, or was it ultimately a setback?
• Given my circumstances — Ross being the only school that admitted me — do you think pursuing Ross and MERP is a reasonable decision, or would you strongly recommend reconsidering?

I’m trying to approach this with open eyes and a realistic understanding of both the opportunities and risks. I would greatly appreciate any candid, unfiltered advice from those who’ve been through this process or know others who have.

Thanks so much for your time and insights!

I'm not a Ross guy, but I'll level it with you: going the Caribbean route is probably a mistake. You can read stories about Caribbean med schools on here and on reddit but suffice to say the answer is this: Unlike MD and DO schools, Caribbean schools care not one iota about how you do, if you graduate and if you match. Their entire business model is built on luring in unsuspecting students, placing them in an overcrowded/underresourced community, and then lopping them off, one by one. Whatever details you see about step scores and match rates are falsely inflated because of the degree to which they cull the class. And if you're dismissed, you'll be on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt with no degree to your name.

And in the event you do make it through preclinical and the maze of their clinical years, matching will always be an uphill battle. US IMGs will always be at the bottom of totem pole and have to work significantly harder than their MD and DO counterparts to achieve the same goals. EM and Primary care are certainly doable, but anesthesia and radiology would be more akin to winning a lottery. And unfortunately, many MDs from Ross find themselves unmatched, then forced to teach at Ross or pursue some other career in the US, with, again, several hundreds of thousands in debt.

I think we need to know a WAMC (see profile in this forum) to assess what went wrong and what next steps should be.

 

[candbgirl]

I really agree with @AJS59 . Post a WAMC grid. Fill it in completely. And see what the smart people on here say.
How many times have you applied MD , and how many times have you applied DO? How many interviews did you get? What were the results (WL or R)?
From the little you have shared with us it sounds like you are the kind of student the Caribbean schools prey on. They are always glad to accepted you and take a few semesters of your money and then dump you on the island with no degree and several hundred thousands of dollars of crushing debt and absolutely no way to pay it back.

So fill out the attached grid and maybe someone can figure out what went wrong.

Thread '*~*~*~*IMPORTANT: How to Format Your WAMC Thread for Optimal Results and More!!*~*~*~*'

Nov 19, 2015

Hello, and welcome to the What Are My Chances (WAMC) forum.

The purpose of this forum is to

• Post threads about your chances of acceptance to MD and/or DO schools
• Have your school list critiqued and modified by other members of SDN
• Determine how to strengthen your current application

General guidelines for posting threads

• Please DO NOT call out specific users in the title of your thread
• Please include the word "Texas", "Canadian", or "International" in your thread title if you are a resident of Texas, Canada, or another non-US country in order to...

• WedgeDawg
• Replies: 1
• Forum: What Are My Chances? WAMC Medical

• 

 

[AKG21]

I'm not a Ross guy, but I'll level it with you: going the Caribbean route is probably a mistake. You can read stories about Caribbean med schools on here and on reddit but suffice to say the answer is this: Unlike MD and DO schools, Caribbean schools care not one iota about how you do, if you graduate and if you match. Their entire business model is built on luring in unsuspecting students, placing them in an overcrowded/underresourced community, and then lopping them off, one by one. Whatever details you see about step scores and match rates are falsely inflated because of the degree to which they cull the class. And if you're dismissed, you'll be on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt with no degree to your name.

And in the event you do make it through preclinical and the maze of their clinical years, matching will always be an uphill battle. US IMGs will always be at the bottom of totem pole and have to work significantly harder than their MD and DO counterparts to achieve the same goals. EM and Primary care are certainly doable, but anesthesia and radiology would be more akin to winning a lottery. And unfortunately, many MDs from Ross find themselves unmatched, then forced to teach at Ross or pursue some other career in the US, with, again, several hundreds of thousands in debt.

I think we need to know a WAMC (see profile in this forum) to assess what went wrong and what next steps should be.

Thanks for your honesty — I appreciate the bluntness.

I’m fully aware of the high risk and low reward reputation that Caribbean schools have, and I don’t take this decision lightly. The reason I’m even considering Ross is because no US MD or DO school gave me a shot due to my past academic struggles and non-traditional timeline. Ross and MERP were the only path left open to me — and I see MERP as a chance to assess whether I even belong in medicine before committing fully.

I’m not naïve about the challenges — especially for specialties like anesthesia or radiology — but I’m also at a point where I need to either confirm I can make this work, or walk away from medicine entirely. If MERP makes it clear I’m not capable, I’d rather know now than waste more years.

If you have any constructive advice — either about how to maximize my chances if I do proceed, or alternative paths for someone in my situation (34 years old, post-bac GPA damage, some health setbacks) — I’d appreciate it.

 

[AKG21]

I really agree with @AJS59 . Post a WAMC grid. Fill it in completely. And see what the smart people on here say.
How many times have you applied MD , and how many times have you applied DO? How many interviews did you get? What were the results (WL or R)?
From the little you have shared with us it sounds like you are the kind of student the Caribbean schools prey on. They are always glad to accepted you and take a few semesters of your money and then dump you on the island with no degree and several hundred thousands of dollars of crushing debt and absolutely no way to pay it back.

So fill out the attached grid and maybe someone can figure out what went wrong.

Thread '*~*~*~*IMPORTANT: How to Format Your WAMC Thread for Optimal Results and More!!*~*~*~*'

Nov 19, 2015

Hello, and welcome to the What Are My Chances (WAMC) forum.

The purpose of this forum is to

• Post threads about your chances of acceptance to MD and/or DO schools
• Have your school list critiqued and modified by other members of SDN
• Determine how to strengthen your current application

General guidelines for posting threads

• Please DO NOT call out specific users in the title of your thread
• Please include the word "Texas", "Canadian", or "International" in your thread title if you are a resident of Texas, Canada, or another non-US country in order to...

• WedgeDawg
• Replies: 1
• Forum: What Are My Chances? WAMC Medical

• 

Thanks for your response — I get why some people would assume I’m just another desperate applicant walking blindly into Ross, but let me make something very clear.

I know exactly what Ross is, what Caribbean schools do, and how the system works. I’m fully aware of the high attrition rates, the Step 1 filtering, the inflated match stats, and the uphill battle US IMGs face — especially for competitive specialties like Anesthesiology. I’m not naïve, and I’m not looking for anyone to hold my hand.

Here’s my reality:
I never applied to US MD or DO programs because my focus was on the Georgetown SMP, which I was accepted into. The only reason I didn’t attend was because I needed emergency kidney stone surgery, and my entire timeline got thrown off. Add to that the family chaos I’ve had to navigate, and you get why my path’s been unconventional.

I did a rigorous post-bac at Columbia, but my GPA took a hit there, and my MCAT isn’t competitive enough to crack US MD or DO. That left me with one option — Ross through MERP. I’m not pretending it’s ideal, but it’s what’s on the table.

This is how I see it: MERP is my filter. If I can’t handle MERP, I’ll walk away from medicine altogether — no second thoughts. But if I excel in MERP, I’ll at least know I have the academic foundation to succeed in medical school. That’s all I want — a fair, objective gauge of my capabilities.

What I’m here for is practical, unfiltered advice from people who actually went through MERP and matched from Ross — not doom-and-gloom copy-pasted from Reddit. If you’ve lived this process and have something real to offer, I’m all ears.

 

[candbgirl]

There is a Caribbean forum on SDN. Not sure how active it is but if you are going to get some appropriate advice it might be there. Good luck.

 

[novasmom]

I have a friend that didn’t get into US Med schools but got in to Ross and ultimately attended. They are an Anesthesia resident now!

 

[GoSpursGo]

I did a rigorous post-bac at Columbia, but my GPA took a hit there, and my MCAT isn’t competitive enough to crack US MD or DO. That left me with one option — Ross through MERP. I’m not pretending it’s ideal, but it’s what’s on the table.

This is how I see it: MERP is my filter. If I can’t handle MERP, I’ll walk away from medicine altogether — no second thoughts. But if I excel in MERP, I’ll at least know I have the academic foundation to succeed in medical school. That’s all I want — a fair, objective gauge of my capabilities.

I know you want firsthand experience, though I think it's unlikely you will get it.

However, why do you think that the Ross MERP would be a better filter than the Columbia post-bacc, or the MCAT? It seems like you have already gotten the answer to your question through personal experience. Why will this additional experience provide you further insight than the ones you've already had? And what guarantee do you have that your medical and personal issues won't continue to de-rail you going forward?

Seems like you're looking for confirmation that going to Ross is a good idea. You're unlikely to get it. But ultimately it is your time and money

 

[AKG21]

I know you want firsthand experience, though I think it's unlikely you will get it.

However, why do you think that the Ross MERP would be a better filter than the Columbia post-bacc, or the MCAT? It seems like you have already gotten the answer to your question through personal experience. Why will this additional experience provide you further insight than the ones you've already had? And what guarantee do you have that your medical and personal issues won't continue to de-rail you going forward?

Seems like you're looking for confirmation that going to Ross is a good idea. You're unlikely to get it. But ultimately it is your time and money

Thanks for your response — I get where you’re coming from, and I appreciate the bluntness. But to clarify, I’m not looking for confirmation that Ross is a “good idea” — I already know it’s objectively a bad option compared to US MD/DO. That’s not up for debate.

What I’m looking for is whether MERP itself — as a standalone academic program — offers a clear, structured filter that will show me if I’m academically capable of handling medical school at this stage of my life.

Here’s why I don’t view my past experiences as definitive answers:

• Columbia post-bac: No question, it was tough — but it was also my first exposure to hard science courses after years away from academics, all while dealing with personal and health crises. It doesn’t necessarily reflect what I could do now in a focused, structured environment.
• MCAT: The MCAT is one snapshot. It’s important, but it’s not a direct simulation of medical school coursework or exams.
• MERP: This is a direct test-drive of med school-style learning, with heavy science coursework under a compressed timeline. It’s the closest thing to seeing if I can actually cut it in medical school, not just prep for an exam or survive post-bac classes in isolation.

On top of that, I’m in a different place mentally and physically now than I was during Columbia. I’ve resolved some of the health issues that threw me off before, and I’m more aware of my own strengths and limits. I’m treating MERP as a controlled experiment — if I fail, I walk away with zero regrets knowing I gave myself a fair shot. If I excel, I’ll know I’m at least capable of handling the academic workload, even if the road ahead is still steep.

I’m not asking anyone to tell me Ross is a good school — it’s not. I’m asking if MERP has value as a diagnostic tool for someone in my position. That’s the distinction.

If anyone has firsthand experience with MERP itself, that’s the feedback I’m after.

 

[AKG21]

I have a friend that didn’t get into US Med schools but got in to Ross and ultimately attended. They are an Anesthesia resident now!

I appreciate the positive anecdote, and it’s definitely encouraging to hear that someone from Ross successfully matched into Anesthesia. That said, I fully recognize that stories like that are the exception, not the norm, especially for US IMGs.

I’m under no illusions about the challenges ahead. Matching into any competitive specialty from Ross — let alone Anesthesia — would require top Step scores, strong clinical evaluations, strategic networking, and a spotless application. I know the bar is incredibly high, and I’m treating MERP as the first checkpoint to see if I even have the academic foundation to make this path feasible.

At the end of the day, my goal is to objectively assess whether I’m cut out for the rigor of medical school and beyond. If I can’t excel in MERP, I’ll take that as a clear sign to step away from medicine altogether. But if I do well, I’ll move forward with full awareness that the road ahead — especially if I’m aiming for something like Anesthesia — will require near-flawless execution every step of the way.

Thanks again for the insight — I’m open to hearing both success stories and cautionary tales so I can make the most informed decision possible.

 

[GoSpursGo]

• Columbia post-bac: No question, it was tough — but it was also my first exposure to hard science courses after years away from academics, all while dealing with personal and health crises. It doesn’t necessarily reflect what I could do now in a focused, structured environment.
• MCAT: The MCAT is one snapshot. It’s important, but it’s not a direct simulation of medical school coursework or exams.
• MERP: This is a direct test-drive of med school-style learning, with heavy science coursework under a compressed timeline. It’s the closest thing to seeing if I can actually cut it in medical school, not just prep for an exam or survive post-bac classes in isolation.

On top of that, I’m in a different place mentally and physically now than I was during Columbia. I’ve resolved some of the health issues that threw me off before, and I’m more aware of my own strengths and limits. I’m treating MERP as a controlled experiment — if I fail, I walk away with zero regrets knowing I gave myself a fair shot. If I excel, I’ll know I’m at least capable of handling the academic workload, even if the road ahead is still steep.

But my point is that there is no such thing as a "controlled experiment" when it comes to med school. There is always going to be some real world distraction that you need to overcome. The MCAT is a single snapshot, but then why don't you retake it? Similarly, your steps will be a single snapshot, and you need to be able to excel "on any given day."

Like I said, I think you're seeking advice not only that Ross is a good school, but that your plan is reasonable. It's not. I think you either have your answer now, or that there is no reason you couldn't try again at a less costly/more reputable school without going to the Caribbean. But I think you're looking for one person to tell you that this is a reasonable plan, and you're going to follow that person's advice... so regardless, best of luck to you

 

[AKG21]

But my point is that there is no such thing as a "controlled experiment" when it comes to med school. There is always going to be some real world distraction that you need to overcome. The MCAT is a single snapshot, but then why don't you retake it? Similarly, your steps will be a single snapshot, and you need to be able to excel "on any given day."

Like I said, I think you're seeking advice not only that Ross is a good school, but that your plan is reasonable. It's not. I think you either have your answer now, or that there is no reason you couldn't try again at a less costly/more reputable school without going to the Caribbean. But I think you're looking for one person to tell you that this is a reasonable plan, and you're going to follow that person's advice... so regardless, best of luck to you

Thanks for your response — but let me be absolutely clear. I’m not here looking for someone to tell me Ross is a good school — I know exactly what Ross is and what it isn’t. I’m fully aware of the reputation, the risks, and the reality that Ross is a for-profit institution that has no problem cutting students loose if they don’t make the cut. I’m not naïve about that.

What I’m looking for is a clear, objective checkpoint to assess my own capabilities — right now, in the present. My past performance — whether at Columbia or on the MCAT — happened under extreme personal, medical, and family circumstances. That doesn’t excuse the results, but it also doesn’t give me a clear answer on whether I can handle medical school now, without all that external chaos.

MERP is the only opportunity I have to test myself in a focused, academic environment tied directly to the demands of medical school. If I fail, I’m done — I walk away, no second guessing, no throwing more time or money into this process. If I pass — and pass well — then I’ll have earned a legitimate data point that tells me I have the academic foundation to move forward. That’s all I’m after — a hard reality check.

I get that you (and many others here) believe the very fact I’m even considering Ross proves I’m making a mistake. That’s fine — you’re entitled to that view. But given my age, my background, and my limited options, I’m not interested in theoretical alternatives that aren’t actually available to me. This is what’s in front of me — and I’m going to see it through.

If anyone here has firsthand insight into MERP’s actual rigor, usefulness, and what it truly measures, that’s what I’m here for. I appreciate the tough love, but I’m not asking for permission — I’m asking for facts.

 

[Arbitas]

But my point is that there is no such thing as a "controlled experiment" when it comes to med school. There is always going to be some real world distraction that you need to overcome. The MCAT is a single snapshot, but then why don't you retake it? Similarly, your steps will be a single snapshot, and you need to be able to excel "on any given day."

Like I said, I think you're seeking advice not only that Ross is a good school, but that your plan is reasonable. It's not. I think you either have your answer now, or that there is no reason you couldn't try again at a less costly/more reputable school without going to the Caribbean. But I think you're looking for one person to tell you that this is a reasonable plan, and you're going to follow that person's advice... so regardless, best of luck to you

I agree that OP here is clearly just seeking for affirmation rather than advice.

 

[AKG21]

I agree that OP here is clearly just seeking for affirmation rather than advice.

Appreciate the responses, but let’s cut through the assumptions. I’m not here for validation or to convince myself that Ross is a great option — I already know it’s not. It’s the only option I have left. Period. If there were any viable path to a US MD or DO, I’d take it. But there isn’t. And at 34, I don’t have the luxury of spending another 3-5 years chasing theoretical chances that may never materialize.

MERP is not some Hail Mary to justify Ross — it’s a hard stop. If I can’t succeed in MERP, I walk away from medicine entirely. That’s the whole point. It’s not about finding someone to pat me on the back — it’s about testing whether I have the academic ability to move forward. I’m not trying to control every variable — I’m trying to get a clean, structured environment that reflects the academic demands I’ll face in med school, without the chaos that derailed my earlier attempts.

I get that many of you think the very act of considering Ross is proof I shouldn’t be doing this. Fair enough. But I’m dealing with the reality in front of me, not the ideal path most of you followed. This is my last and only shot.

If anyone has actual experience with MERP — what it covers, how reflective it is of med school coursework, how former MERP students have done — that’s the input I’m looking for. If you think it’s all a waste of time, fine — but spare me the amateur psychoanalysis about my motives. I know exactly why I’m here.

 

[GoSpursGo]

I think you're likely to get similar responses in this forum--would you like me to move it to the Carib forum?

 

[AKG21]

I think you're likely to get similar responses in this forum--would you like me to move it to the Carib forum?

Yes, if you think that i'd get better responses there.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Clarify for me... isn't MERP for Canadians?

 

[GoSpursGo]

Yes, if you think that i'd get better responses there.

Moved. Not sure you'll get "more" responses, but you may be slightly more likely to get the firsthand feedback you're looking for.

 

[AKG21]

Clarify for me... isn't MERP for Canadians?

The Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) is not just for Canadians — it's for any student conditionally accepted to Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) who the admissions committee believes would benefit from additional academic preparation before starting medical school.

💡 Who Typically Gets Placed into MERP?​

• U.S. students with borderline academics (GPA/MCAT) who show potential but need more preparation.
• Canadian students — Ross actively recruits in Canada, and MERP serves as a bridge for some Canadian applicants, especially those without a strong U.S.-style pre-med background.
• Students with non-traditional paths, like career changers or those with academic setbacks.

🇨🇦 Why the Confusion?​

Ross does heavily market MERP in Canada because:

• Canadian students have fewer medical school options at home.
• Many Canadian applicants lack a traditional U.S.-style pre-med curriculum, so MERP helps level-set them before starting Ross.
• MERP helps Ross attract more Canadian applicants by offering them a pathway into medical school.

🔔 Bottom Line​

MERP is open to both U.S. and Canadian students.
It’s not exclusively for Canadians, but it’s a key pipeline for Canadian applicants, which is why some people associate MERP with Canadian students.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I think your understanding of the situation and plan are relatively reasonable.

Of course going to a US medical school is always a better option. But with what you've posted here -- presumably a less-than-stellar UG performance, a (likely) sub 500 or 505 MCAT, and an unsuccessful SMP, you would only be successful on that pathway with a complete reboot, lots of time, and some good luck. So you're left with Ross's MERP program. As others have said, you've already shown that you're high risk to proceed -- You haven't done well on a national standardized test, nor on your SMP which is essentially the "practice run" you're looking for. But your explanation for proceeding is that outside circumstances were not good and hence you couldn't perform to your peak. Perhaps that's true. Perhaps it's what you hope is true and is not. You want to know.

You already know that Ross has at least a 30% attrition rate - by people just like you. Who are convinced that their prior performance isn't reflective of their real aptitude. Some of them make it. Some of them don't.

So, attending MERP is like a second chance at an SMP. It's a 15 week online program. If you succeed, then attend Ross and succeed, you'll be able to match in the US. Family Medicine is almost a sure thing. At the moment, Emergency Medicine isn't terribly competitive and also is likely reasonable. Anesthesia is possible but a stretch -- you'd need to do exceptionally well at Ross. Looking at their published match outcomes, there were only 4 (out of 573) people who matched to an Anesthesia PGY-1. There are another 9 whom are listed as PGY-2's -- impossible to know whether they matched to a program that has a prelim, or if this was a "second match" (which although is success, is really tough). 13/573 = 2.2%. And Anesthesia has been getting more competitive. Radiology is even worse, with only 3 people listed. Of course, field competitiveness could shift by the time you're applying.

The only two of your questions I can comment upon:

• I would not expect Ross to be "supportive". Most carib schools are DIY / you are on your own. Either you pass, or you don't. If you don't score high enough on the Comp, they won't even let you take Step 1 to keep their pass rate up. They will have no problem dismissing you and not feel bad about it at all. It will all be on you. Don't plan on any support, at all.
• There is absolute zero value to a partial MD from a carib school. Some may give you a "masters" of some sort if you complete the basic science but then can't proceed. But it's useless and just for show.

The risks of this are the following:

• You could fail MERP. In many ways, this isn't a risk. It's what you want to know. But if you fail, whatever it cost is lost.
• MERP is online. I assume the rest of medical school is not. Living in Dominica is a challenge. It may uncover some of the issues that caused you to struggle in the past.
• You could just barely pass MERP. This is the bigger risk IMHO. If you just get by, then you're on to the full MD program. It's very unlikely you'd decide to quit at that point. And then if you proceed, you might fail a course here or there. And skim along the bottom for others. But when you fail, you're given a chance to remediate. Hard to say no, so you do, and pass. And before long you've completed the basic sciences with a checkered performance. Then you either don't qualify to take S1 or can't pass it -- and now you're out 2+ years of tuition. Or you pass with a low score - and now your only options will be FM or community IM.

 

[AKG21]

I think your understanding of the situation and plan are relatively reasonable.

Of course going to a US medical school is always a better option. But with what you've posted here -- presumably a less-than-stellar UG performance, a (likely) sub 500 or 505 MCAT, and an unsuccessful SMP, you would only be successful on that pathway with a complete reboot, lots of time, and some good luck. So you're left with Ross's MERP program. As others have said, you've already shown that you're high risk to proceed -- You haven't done well on a national standardized test, nor on your SMP which is essentially the "practice run" you're looking for. But your explanation for proceeding is that outside circumstances were not good and hence you couldn't perform to your peak. Perhaps that's true. Perhaps it's what you hope is true and is not. You want to know.

You already know that Ross has at least a 30% attrition rate - by people just like you. Who are convinced that their prior performance isn't reflective of their real aptitude. Some of them make it. Some of them don't.

So, attending MERP is like a second chance at an SMP. It's a 15 week online program. If you succeed, then attend Ross and succeed, you'll be able to match in the US. Family Medicine is almost a sure thing. At the moment, Emergency Medicine isn't terribly competitive and also is likely reasonable. Anesthesia is possible but a stretch -- you'd need to do exceptionally well at Ross. Looking at their published match outcomes, there were only 4 (out of 573) people who matched to an Anesthesia PGY-1. There are another 9 whom are listed as PGY-2's -- impossible to know whether they matched to a program that has a prelim, or if this was a "second match" (which although is success, is really tough). 13/573 = 2.2%. And Anesthesia has been getting more competitive. Radiology is even worse, with only 3 people listed. Of course, field competitiveness could shift by the time you're applying.

The only two of your questions I can comment upon:

• I would not expect Ross to be "supportive". Most carib schools are DIY / you are on your own. Either you pass, or you don't. If you don't score high enough on the Comp, they won't even let you take Step 1 to keep their pass rate up. They will have no problem dismissing you and not feel bad about it at all. It will all be on you. Don't plan on any support, at all.
• There is absolute zero value to a partial MD from a carib school. Some may give you a "masters" of some sort if you complete the basic science but then can't proceed. But it's useless and just for show.

The risks of this are the following:

• You could fail MERP. In many ways, this isn't a risk. It's what you want to know. But if you fail, whatever it cost is lost.
• MERP is online. I assume the rest of medical school is not. Living in Dominica is a challenge. It may uncover some of the issues that caused you to struggle in the past.
• You could just barely pass MERP. This is the bigger risk IMHO. If you just get by, then you're on to the full MD program. It's very unlikely you'd decide to quit at that point. And then if you proceed, you might fail a course here or there. And skim along the bottom for others. But when you fail, you're given a chance to remediate. Hard to say no, so you do, and pass. And before long you've completed the basic sciences with a checkered performance. Then you either don't qualify to take S1 or can't pass it -- and now you're out 2+ years of tuition. Or you pass with a low score - and now your only options will be FM or community IM.

Thank you for your detailed response — I appreciate your candor and the realistic breakdown of the risks involved. I’d like to clarify a few key points regarding my academic history, since there are some misunderstandings:

• I graduated from the University of Miami with a B.A. in Economics and a 3.95 undergraduate GPA.
• The 2.67 GPA is from a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at Columbia University, not an SMP. This was my attempt to complete the necessary science coursework for medical school admission, but I struggled significantly — both academically and due to external personal and health-related challenges.
• I took the MCAT four times. My highest score was a 487. My other scores were 480, 477, and 481. I fully acknowledge that these scores are far below competitive for U.S. MD and DO programs, which is why Ross (through MERP) is the only school to offer me any pathway forward.

To directly address your concerns:

I’m under no illusions about what Ross and the Caribbean represent. I know the risks, the attrition rates, and the unforgiving nature of the system. My interest in MERP is precisely because I want to get an objective read on whether I’m capable of handling the academic rigor — without the noise of external factors that derailed me at Columbia.

If I fail MERP, I’ll have my answer and I’ll walk away. If I pass — and not just scrape by, but excel — it will give me the confidence that I’m capable of succeeding in medical school and beyond. I’m not pursuing this blindly, and I’m fully prepared to step off the path if MERP confirms I’m not cut out for it.

That said, I also know that some Ross graduates — albeit a small minority — have gone on to match into anesthesia and other competitive specialties. I’m not banking on that, but I also won’t write it off entirely if I excel every step of the way.

I’m not looking for sugarcoating, just constructive input from anyone who’s been through MERP, matched from Ross, or has seen students in similar positions.

Thanks again for your time and insights.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Thanks for the clarifications. Post Bacc and SMP are relatively similar, although my sense is that SMP's are "harder" in that they deliver the material at the same speed expected in medical school, where a Post Bacc is more variable. That said, not all Post Bacc's are equal.

Your UG GPA is obviously fine. The problem is your MCAT scores. I'm not telling you anything you don't already know: those are terrible scores. But we know that MCAT only moderately predicts performance in medical school. The AAMC pub on this is here: https://www.aamc.org/media/18901/download (Note: this takes quite a while to load for me. If it's all blank, just wait). The data shows a correlation R=0.5 - 0.6 between MCAT score and lots of performance metrics (Step scores, clerkship scores, etc). Per their footnotes, an R of 0.5 is considered "Strong correlation" in social sciences. In medical practice, it certainly isn't -- it's something, but there's still plenty of randomness or other factors at play. You can see that with a low MCAT (lets assume 480) your risk of failing Step 1 is 10-20% (although your uGPA would suggest it would be on the lower side, your poor Post Bacc might suggest otherwise).

In any case, you're not going to get any better info than what you know now. No US school is taking you with those MCATs, and taking it again for the 5th time is already a problem. You are correct this is your only chance at an MD. If you do well at Ross, no one will care about any of this. Neither Anesthesia nor Radiology are impossible from Ross, but both are uphill climbs -- you'd need to thrive, not just survive. If you can afford this, then go right ahead, assuming you'd be OK with a primary care spot if that's what happens. Shoot for the stars, but plan to have both feet on the ground.

 

[future Dr. Brandon]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently at a major crossroads and would appreciate honest feedback from those with experience at Ross University School of Medicine, particularly those who went through MERP.

Background​

I have a non-traditional background and a complicated path leading up to this point. I completed a post-baccalaureate program at Columbia University, where I faced significant academic challenges. My journey was further delayed by serious health issues, including a diagnosis of kidney stones, and difficult personal and family circumstances at home.

Despite these obstacles, I have continued to pursue my interest in medicine. Ross is the only medical school I’ve been able to gain admission to given my academic record, personal challenges, and non-traditional background. I was recently offered conditional acceptance through MERP, which I see as both a screening process and an opportunity to objectively assess whether I’m truly capable of succeeding in medical school.

My Concerns & Circumstances​

• At 34 years old, I’m fully aware that I need to be very strategic with my time and finances.
• My family has not been supportive of my medical aspirations, and I’ve had to navigate this process largely on my own.
• I understand that Caribbean medical schools — including Ross — carry significantly higher risks when it comes to attrition rates, stigma during residency matching, and access to competitive specialties.
• Financial stability and long-term career prospects matter greatly to me, and I want to be realistic about what’s actually possible for someone in my position.

What I’m Hoping to Learn from You​

• For those who completed MERP, did you find it to be a useful preparation tool, or is it mostly just a filter?
• What specialties have Ross graduates realistically matched into in recent years? I’m particularly interested in Anesthesiology, Radiology, and Emergency Medicine, though I know Primary Care tends to be more common for Caribbean graduates.
• How supportive is Ross in terms of clinical rotations, Step preparation, and residency advising?
• If you completed Ross and successfully matched, would you make the same decision again, or would you pursue a different route (DO, SMP, etc.) if you had the chance to start over?
• For those who didn’t pass MERP or left Ross before completing the program, was the experience still valuable in any way, or was it ultimately a setback?
• Given my circumstances — Ross being the only school that admitted me — do you think pursuing Ross and MERP is a reasonable decision, or would you strongly recommend reconsidering?

I’m trying to approach this with open eyes and a realistic understanding of both the opportunities and risks. I would greatly appreciate any candid, unfiltered advice from those who’ve been through this process or know others who have.

Thanks so much for your time and insights!

IMO if you were put into a MERP program it's because you need a foundational program and the admissions committee feels you aren't yet ready for a direct admit. Odds are, currently, with the strength of your application, without enhancement, your only option is going to be Caribbean medical schools. Ross, SGU, AUC, SABA even places like UMHS (Ross 2.0) have a track record of matching students into residency. So the question is are you willing to bet on yourself to handle the Caribbean basic sciences programs? Thousands of students match into residency every year from caribbean schools. Now if you are looking for the super competitive specialties, the caribbean is prob not going to get you there. But matching into the cores( Family, IM, Peds, Psy, Gen Surgery, OGBYN) you will be fine. If you are worried about financials, then go to a place that rewards you for killing it in the MERP programs and offers you a scholarship so it's basically free.

 

[S R K]

IM PGY2 here. I am a 2023 Ross grad, did Merp in 2018 and if I’m not wrong if you fail merp they will refund your tuition. AtLeast that’s how it was when I was there.

I would highly recommend you give merp a try if it is indeed your last shot at medicine. I really think merp taught me how I study best and most efficient. I ended up passing merp with a 90% average and got a 10K scholarship for first semester at Ross, and first semester was cake. If you fail merp all you’ll lose is 4 months of your life, and at least then you’ll know whether you’re cut out for this.