SGU Pre-Med Trying to Get Back Home!

[ScreamingEagle68W]

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Okay, let me preface this by saying I enjoy SGU. The school's EDUCATION is actually much better than these forums would have you believe, but it is just a money-making machine that doesn't care about you. Also, the whole tropical island thing gets old and you are without SO MANY amenities that are enjoyed back in the states. Only come here if you are actual capable of being honest with yourself about your academic abilities and ability to adapt to a 3rd world nation, I made a mistake and came here because I was stupid and like beaches alright? Don't grill me and my fellow Caribbean suckers too hard because I know these threads always devolve into some kind of p***ing contest between people acting like SGU is and Ivy League institution and people who act like SGU is a pyramid scheme where you learn medicine with the help of coloring books and Play-Doh. It's a good school, but you need to accept that life here is harder in general and the school is in the business of making money and kicks people who can't keep up out without a second thought.

ANYWAY, I am an undergrad here in the 5-Year MD program, so not technically in the med school yet, I have been here a year after leaving my U.S undergraduate institution. I have about 110 credit hours, a 3.6+ GPA, and a 507 MCAT. I was also a combat medic in the army and have good extracurriculars etc. I am starting Term 1 of the MD program in January, and after my first term in the MD program I will receive a Bachelor's degree from SGU. I was wondering if there was anyway I could apply as an entering student in some U.S DO schools after I get my degree? I will technically be enrolled in SGU's med school but I was hoping some stateside institutions would allow me to just apply as an entering student. Thanks so much for any info!

 

[deleted480308]

No idea if some school would have mercy on you but I imagine you would be applying then as a med school dropout which I doubt would be helpful, sorry

 

[Princeton Medical Student]

If you want to be enrolled at an American medical school you MUST ensure that you were never considered a medical student at SGU. Finishing your bachelors and leaving without stsrting medical school is fine. Dropping out of medical school will make you DOA.

Even with thag said you have a couple of issues with getting a bachelor's degree outside of the US as a US student. Typically adcoms are much less familiar with standards and practices in foreign institutions in terms of pretty much any academic standard. This is part of the reason why international students face an uphill battle. Your choice of attending SGU makes this uphill battle a bit worse. I would retake pre reqs as I think many schools require those to be completed in the US and apply very broadly. Given the unique nature of your situation makes it hard to give advice, but a part of me feels that you would almost be better off just grinding for STEP and finishing at SGU.

 

[Faha]

You are competitive for all DO schools with your stats and I suggest applying to all these:
TUNCOM
AZCOM
BCOM
UIWSOM
ACOM
ARCOM
NYIT (both schools)
VCOM (all schools)
CUSOM
CCOM
DMU-COM
KCU-COM
ATSU-KCOM
MU-COM
PCOM
LECOM (all schools)
Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July.
Where is your state of residence ?

 

[thumbz]

You are competitive for all DO schools with your stats and I suggest applying to all these:
TUNCOM
AZCOM
BCOM
UIWSOM
ACOM
ARCOM
NYIT (both schools)
VCOM (all schools)
CUSOM
CCOM
DMU-COM
KCU-COM
ATSU-KCOM
MU-COM
PCOM
LECOM (all schools)
Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July.
Where is your state of residence ?

You may have missed the part where he only earns a bachelors degree after completing 1 semester of SGU med school. Which means he would have to drop out of medical school to reapply... or try and transfer from SGU.

His bachelor's would also be from SGU...

I think the word competitive doesn't apply to this situation. It's definitely a unique one but I can't imagine it's going to go well for you OP. Maybe you'll get some love with your military service but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[ScreamingEagle68W]

I think you make a good point, I am definitely looking into just heading back to the U.S and spending an extra year completing an undergraduate degree in the states so I won't be a Caribbean med school drop out. Thanks for the reply. HOPEFULLY, a few of these DO schools, maybe the less selective ones, will be willing to look past this.

 

[ScreamingEagle68W]

You may have missed the part where he only earns a bachelors degree after completing 1 semester of SGU med school. Which means he would have to drop out of medical school to reapply... or try and transfer from SGU.

His bachelor's would also be from SGU...

I think the word competitive doesn't apply to this situation. It's definitely a unique one but I can't imagine it's going to go well for you OP. Maybe you'll get some love with your military service but I wouldn't hold my breath.

You are competitive for all DO schools with your stats and I suggest applying to all these:
TUNCOM
AZCOM
BCOM
UIWSOM
ACOM
ARCOM
NYIT (both schools)
VCOM (all schools)
CUSOM
CCOM
DMU-COM
KCU-COM
ATSU-KCOM
MU-COM
PCOM
LECOM (all schools)
Apply in June and submit all your secondaries by July.
Where is your state of residence ?

I emailed almost ALL of these schools about their stances on my situation. I will get some replies Monday and update the thread for anyone who might be in my same uniquely hellish situation lol

 

[Princeton Medical Student]

I think you make a good point, I am definitely looking into just heading back to the U.S and spending an extra year completing an undergraduate degree in the states so I won't be a Caribbean med school drop out. Thanks for the reply. HOPEFULLY, a few of these DO schools, maybe the less selective ones, will be willing to look past this.

If some undergrad school would be somehow kind enough to accept international credits, finishing your bachelors at an American school and retaking all your prereqs could get you in. The courses taken at SGU would be looked at questionably so it really is essential that you excel during the rest of your undergrad. But anything that would avoid you becoming a medical student and anything that lets you graduate with an American degree should be top priority.

 

[ScreamingEagle68W]

If you want to be enrolled at an American medical school you MUST ensure that you were never considered a medical student at SGU. Finishing your bachelors and leaving without stsrting medical school is fine. Dropping out of medical school will make you DOA.

Even with thag said you have a couple of issues with getting a bachelor's degree outside of the US as a US student. Typically adcoms are much less familiar with standards and practices in foreign institutions in terms of pretty much any academic standard. This is part of the reason why international students face an uphill battle. Your choice of attending SGU makes this uphill battle a bit worse. I would retake pre reqs as I think many schools require those to be completed in the US and apply very broadly. Given the unique nature of your situation makes it hard to give advice, but a part of me feels that you would almost be better off just grinding for STEP and finishing at SGU.

Yeah I totally agree, it looks like I am probably going to have to decide between sticking this out here or leaving for a U.S undergrad school and finishing my degree there without entering med school. The latter option would cost me an extra year and id have to go through a whole admissions cycle BUT I would at least be in the states and essentially guaranteed residency depending on if I get in. Anyone who stumbles on this thread, PLEASE do yourself a favor and exhaust all U.S. options for med school before you run off on a Caribbean adventure lol.

 

[ScreamingEagle68W]

If some undergrad school would be somehow kind enough to accept international credits, finishing your bachelors at an American school and retaking all your prereqs could get you in. The courses taken at SGU would be looked at questionably so it really is essential that you excel during the rest of your undergrad. But anything that would avoid you becoming a medical student and anything that lets you graduate with an American degree should be top priority.

I should mention I did all my prereqs in the US and 70 of my 110 credit hours there. I am fairly certain my state school would take my 40 SGU credits but I'm going to email to confirm.

 

[deleted480308]

Cut bait now

 

[Princeton Medical Student]

I should mention I did all my prereqs in the US and 70 of my 110 credit hours there. I am fairly certain my state school would take my 40 SGU credits but I'm going to email to confirm.

Yeah that makes your situation a lot better. It might take an SMP to seal the deal but I dont think that most med schools would care about this if you are able to get a US degree. If your state school doesn't take the credits I am pretty sure that you outright wouldn't need to include your SGU trandcript but I am not 100% sure on that.

 

[LeaveNoTrace]

Yeah I totally agree, it looks like I am probably going to have to decide between sticking this out here or leaving for a U.S undergrad school and finishing my degree there without entering med school. The latter option would cost me an extra year and id have to go through a whole admissions cycle BUT I would at least be in the states and essentially guaranteed residency depending on if I get in. Anyone who stumbles on this thread, PLEASE do yourself a favor and exhaust all U.S. options for med school before you run off on a Caribbean adventure lol.

Yeah. If you were an American combat medic with a 3.6 and 507 you’d be competitive for all DO schools, your state MD schools, and maybe some mid-tier schools. You absolutely need to make sure you don’t become a medical student at SGU, or you will be absolutely DOA. The plan of leaving SGU to get an American undergrad degree sounds like a good one. The Caribbean is an absolutely massive gamble and it is a good move to get out of it when you can.

Leave SGU now if you are not a SGU medical student.

 

[ScreamingEagle68W]

Okay guys update: I have received 6 emails back from admissions offices so far. ARCOM and NYITCOM are definite no go's for all you Caribbean people. BCOM, LMUCOM, UNECOM, and CUSOM said I would be fine applying even if im enrolled as med student at SGU. The catch is that I would have to start from the beginning of the program. I'll keep you all posted on which schools say what

 

[ScreamingEagle68W]

and id like to say I was VERY clear about my situation, because I couldn't believe they were actually cool with taking a carib ed student as an entering student either

 

[ScreamingEagle68W]

Disclaimer: As long as you do your prereqs in the US they are cool with it

 

[candbgirl]

Well at least you have a possible path. But remember, you haven’t been accepted so there is still that mountain to climb. Do keep us posted on what happens.

 

[Agentcross]

Okay, let me preface this by saying I enjoy SGU. The school's EDUCATION is actually much better than these forums would have you believe, but it is just a money-making machine that doesn't care about you. Also, the whole tropical island thing gets old and you are without SO MANY amenities that are enjoyed back in the states. Only come here if you are actual capable of being honest with yourself about your academic abilities and ability to adapt to a 3rd world nation, I made a mistake and came here because I was stupid and like beaches alright? Don't grill me and my fellow Caribbean suckers too hard because I know these threads always devolve into some kind of p***ing contest between people acting like SGU is and Ivy League institution and people who act like SGU is a pyramid scheme where you learn medicine with the help of coloring books and Play-Doh. It's a good school, but you need to accept that life here is harder in general and the school is in the business of making money and kicks people who can't keep up out without a second thought.

ANYWAY, I am an undergrad here in the 5-Year MD program, so not technically in the med school yet, I have been here a year after leaving my U.S undergraduate institution. I have about 110 credit hours, a 3.6+ GPA, and a 507 MCAT. I was also a combat medic in the army and have good extracurriculars etc. I am starting Term 1 of the MD program in January, and after my first term in the MD program I will receive a Bachelor's degree from SGU. I was wondering if there was anyway I could apply as an entering student in some U.S DO schools after I get my degree? I will technically be enrolled in SGU's med school but I was hoping some stateside institutions would allow me to just apply as an entering student. Thanks so much for any info!

I’m curious. Why’d you go Caribb? Your stats are slightly better than mine and we share a military medicine background. I have multiple acceptances. Good luck on working your way back!

 

[ScreamingEagle68W]

I’m curious. Why’d you go Caribb? Your stats are slightly better than mine and we share a military medicine background. I have multiple acceptances. Good luck on working your way back!

Thanks! I appreciate it! I was just a victim of SGU's superior marketing campaign! I actually hadn't even taken the MCAT until I got here and then had to take it the very last testing date this year with ZERO prep. I guess I just sold myself short and assumed I'd end up here. Good luck to you though! Hopefully we will both end up as US grads! I'm gonna apply this cycle (extremely late) and then again next cycle. If I have to start over after 1.5 years at SGU so be it. I'm just trying to get back in the US so I can get that HPSP scholarship and get some muthatrucking Taco Bell again lol

 

[Agentcross]

Thanks! I appreciate it! I was just a victim of SGU's superior marketing campaign! I actually hadn't even taken the MCAT until I got here and then had to take it the very last testing date this year with ZERO prep. I guess I just sold myself short and assumed I'd end up here. Good luck to you though! Hopefully we will both end up as US grads! I'm gonna apply this cycle (extremely late) and then again next cycle. If I have to start over after 1.5 years at SGU so be it. I'm just trying to get back in the US so I can get that HPSP scholarship and get some muthatrucking Taco Bell again lol

I appreciate the honesty. One thing your case my highlight is that disparity in mentors and quality advisors which I think is an underrated aspect of the premed process. Thank you! I’m rooting for you! I was FMF Corpsman so I love seeing former Docs and 68Ws being able to further their education.

 

[LeaveNoTrace]

Yeah, if the American DO schools will consider you despite being an SGU student it does not hurt. However, you really, really should drop out if you are not a matriculated SGU student. It will help your chances; you might be able to get into an MD school like that, which could matter if you want one of the more competitive specialties.

Applying while being a medical student at an offshore school will be neutral at best and is likely to hurt you.

 

[erdoc111]

Having a DO school saying they would consider your application is a far cry from being accepted. I would strongly recommend you leave SGU ASAP and pick up where you left off in the US. Your chances will be much better that way. No sense taking chances at this point. You are soooo close to achieving your goal. Don't mess it up with such an outlandish plan.
And don't forget to gain shadowing (50 hours) and non-clinical volunteering(200 hours) if you still need that.

 

[Goro]

Thanks! I appreciate it! I was just a victim of SGU's superior marketing campaign! I actually hadn't even taken the MCAT until I got here and then had to take it the very last testing date this year with ZERO prep. I guess I just sold myself short and assumed I'd end up here. Good luck to you though! Hopefully we will both end up as US grads! I'm gonna apply this cycle (extremely late) and then again next cycle. If I have to start over after 1.5 years at SGU so be it. I'm just trying to get back in the US so I can get that HPSP scholarship and get some muthatrucking Taco Bell again lol

Just wanted to add many thanks for your service to our country!

 

[LeaveNoTrace]

Thanks! I appreciate it! I was just a victim of SGU's superior marketing campaign! I actually hadn't even taken the MCAT until I got here and then had to take it the very last testing date this year with ZERO prep. I guess I just sold myself short and assumed I'd end up here. Good luck to you though! Hopefully we will both end up as US grads! I'm gonna apply this cycle (extremely late) and then again next cycle. If I have to start over after 1.5 years at SGU so be it. I'm just trying to get back in the US so I can get that HPSP scholarship and get some muthatrucking Taco Bell again lol

I’d advise dropping out of SGU as you aren’t yet a SGU medical student, finding a job in the US, perhaps an MCAT retake, and applying next cycle. It is way too late for the MD cycle this year and late for DO. Good luck with everything and thank you for your service.