Sgu?

[nickjohnson]

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I'm trying to find out if I have a chance at SGU. I'm a canadian student with a 3.2GPA and 29L on MCATs. Obviously, not the best GPA or essay scores, but still not awful all around. Got some decent EC's. I'm sure someone here could tell me, but is there any way to get a response straight from them as well? Like should I just email admissions, or do they not really give a personalized answer.
It's just that I've read on these forums about people who say, for example, "They told me I was a good candidate." So... I'm wondering who "they" are.

Opinions based on my stats also welcome.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I'm trying to find out if I have a chance at SGU. I'm a canadian student with a 3.2GPA and 29L on MCATs. Obviously, not the best GPA or essay scores, but still not awful all around. Got some decent EC's. I'm sure someone here could tell me, but is there any way to get a response straight from them as well? Like should I just email admissions, or do they not really give a personalized answer.
It's just that I've read on these forums about people who say, for example, "They told me I was a good candidate." So... I'm wondering who "they" are.

Opinions based on my stats also welcome.

How's your credit score??? A 3.2 + 29 is decent ... I'd say to check out US DO schools, but read up on the practice rights in certain parts of Canada first - for some reason there are 1-2 regions where it's still a little weird. I'm sure you're aware that Canadian students will always have a disadvantage applying to US medical schools ... but you will NOT have a problem getting into SGU (though you should probably try other outlets first).

 

[nickjohnson]

I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean by my credit score. 😕

Also, I didn't know Canadians had a disadvantage applying to US med schools, but primarily I would have prefered to go to a canadian med school, which have reqs of 3.6+ and 30+. It seems good US schools as well. In what ways does a canadian have a disadvantage to get into US Med schools?

 

[AlanAlanine]

well caribbean schools are notorious for being pricey and accepting anyone who can afford tuition (or even those who can't) -- hence "how's your credit score"

 

[Mobius1985]

In what ways does a canadian have a disadvantage to get into US Med schools?

International students are held to a higher standard than US citizens in the application process. As a general rule, your stats would need to be higher than the mean acceptee stats listed in the sticky at the top of this forum in "Medschool Selection spreadsheet". Also, many schools don't accept international students. Those that do, often expect you to put the entire cost of your medical education in escrow to prove you can pay. Additionally, getting the proper visa may be challenging.

 

[nickjohnson]

so as unofficial as it may be, the excel spreadsheet says that I have a chance at the bottom 5 MD programs in the US. As I do want to return to canada eventually, would it be a better option to take one of the bottom US med schools, or SGU?

 

[Decicco]

I'm trying to find out if I have a chance at SGU. I'm a canadian student with a 3.2GPA and 29L on MCATs. Obviously, not the best GPA or essay scores, but still not awful all around. Got some decent EC's. I'm sure someone here could tell me, but is there any way to get a response straight from them as well? Like should I just email admissions, or do they not really give a personalized answer.
It's just that I've read on these forums about people who say, for example, "They told me I was a good candidate." So... I'm wondering who "they" are.

Opinions based on my stats also welcome.

I think you have an excellent shot at SGU, which is the best foreign MD program. Your MCAT is above SGU's average, and well above many DO averages (writing score doesn't matter outside canada for the most part). I would call instead of email them because I am sure they are friendly and your question is likely a common one. Also, ask about regional interviews. SGU has a good program (much better than some militant pre-DOs make it out to be), but if you decide you want to stay on the "mainland," I would recommend going to an SMP (see: Georgetown, Drexel) and then getting a US-MD degree. Both are good options. Good luck and PM me with any questions

well caribbean schools are notorious for being pricey and accepting anyone who can afford tuition (or even those who can't)

This is less true with SGU which has higher stats than most osteopath schools.

 

[JaggerPlate]

so as unofficial as it may be, the excel spreadsheet says that I have a chance at the bottom 5 MD programs in the US. As I do want to return to canada eventually, would it be a better option to take one of the bottom US med schools, or SGU?

Any US MD or DO program is going to be miles better than SGU. No offense to people who attend Caribbean medical schools, but they are usually a last ditch effort at a career in medicine. Not for someone with a shot at US schools.

 

[OldBlue]

Anyway, for the OP,

If you've got a shot at US schools, go for it! you never know what might happen. You should apply to SGU as well, since it is another viable option. You can do all these applications at the same time, so you might as well exhaust all your options. If there's anything you can do to bring up your grades (take some extra classes) or mcat (retake after studying some more?) then I'd recommend that, as your chances would improve altogether. I'm sure you've looked into SGU already, but for what its worth the students there do two years in grenada and then two years (for clinical rotations) in new york city (or a couple other places, depending on availability of slots and your preferences). So you wouldn't be out of the country the whole time. Plus their students can start in January or August, which might be something to consider.

As for moving back to Canada, I'm not sure what the differences would be between the "bottom 5" US schools and SGU. I would imagine that either option would work satisfactorily because 1) you obviously can't go wrong with a US MD school (you wouldn't be the first canadian to go to school in the US and then return) and 2) SGU has students that come from multiple countries, not just the US (although many of them do), who plan to return to their home countries. If I were you I would contact SGU's office and ask them about returning to Canada, or ask other people who have gone through their program (maybe on valuemd.com?). Best of luck!




Jaggerplate,

quit spewing garbage about SGU, you've done it in multiple threads with little substance to back your opinions. True, US MD schools are the best route for those who can get in, and yes some caribbean schools have less than stellar reputations. However, as has been mentioned time and time again on this board, SGU is at the top of the list for foreign schools and is not a mill (Ross, AUC and Saba are also solid carib options). The "credit score" comment is getting old, especially when time and time again it has been mentioned that SGU is cheaper than multiple US schools (it's true, don't worry).

EDIT: forgot about international DO practice rights like stixx said. stick to MD programs, whether US or foreign.

 

[stixx]

If you want to return to Canada for residency/practice, Low tiered US MD > SGU >>>>>>>> DO. Really DOs shouldn't even be on your radar...matching rates are that bad. You could enter CaRMS at the same time as everyone else, but residency directors will almost always go for the MD or whatever the British/Australian equivalent is over you.

 

[Decicco]

True, US MD schools are the best route for those who can get in, and yes some caribbean schools have less than stellar reputations. However, as has been mentioned time and time again on this board, SGU is at the top of the list for foreign schools and is not a mill (Ross, AUC and Saba are also solid carib options). The "credit score" comment is getting old, especially when time and time again it has been mentioned that SGU is cheaper than multiple US schools (it's true, don't worry).

EDIT: forgot about international DO practice rights like stixx said. stick to MD programs, whether US or foreign.

Good points. It's unfortunate how some pre-DOs profusely deny that DO schools are last resorts, but then are quick to put this label on good programs like SGU, ross, etc. In reality, Caribbean and Osteopath schools are competing for the same students, and this I suppose creates some hostility between them. Something is wrong when people offer advice as an indirect way of justifying their own career decisions. For the OP's situation, I would first consider an SMP so s/he can get into a stateside MD school, and SGU otherwise.

If you want to return to Canada for residency/practice, Low tiered US MD > SGU >>>>>>>> DO. Really DOs shouldn't even be on your radar...matching rates are that bad. You could enter CaRMS at the same time as everyone else, but residency directors will almost always go for the MD

👍 Quoted for truth

 

[JaggerPlate]

Okay OP, thats fine ... go to SGU. Clearly I can't argue with logical people like Deccico. Don't sweat the phone interview, huge drop out rates, struggle to find clincial rotations, struggle to match, the fact that DOs have far better match rates into US Allo programs than Caribbean MDs, etc etc. Believe the people who jump on me for 'spewing anti-Cairbbean blabber with no truth' then belittle US educated DOs with absolutely no idea what they are talking about. I stated before that certain areas of Canada still have limited practice rights for DOs ... this is something you should look into. However, aside from a few 18 year old pre-allos, few would ever tell you to go to the Caribbean for medical education. It's a last resort.

Deccico - please do not comment on my posts, or spew your anti-DO blabber in response to anything I say. Your blatant disrespect for something you know nothing about has been documented countless times on SDN, and your close minded attitude begs for a different career path.

 

[OldBlue]

Okay OP, thats fine ... go to SGU. Clearly I can't argue with logical people like Deccico. Don't sweat the phone interview, huge drop out rates, struggle to find clincial rotations, struggle to match, the fact that DOs have far better match rates into US Allo programs than Caribbean MDs, etc etc. Believe the people who jump on me for 'spewing anti-Cairbbean blabber with no truth' then belittle US educated DOs with absolutely no idea what they are talking about. I stated before that certain areas of Canada still have limited practice rights for DOs ... this is something you should look into. However, aside from a few 18 year old pre-allos, few would ever tell you to go to the Caribbean for medical education. It's a last resort.

Deccico - please do not comment on my posts, or spew your anti-DO blabber in response to anything I say. Your blatant disrespect for something you know nothing about has been documented countless times on SDN, and your close minded attitude begs for a different career path.

Jaggerplate your posts will be commented on as long as they are inaccurate. You don't realize that we are not talking about ALL caribbean schools, we are talking about SGU and the few other solid carib schools out there. You are totally right that there are bad apples out there, but we aren't talking about them. SGU is a solid program. At SGU, there aren't huge drop out rates, there aren't problems with rotations, there aren't struggles with matching, etc. It's simply the truth. Don't lump the good apples with the bad apples.

As for badmouthing DO schools, nobody is doing that either. Calm down and stay focused on the OP's question about returning to Canada. YOU SAID YOURSELF that the OP should look into the limited practice rights associated with DO. That's all that is being talked about here.

For going back to Canada, SGU is a viable option. We are talking about what is possible. For the purposes of this thread, DO should not have even been brought up. Let it go.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Jaggerplate your posts will be commented on as long as they are inaccurate. You don't realize that we are not talking about ALL caribbean schools, we are talking about SGU and the few other solid carib schools out there. You are totally right that there are bad apples out there, but we aren't talking about them. SGU is a solid program. At SGU, there aren't huge drop out rates, there aren't problems with rotations, there aren't struggles with matching, etc. It's simply the truth. Don't lump the good apples with the bad apples.

As for badmouthing DO schools, nobody is doing that either. Calm down and stay focused on the OP's question about returning to Canada. YOU SAID YOURSELF that the OP should look into the limited practice rights associated with DO. That's all that is being talked about here.

For going back to Canada, SGU is a viable option. We are talking about what is possible. For the purposes of this thread, DO should not have even been brought up. Let it go.

Trust me, my beef isn't with you ... and I shouldn't bash SGU and then tell people not to bash something I believe in at the same time (too hypocritical). I have issue with one poster on this topic, and I could literally post dozens of links and threads where this person has insulted DO (and Caribbean schools for that matter), despite being corrected numerous times. It's an odd, fetish-like obsession that I report as trolling at every chance I get. Also, yes ... this person was bashing DO schools in the thread.

I understand that SGU shouldn't be lumped in with Caribbean cash mills, but - from what I hear - they are not without their problems. My point was that most don't go off-shore unless they need to ... and some who defend SGU (not you included) support the school with no knowledge simply because it offers the MD degree and NOT a US DO.

I was also extremely upfront with the OP about some of the practicing rights in Canada - included in my original post. However, if this wouldn't affect where the OP intends to practice ... then DO can be a viable option. I brought it up as a suggestion to the OP. I didn't come here to strike up a drum, completely suggest something out of the blue, and belittle SGU.

I won't be unrealistic in my judgment of SGU, but I will be fair and I will always defend Osteopathic medicine when unfairly insulted.

 

[OldBlue]

I certainly hear where you are coming from. trolling/bashing doesn't do anyone any good. it just promotes misinformation and, as you said, unfair insults. i think that goes for both DOs and the better carib MD programs. Certain options are viable for different people depending on their situation, and its too bad that the conversations can't always stay focused on that. You are right about the viability of DO if the whole Canada-thing wasn't coming into play. It's a great option and a good suggestion for those who will practice here. unfortunately that isn't the case with the OP.

Perhaps someone else can chime in here though...i just heard that SGU is trying to line up a rotation agreement with a hospital in Canada? I googled it but didn't see much about it. Is there anything to that rumor?

 

[JaggerPlate]

I certainly hear where you are coming from. trolling/bashing doesn't do anyone any good. it just promotes misinformation and, as you said, unfair insults. i think that goes for both DOs and the better carib MD programs. Certain options are viable for different people depending on their situation, and its too bad that the conversations can't always stay focused on that. You are right about the viability of DO if the whole Canada-thing wasn't coming into play. It's a great option and a good suggestion for those who will practice here. unfortunately that isn't the case with the OP.

Perhaps someone else can chime in here though...i just heard that SGU is trying to line up a rotation agreement with a hospital in Canada? I googled it but didn't see much about it. Is there anything to that rumor?

Sounds fair all around ... and I would definitely love to see the boards more neutral and open to discussion. I know SGU has connections to rotations in New York, I've never heard anything about Canada though.

 

[Decicco]

You don't realize that we are not talking about ALL caribbean schools, we are talking about SGU and the few other solid carib schools out there. You are totally right that there are bad apples out there, but we aren't talking about them. SGU is a solid program. At SGU, there aren't huge drop out rates, there aren't problems with rotations, there aren't struggles with matching, etc. It's simply the truth. Don't lump the good apples with the bad apples.

This is true not just for SGU, but also Ross and maybe a few other schools. SGU in particular also has good research opportunities, etc. More attention needs to be given to SMPs as well. These were made for people who have fair MCATs, but just need to prove that they can handle the course work. Is this something you have considered OP?

In the spirit of Cristoforo Colombo Day (the Italian who discovered America), I'd like to remind people to check the spelling of Italian names like 'Decicco' 😉. We should avoid personal battles or "beef" and refocus on what is important to the OP. Maybe he/she could offer an update on where they are at in this decision and what of this discussion has helped (or hasn't)?

 

[JaggerPlate]

In the spirit of Cristoforo Colombo Day (the Italian who discovered America), I'd like to remind people to check the spelling of Italian names like 'Decicco' 😉. We should avoid personal battles or "beef" and refocus on what is important to the OP. Maybe he/she could offer an update on where they are at in this decision and what of this discussion has helped (or hasn't)?

I'm going to continue to spell it incorrectly despite being corrected with proper knowledge. Common theme around here ...

 

[Depakote]

This thread has digressed from the OP's original question. Closing.