SGU and Ross Advice

[Mz.MD]

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Hi everyone,

I was accepted to Ross and SGU for September 2006, and I am in the process of deciding which school I should attend.

I would like to know a few opinions on which school you would choose and why? I know everyone has their own personal reasons, but I would still to get an overall opinion.

Thanks. 🙂

 

[McGillGrad]

SGU... Better support system for studies and ACGME rotations. Plus you get the summer off.

What were you stats?

 

[Mz.MD]

SGU... Better support system for studies and ACGME rotations. Plus you get the summer off.

What were you stats?

My GPA was 3.9 and MCAT was 25.

What do you mean by a better support system for studies?

 

[McGillGrad]

My GPA was 3.9 and MCAT was 25.

What do you mean by a better support system for studies?

Oh my goodness. You are US school material. If you do not mind the extra year off, retaking the MCAt might not be a bad idea.

With that being said, SGU has a very strong student support program that is close to American/Canadian standards in terms of making sure the students are learning properly and getting along well in their new environment. That means a great deal to a lot of students because it offers tutoring, advice and strategies.

 

[Mz.MD]

Oh my goodness. You are US school material. If you do not mind the extra year off, retaking the MCAt might not be a bad idea.

With that being said, SGU has a very strong student support program that is close to American/Canadian standards in terms of making sure the students are learning properly and getting along well in their new environment. That means a great deal to a lot of students because it offers tutoring, advice and strategies.

I was actually considering taking the year off or deferring my Ross admission, and so I could retake the MCAT in August. I was not sure if I was US material because I read some posts of students with 31's and 3.8's who did not get into a US school. Its kind of discouraging...

 

[McGillGrad]

I was actually considering taking the year off or deferring my Ross admission, and so I could retake the MCAT in August. I was not sure if I was US material because I read some posts of students with 31's and 3.8's who did not get into a US school. Its kind of discouraging...

From what I have gathered, it is a crap shoot and it probably comes down to the interview. I am sure we all know those 4.0 students without an ounce of personality and the charming 3.4 students with more practical knowledge in their pinkies than a whole textbook.


Many of us are destined for the road less traveled and are okay with it. It is your life...and realizing that 1-2 years means nothing in the cosmic scheme of life will be a reassuring thought if you wish to try again.

 

[Mz.MD]

I agree with you.

I was inquiring about deferring my admission to Ross before, since SGU doesn't defer. I think Ross allows up to two semesters. However, I was not too sure what to say to the admissions committee if they ask me why. I dont know how safe it is to use retaking the MCAT as a reason or if they would hold it against me if it came to the case where I would have to reapply to Ross.

 

[McGillGrad]

I am sure that it is quite obvious to them that you are not in a situation where it is either the Caribbean or looking for a job at the local GAP. You could say anything and they would deal with it (such as leaving a spouse).

I would be honest and say that I want to retake the MCAT to prove to myself that I can score at or above 30. And I am very sure that if you are honest they will have no problem accepting you again if necessary.

I agree with you.

I was inquiring about deferring my admission to Ross before, since SGU doesn't defer. I think Ross allows up to two semesters. However, I was not too sure what to say to the admissions committee if they ask me why. I dont know how safe it is to use retaking the MCAT as a reason or if they would hold it against me if it came to the case where I would have to reapply to Ross.

 

[Mz.MD]

Thanks for the advice 🙂

 

[drbubbyb]

I agree, take those mcats over and you may have a good shot here in the US, i though i would bring my insight as a Ross student.

Of the caribbean schools, I would say go to Ross or SGU, maybe now AUC, because they are well established.

Why I chose Ross: Less time on the island, cheaper than going to SGU at that. I don't know where this myth of ACGME comes in but I have not heard of one Ross student who has had an issue with it, all our rotations have ACGME accredidation.

We may move around hospitals a little more than SGU students but I still had all my rotations in the brooklyn area. They get assigned to a hospital where most (not necessarily all ) their rotations will be..but I like the fact that I had more flexibility in switching rotations if I knew another one was better. Keep in mind this also depends on how your overall schedule ends and availabilities.
Equally passing rates for boards...and in the end if you look at the match lists they are about equal and that's what matters.

All in all...it's going to be about how much you are willing to work no matter where you are....good luck

 

[Leukocyte]

I would try to go into a US school......whisper (even a DO school). If you are a US citizen, and planning to practice in the US, then US MD/DO schools should be your main goal. Life will be much easier, not only during school, but also when appling to residency, and for state liscences.

It is worth taking 2 years off, if you ask me.

Ross, sgu.......are OK ONLY as a last resort, and if you REALLY, I mean really, want to be a doctor (and not interested in the surgical sub-specialties, Ortho, ophto, Uro, ENT....since the number of "Caribs" who match in these super-competetive specialties is very small).

Good Luck.

 

[Mz.MD]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will be retaking the MCAT in August. I don't think it would hurt to try a second time. I was considering deferring my admission two semesters. However, a friend of mine told me to defer it to January, so in the case I don't improve my MCAT grade, I can just start in January. And in the case I do well, I can see how it goes and decline my admission. What's your opinion on this?
Also, for anyone who has taken a year off and reapplied, did you drastically change ur personal statement for AMCAS or just do some minor editing? Thanks.